According to a series of posts on X by renowned TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to introduce a Apple variable aperture lens to the main camera of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, this high-tech camera upgrade won’t come cheap: the average manufacturing cost of the variable aperture lens is projected to be 50% higher than the current high-end 7P lenses.
Kuo notes that in the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max variable aperture lens supply chain, Chinese optical giant Sunny Optical Apple supplier has secured a substantial 40% to 50% share of the lens orders, while Taiwan’s Largan Precision remains the primary supplier.
Apple’s profit margins are already under pressure due to rising memory prices, and this substantial camera lens cost increase will likely squeeze margins further. It is still unclear whether Apple will pass this cost onto consumers in the form of retail price increases for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
Looking further ahead, Kuo also spilled details on the 2028 iPhone models. He claims that Apple plans to abandon its current Flip-chip packaging method for the ultra-wide camera module, switching to an upgraded COB (Chip-on-Board) design to achieve better camera performance and internal space optimization.
