The new iPhone 18 Pro Max leak is making waves, allegedly indicating a big architectural shift in its main camera system, while the secondary lenses will remain unchanged. This is coming from an ISP diagnostics record that was leaked from a breach of Tata Electronics’ internal data and reveals specific hardware specs for the next flagship.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a new Sony IMX905 primary camera with variable aperture capabilities, while other camera components, including telephoto, ultrawide, LiDAR and selfie cameras, are likely to remain the same as on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 series is expected to ship in September 2026. These parameters are confirmed by a diagnostic log from leaked Tata Electronics data, showing that Apple is working on improving the primary camera while preserving the same overall camera system architecture.
The update switches to the new Sony IMX905 primary sensor, replacing the old IMX903 model, but keeping the native pixel size of 1.22µm without a significant increase in the overall sensor size. One of the key features of this new sensor is the addition of a mechanical variable aperture system that enhances its operating features. Leaked logs also show that variable aperture calibration strings and actuator data are being stored in the sensor’s non-volatile memory.
This is the first iPhone to feature a physical variable aperture that enables the phone to control and regulate the amount of light it allows in. A larger aperture option dramatically improves low-light results, while a tighter aperture setting is good for more crispness in landscape and group photos. The new feature also reduces dependence on algorithmic artificial background blur, providing a more flexible photographing experience and improving picture quality under a variety of settings.
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Based on the leaked information, the camera system of the new iPhone model will not be completely redesigned as previously stated, but will retain some features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The main camera will have a Sony IMX905 sensor with 48MP and 1.22µm pixels, which brings a big leap in variable aperture performance. The telephoto lens will also be based on the Sony IMX973 sensor and will have a periscope design with an initial pixel size of 0.7µm that can be binned to 1.4µm. It will also be paired with a 3-axis spherical optical image stabilisation (OIS) actuator. The ultra-wide-angle camera continues with the same Sony IMX972, as well, with a resolution of 48MP. The LiDAR scanner will include the Sony IMX591 for depth and augmented reality, while the front-facing selfie camera will use the Sony IMX914 sensor.
According to previous industry rumours, the top-tier Pro Max/Ultra model might see a $200 price bump due to the variable aperture mechanical components and anticipated increases in base memory prices. Apple is expected to officially announce the iPhone 18 lineup in September 2026.
