Apple (AAPL, Financials) is set to upgrade the wide-angle lens in the high-end version of the iPhone 18, incorporating a variable aperture camera, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo said in a recent article that this major improvement is scheduled for the 2026 release and intends to boost user photography experiences. Based in China, Sunny Optical is projected to be the main supplier of the camera shutter; Luxshare will serve as the secondary one. The primary variable aperture lens will come from Largan Precision.
Kuo also mentioned Sunny Optical's important participation because of its expertise developing and producing Android's variable aperture cameras. This knowledge helps Sunny Optical to meet Apple's exact needs and maybe get more orders. Apple's continuous aim to improve its high-end product offers in a competitive market includes a camera improvement.
Kuo projected that Apple's iPhone shipments may increase by around 5% towards 2025, equating to over 230 million devices. The next ultra-slim iPhone 17, which has a more polished form of Apple Intelligence—the company's most recent release last month—would help to justify this expansion. As Apple keeps developing its product range, the predicted rise in shipments indicates possible improvements in market placement.
Friday after the news, Apple's premarket trade showed a little drop. As specifics about the next iPhone models emerge, market responses will probably still reflect investor mood about supply chain changes and product improvements.
