Updated
Updated · Neowin · Jul 17
iPhone 18 Pro Max Gains Variable Aperture, Sony IMX905 Sensor in Tata Leak
Updated
Updated · Neowin · Jul 17

iPhone 18 Pro Max Gains Variable Aperture, Sony IMX905 Sensor in Tata Leak

3 articles · Updated · Neowin · Jul 17

Summary

  • Leaked Tata Electronics files point to a variable-aperture main camera on Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max, with ISP diagnostics tying actuator data to an aperture mechanism.
  • The same materials indicate Apple will swap last year’s IMX903 for Sony’s IMX905 while keeping 1.22 μm pixels; telephoto, ultrawide, selfie cameras and LiDAR appear unchanged.
  • September is the expected launch window, and leaked images suggest little exterior redesign beyond a slightly thicker body to fit larger batteries.
  • A 50% rise in average selling prices for variable-aperture lenses could add to upgrade costs, fueling expectations that the 2026 Pro models may get pricier.

Insights

With a leaked $200 price hike, is the iPhone 18 Pro's new camera a game-changer or just expensive catch-up?
As a split launch looms and prices rise, is Apple creating a new ultra-premium tier, leaving mainstream buyers behind?
After a supplier leak exposed its secrets, is Apple's famously secure hardware ecosystem now fundamentally compromised?