Foreign media The Information reported that Apple is actively advancing an innovative mechanical aperture technology research and development, which is expected to significantly enhance the photography experience of iPhone users in the future. According to internal sources, this technology may be first deployed on the iPhone 17 series expected to be released in September 2025, especially in the two high-end models, iPhone 17 Slim and iPhone 17 Ultra.
As an important component of camera lenses, the aperture directly affects the amount of light entering the camera and the depth of field effect of the image. Currently, iPhone camera lenses generally use a fixed aperture design, while the Android smartphone market has long introduced variable aperture technology, with the Samsung Galaxy S9 series being a pioneer in this field.
According to insiders, the final form and performance of this mechanical aperture technology still need further verification. The introduction of mechanical aperture technology signifies an important upgrade to the iPhone camera system. This technology allows users to manually adjust the aperture size, thereby achieving precise control over the depth of field effect. Users will be able to easily achieve a clear focus on the subject and a natural blurred background for artistic effects, which is particularly crucial in portrait photography.
It is worth noting that although Apple has introduced a similar depth of field effect in the current iPhone portrait mode, this effect relies entirely on AI algorithms for automatic adjustment and optimization. In contrast, the introduction of mechanical aperture will bring users higher customization and more creative freedom, further enriching the photography capabilities of the iPhone.
In addition to the upgrade of the camera system, the iPhone 17 series is also expected to undergo comprehensive innovations in display screen technology, memory configuration, and other aspects. According to analysts at Haitong Securities, the iPhone 17 Pro may be equipped with up to 12GB of memory, a significant improvement over the current 8GB memory version, which will greatly enhance the device's multitasking capabilities and the efficiency of AI functions. At the same time, more advanced scratch-resistant display screen technology will also provide users with a more durable and clear visual experience.