The upgraded camera on the iPhone 18 Pro Max promises to give users better control over their images when taking photos, while also narrowing the gap between the iPhone and many high-end Android smartphones that are currently leading in mobile photography capabilities.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a brand-new variable aperture camera, combined with a 48MP main sensor measuring 1/1.12 inches. (Image: TT Technology/YouTube)
According to sources from China and information from the supply chain, the "camera plateau"—the raised area containing the rear camera cluster—on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may be about 2mm larger than the iPhone 17 Pro generation.
Test models suggest that the total thickness of the device, including the protruding lens, could increase from approximately 12.92mm to 13.77mm. Meanwhile, the size of the camera module is also correspondingly enlarged.
The main reason for this change is believed to be Apple's introduction of a completely new variable aperture mechanism, combined with a 48MP main sensor with a 1/1.12-inch size, significantly larger than the current sensor.
Additionally, sources indicate that Apple may design three camera cutouts of similar size to create visual balance. This would make the entire camera module look more "muscular" and prominent at first glance.
Variable aperture: A major step forward for iPhone photography.
Currently, iPhone Pro models use a fixed aperture of f/1.78. This means the lens always operates at a certain opening and cannot change its aperture size according to environmental conditions.
With variable aperture, the situation is completely different. The internal mechanical system of the lens can automatically adjust the aperture opening according to photographic needs.
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In bright light conditions, the aperture can be narrowed to increase overall sharpness, improve depth of field, and ensure that more details in the frame are in high definition.
Conversely, when shooting in low-light environments, the aperture will naturally widen to capture more light. This reduces reliance on AI-powered image processing algorithms or multi-frame stitching techniques, which are commonly used in modern smartphones.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously revealed that the new lens system on the iPhone 18 Pro Max costs approximately 50% more to produce than Apple's current camera modules. Despite this, production is reportedly already underway, indicating that the company is very serious about this upgrade.
Larger sensors unlock more creative possibilities.
The combination of a large 48MP sensor and a variable aperture mechanism could offer new creative possibilities for photography enthusiasts.
One of the most notable benefits is the ability to control the natural bokeh effect, similar to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Instead of relying entirely on software to separate the subject from the background, the new camera system can create a more realistic optical bokeh effect directly from the hardware.
This not only makes portraits look more natural but also gives professional users more creative control when they want to adjust the depth of field as desired.
This is a trend that many Android manufacturers have pursued in recent years. If Apple successfully implements it, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could mark a major leap forward in the high-end mobile photography race.
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Technical challenges still lie ahead.
However, every upgrade comes with certain trade-offs.
Current iPhone models aren't highly regarded for their ability to focus at extremely close distances using the main camera. Apple often has to switch to the ultra-wide camera when users are taking macro shots.
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Currently, there is no official information on how Apple will address these technical issues. However, with years of experience in optimizing hardware and software simultaneously, observers expect the company to find a suitable solution.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are predicted to be officially launched in about three months. Recently, more and more prototypes and leaked images have appeared, showing that Apple has almost finalized the design and key specifications.
If the information from reliable sources like Ming-Chi Kuo, Fixed Focus Digital , and Digital Chat Station is accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could become one of Apple's most ambitious camera upgrades since the company switched to 48MP sensors on the Pro line.
(According to AppleInsider and Gizmochina)
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/iphone-18-pro-max-camera-se-loi-va-ham-ho-chua-tung-co-2529332.html
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