A well-known leaker has ignited fresh discussion around two key rumors for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup—one involving a shift in the release schedule and another centered on a new variable-aperture camera system.
After each iPhone launch, speculation quickly pivots to the next year’s models. This week, the Weibo-based leaker “Digital Chat Station” shared what they described as “supply chain information” regarding the iPhone 18 series, focusing on notable upgrades for the Pro range.
Variable-Aperture Camera Rumor
According to the leak, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to feature “variable aperture materials,” a change that could enhance depth control and image quality. The 48MP telephoto lens, which currently uses a periscope-style design, may also receive a larger aperture to improve low-light performance.
A variable aperture allows the camera to adjust how much light reaches the sensor, influencing both exposure and depth of field. Most smartphone cameras rely on a fixed aperture due to space constraints, meaning background blur effects are often simulated through computational processing. If Apple implements a mechanical variable aperture, it could enable true optical depth-of-field effects directly in-camera—an upgrade long awaited by photography enthusiasts.
This feature has circulated in rumor reports for years. A mid-2024 leak had suggested its inclusion in the iPhone 17, and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo later predicted it for the iPhone 18 lineup. After the iPhone 17 launched without the feature, reports from ETNews on October 15 reignited excitement around its eventual arrival.
Possible Release Schedule Shift
Digital Chat Station also claimed that Apple may adjust its release strategy for the iPhone 18 family. The leaker suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro series, along with an updated iPhone Air and the long-rumored iPhone Fold, will debut in September 2026—Apple’s traditional launch window. However, the standard iPhone 18 and a new iPhone 18e are reportedly being pushed to the first half of 2027.
This staggered release approach has been mentioned in multiple reports over the past year. Sources in May 2025 hinted at a split schedule, later echoed by Ming-Chi Kuo and Weibo leaker “Instant Digital.” ETNews also weighed in on the idea in August, citing possible production timeline differences across Apple’s hardware tiers.
Reliability in Question
While the recurrence of these rumors may signal credibility, they remain unconfirmed. Weibo accounts like Digital Chat Station have a mixed track record, often acting as aggregators for speculation originating elsewhere. Their frequent posting patterns can dilute accuracy, so these claims should still be treated cautiously until more concrete evidence emerges.
