3 Minutes
Apple's rumored move to add variable aperture to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has a familiar ring to it — and one that appears to be echoing in Samsung's labs. The Korean giant once flirted with dual aperture on the Galaxy S9 and S10, then quietly shelved the idea when the S20 family launched in 2020. Now, with Apple reportedly revisiting the same trick, Samsung is said to be taking a second look.
Why does this matter? Because variable aperture is one of those camera features that promises real-world gains: better low-light control, more depth flexibility, and the ability to tailor exposure without relying solely on software. It isn't a flashy spec that sells phones by itself, but it can change how photos feel.
Sources suggest Samsung hasn't committed yet. The company has reportedly asked partners to develop variable aperture modules, and both Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX are supplying prototype samples for evaluation. If the technology clears tests, it could reappear in the Galaxy S27 lineup — seven years after it vanished from flagship S-series models.
Think of it like fashion cycles for phone cameras. An idea shows up, makes a splash, then fades only to come back when someone else gives it fresh momentum. Apple’s rumored inclusion seems to be that nudge this time. Will Samsung follow because it believes in the tech, or because it prefers not to be outflanked on a feature narrative? The answer may be both.
Practical hurdles remain. Variable aperture adds mechanical complexity, cost, and calibration work. It also competes with other advances — larger sensors, better image-processing algorithms, and periscope lenses — so manufacturers weigh trade-offs carefully. Still, prototypes from established suppliers indicate Samsung is at least keeping the option on the table.
For smartphone photographers, the comeback of dual aperture would be welcome if it’s executed well. For the industry, it’s another reminder that hardware cycles are not strictly linear; older ideas can resurface when conditions change or when a competitor reintroduces them with a new spin. Expect more scrutiny as Galaxy S27 rumors build momentum — and a few spirited debates about whether mechanical tweaks or computational tricks truly move the needle.
Whether it becomes a headline feature or a quietly improved camera component, one thing's clear: the battle for camera credibility is far from over, and the next year could be telling.
Source: gsmarena
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