Overview
- Supplier-related leaks that surfaced in mid‑July and were analyzed by specialist sites report a mechanical variable aperture for the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s main camera rather than the fixed aperture used in most current phones.
- The leaked specifications repeatedly name a 48MP Sony IMX905 as the main sensor and list other Sony sensors for ultrawide, telephoto, LiDAR and front cameras in a full camera spec sheet circulated on social media.
- Analysts cited in the coverage tie the hardware changes to pricier internal parts, including an A20 Pro chip said to be built on a 2nm process and a revised modem, and estimate production costs could rise by roughly $200 per unit.
- Those cost estimates have led outlets to suggest a possible starting retail price near $1,800 for the Pro Max, though Apple has not confirmed any specs or pricing and the device is still expected to be unveiled at its usual September event.
- If true, a mechanical variable aperture would change how the iPhone handles low light and depth of field by altering physical light intake rather than relying only on software, a shift that could affect photo quality and how Apple positions the phone against rivals.