The iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely less than a couple of months from being unveiled, but we just got a big clue to its headline camera feature. The rumors of variable aperture coming to the iPhone have been circulating for a while, but as a result of the recent Tata Electronics leak, it seems like a lock.
The team at Notebookcheck found an internal diagnostic log buried inside the files from the Tata leak, and it points to calibration data for a variable aperture main camera. Before we go any further, Apple hasn't officially commented on any of this.
Still, the log contains information about a new Sony IMX905 camera sensor being used inside the iPhone 18 Pro Max that retains the same 1.22μm pixel size as the iPhone 17 Pro Max but builds in variable aperture.
As per Notebookcheck: "The log confirms variable aperture support on this sensor, backed by a calibration block that reads actuator data tied to the aperture mechanism from the sensor's non-volatile memory."
The log also confirms that all other elements of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's camera array will remain the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. That includes a Sony IMX973 sensor for the telephoto lens, a Sony IMX972 for the ultrawide, a Sony IMX591 for the LiDAR receiver, and a Sony IMX914 for the selfie camera.
Why should I care about variable aperture?
If you use your smartphone for photography — and let's be honest, most of us don't always have one of the best mirrorless cameras within reach — variable aperture is an upgrade you're going to appreciate.
In a nutshell, it means that instead of using software to simulate depth of field (DoF), mechanical blades inside the camera physically expand or contract to control how much light hits the sensor. Better yet, it should mean you can precisely control DoF to get the dynamic range you want. This means more balanced and better-exposed images coming straight out of the camera and less editing required.
Other premium smartphones have already embraced this technology, and after trying it, we're convinced the iPhone needs to adopt it as soon as possible. Thanks to this huge clue from probably one of the biggest leaks Apple has ever suffered, it seems like it's in the cards.
Apple's flagship camera is currently second best
While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a fantastic phone for shooting (and editing) video, we don't rate its photography prowess over its chief rival, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
My colleague John shot 200 photos with each phone to see which came out on top and, in his words, the wider apertures for Samsung's main shooter alongside its 5x telephoto cameras gave it the edge. John shoots photography professionally and notes that while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is great for average folks, the extra utility from Samsung gives it the edge.
Here's an example of images from the two phones head-to-head showing how they handle dynamic range:
John noted that the Galaxy S26 Ultra was better at compensating for the exposure across the entire scene. The iPhone 17 Pro Max maintained a stronger contrast that made the overall image look darker. In this shoot-out, John handed the win to the Samsung, but if the iPhone 18 Pro Max is able to rely on a variable aperture main camera the result could look very different.
Is a better camera the feature upgrade you look for most in a new phone? Or are you more concerned with things like battery life and day-to-day performance? Let me know in the comments below.
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