Samsung May Bring Back Variable Aperture to Compete With iPhones

Samsung is reportedly testing variable aperture technology in its smartphone cameras. This is likely in response to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series, which could adopt the same technology. If true, it will mark a comeback for the Korean firm, which first introduced variable aperture years ago but later discontinued it.

Samsung may revive variable aperture tech for future Galaxy phones

Samsung introduced variable aperture technology with its Galaxy S9 and S10 models. This feature allowed the camera to switch between a wide f/1.5 aperture and a narrower f/2.4 aperture. As such, users could capture brighter shots in low-light situations and reduce overexposure in bright conditions.

Despite the innovation, Samsung removed variable aperture starting with the Galaxy S20. The company began prioritizing higher-resolution sensors and cutting-edge software-based photography. Other reasons, such as higher costs and thicker cameras, may have also led to its removal.

Now that Apple is reportedly bringing variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro models, Samsung seems to be reconsidering the technology. Noted tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo suggested that the Korean firm is testing variable aperture for its future Galaxy phones in preparation for the 2026 iPhone.

In fact, this is not the first time rumors have surfaced about Samsung working on a variable aperture for its upcoming phones. Earlier this year, a report suggested that the Galaxy S26 Ultra might include this camera technology. But as development continued, it seems Samsung dropped the idea since no solid evidence has come out. This means 2027’s Galaxy S27 Ultra could be the model to respond to Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, expected in Q1 2026, may get an upgrade to its main camera. While the phone could retain its 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor, it may feature a wider f/1.4 lens. This could let in up to 47% more light than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s f/1.7 lens, resulting in less noisy night photos.