iPhone 18 to feature variable aperture camera to get Apple M5 chips says Report
Camera setup of iPhone 18
Kuo has confirmed that the iPhone 18 will include a variable aperture lens on the wide camera module that is expected to launch in 2026. This advanced system that allows users to adjust the aperture size can significantly improve photography capabilities. Whereas in previous reports, this feature was told about the arrival of iPhone 17.
According to Kuo, Sunny Optical will serve as the primary shutter suppliers, with Luxshare providing secondary support for the variable aperture lenses. Assembly of the aperture blades will be facilitated by BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI), which will supply the devices required for this upgrade.
Kuo has provided information on the production schedule of Apple’s next-generation M5 chips, which are designed to power upcoming Macs and the Apple Intelligence Server. These chips will work on TSMC’s advanced N3P process node which will provide better power efficiency and performance compared to its M4 models. Mass production of the M5 chip is scheduled for the first half of 2025. Production of the M5 Pro and M5 Max will begin in the second half of 2025. M5 Ultra The high-end M5 Ultra chip is expected to enter production in 2026.
Kuo emphasized that the M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra chips will adopt a server grade System on Integrated Chips (SoIC) design, featuring 2.5D packaging technology known as SoIC-mH. This design enhances thermal performance and production efficiency, making the chips best suited for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Based on the production timeline, Macs based on the M5 are likely to be rolled out at the same time as the M4 series. MacBook Pro expected to get M5 chips in October 2025 The MacBook Air is likely to get the M5 update in the first half of 2026. Updates to the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are expected later in 2026 or 2027. A release timeline for the iMac and Mac mini has not been revealed, as these models are not released every year.
Kuo explained the recent decline in BE Semiconductor’s stock through the third quarter of 2024 was attributed to delays in 2H24 shipments, which have already factored into market expectations. Looking ahead, Kuo spoke about BESI’s future, emphasizing its strategy to benefit from growing demand for high-end chip production and AI applications in 2025 and beyond.
