Ice UniverseApple Inc.

Reports indicate upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may face price hikes as variable-aperture camera feature is reserved for Pro Max model

Reports suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may see price increases as Apple is likely to reserve the new variable-aperture camera feature exclusively for the Pro Max variant, which can accommodate the necessary hardware due to its larger size, according to tipster Ice Universe.

GSMArena.com GSMArena.com19 August 2026 · 15:39 UTC
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Rumors of a variable-aperture main camera for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series have been circulating for some time.1

Tipster Ice Universe claims that Apple may reserve this feature for the Pro Max model, which can accommodate the necessary hardware due to its larger size.2

The tipster noted that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will weigh 240g and measure 9mm in thickness, making it slightly heavier and thicker than the current model.4

This isn't the first instance of Apple reserving advanced camera hardware for the Pro Max variant, indicating a trend in their product strategy.5

As a result, the iPhone 18 Pro models may face price hikes to reflect these changes, raising concerns among potential buyers about the affordability of the new features.

Key Insight
“The variable-aperture camera hardware requires additional space, which the larger Pro Max model can accommodate, according to tipster Ice Universe. Notably, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to weigh 240g and measure 9mm in thickness, making it slightly heavier and thicker than the current model.”
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GSMArena.comGSMArena.com
“Rumors of a variable-aperture main camera for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series have been circulating for some time.”
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