In the high-stakes game of smartphone camera innovation, features often cycle in and out of favor. A new rumor suggests Samsung is preparing to resurrect a once-pioneering camera technology, not as a novel invention, but as a strategic countermove to a key rival's anticipated flagship. The focus is on variable aperture lenses, a hardware feature that could see a comeback on Samsung's future top-tier devices, specifically in response to Apple's plans for the iPhone 18 Pro.
Samsung Considers Reviving Its Own Pioneering Camera Tech
According to a report from leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Samsung is actively testing variable aperture camera designs for its smartphones. This move is framed as a direct response to the widely circulated rumors that Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models will debut with a variable aperture lens system. The irony lies in the fact that Samsung was the pioneer of this technology in the consumer smartphone space, first introducing it on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in 2018. Those devices featured a mechanical lens that could switch between f/1.5 for low-light capture and f/2.4 for brighter scenes, offering greater control over depth of field and exposure. However, the company discontinued the feature after the Galaxy S20 series, leaving it dormant for years.
Reported Feature & Rationale:
- Feature: Variable aperture camera system.
- Primary Rationale: Direct competitive response to rumors of the same feature on Apple's iPhone 18 Pro.
- Secondary Development: Testing of a wide-screen foldable form factor, potentially a "Galaxy Z Fold Wide," in response to the rumored iPhone Fold.
Historical Context of Samsung's Variable Aperture:
- First Introduced: Galaxy S9 & S9+ (2018).
- Aperture Range: Mechanically switched between f/1.5 and f/2.4.
- Last Used: Discontinued after the Galaxy S20 series.
Rumored Timeline & Target Model:
- Most Likely Launch: 2027 (for Galaxy S27 Ultra).
- Reason for Timeline: Aligns with expected launch of iPhone 18 Pro in late 2026.
- Earlier Rumor: A single, unconfirmed rumor suggested a Galaxy S26 Ultra debut, but this is now considered less likely.
- Galaxy S26 Expectation: Standard models expected to share Galaxy S25 camera hardware, excluding variable aperture.
Current Market Context:
- Huawei: Has variable aperture in recent flagships (e.g., Mate X7 foldable, Mate 80 series).
- Xiaomi: Featured an f/1.6-f/4.0 automatic variable aperture in the 14 Ultra, but reportedly removed it in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
The Potential Timeline and Model for the Feature's Return
While an earlier, unsubstantiated rumor this year hinted at the variable aperture making a return on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the current reporting suggests a later timeline is more probable. Given the lack of corroborating evidence for a 2026 release and the stated impetus being Apple's 2027 iPhone 18 Pro, industry observers now believe the technology is more likely to debut on the Galaxy S27 Ultra. This flagship is expected to launch in early 2027, placing it in direct competition with Apple's late-2026 iPhone 18 series. The report also indicates that the standard Galaxy S26 models are expected to carry over the camera hardware from the S25, making a variable aperture debut on those devices highly unlikely.
A Broader Competitive Response to Apple's Rumored Moves
The leaker's report extends beyond traditional slab phones, noting that Samsung is also experimenting with a "wide-screen foldable" form factor. This development is similarly characterized as a response to Apple's long-rumored entry into the foldable market with a device tentatively called the iPhone Fold. If accurate, this could lead to Samsung introducing a wider-aspect-ratio version of its Galaxy Z Fold line, potentially named a "Wide" variant, to preempt or directly compete with Apple's design choices. This highlights a broader strategic pattern of Samsung monitoring and potentially reacting to Apple's roadmap across multiple form factors.
The Variable Aperture Landscape and Consumer Impact
If Samsung proceeds, it would be re-entering a niche but persistent segment of the camera market. Chinese manufacturers like Huawei have consistently included variable aperture lenses in recent flagship models, including the Mate X7 foldable and the Mate 80 series. Xiaomi also briefly featured an advanced f/1.6-f/4.0 automatic variable aperture in the 14 Ultra before reportedly removing it in the successor model. For consumers, a well-implemented variable aperture system provides tangible benefits. It allows for better low-light performance with a wider aperture while enabling a sharper, deeper focus in bright conditions with a narrower aperture, offering more creative control akin to professional cameras without relying solely on software simulation.
Awaiting Official Confirmation in a Dynamic Market
As of December 17, 2025, these plans remain firmly in the realm of rumor and internal testing. Neither Samsung nor Apple has commented on their future camera hardware strategies. The situation presents a fascinating scenario where a company may reintroduce its own shelved innovation to counter a competitor's adoption of the same idea. The final implementation, performance benefits, and ultimate decision to launch will determine if this potential revival is a meaningful advancement or merely a spec sheet checkbox in the endless smartphone arms race. All eyes will now be on Samsung's 2027 flagship unveiling to see if this chapter of camera history gets a second act.