Apple may replace the main camera with a more expensive module in the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is well-versed in Apple-related leaks, has posted about a new camera module that will be included in the new iPhone.
Kuo: Apple's iPhone camera roadmap includes a costly upgrade - 9to5Mac
▌The latest chain supply checks indicate that Sunny Optical is seeing several new positive trends:
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) May 29, 2026
1. Leveraging its existing optical technology strengths, the company is preparing to enter AI server CPO / silicon photonics coupling components.
2. Securing orders for optical…
The biggest change to the main camera in the iPhone 18 Pro, which will be released in the second half of 2026, is said to be the switch from the existing fixed-aperture camera module to a variable-aperture camera module. However, the variable-aperture camera module is expected to have an average selling price that is 50% higher than the high-end 7P lens (a 7-element plastic lens configuration) currently used in iPhones.
Apple plans to source 40-50% of its variable aperture camera modules from China's Sunny Optical. Sunny Optical also supplies the compact camera module (CCM) for the MacBook Neo , which Apple unexpectedly announced in March 2026. Apple's main camera supplier, Largan, will also continue to be a supplier.
Apple-related media outlet 9to5Mac pointed out, 'This information alone doesn't necessarily mean Apple will raise the price of the iPhone 18 Pro, but it's certainly the worst possible timing for rising component costs. Apple is already facing pressure on its profit margins due to rising memory costs.'
Furthermore, Kuo reports that the iPhone expected to be released in 2028 is likely to abandon the flip-chip design for its ultra-wide-angle camera module. The flip-chip design is a semiconductor chip connection technology used in thin devices such as smartphones to make camera modules thinner.
According to Kuo, the new ultra-wide-angle camera module will adopt a chip-on-board design, moving away from the flip-chip method. However, details such as the nature of the improvements have not been revealed. Nevertheless, Sunny Optical is said to be in a favorable position as a supplier for this new ultra-wide-angle camera module.
According to Mr. Kuo, Sunny Optical has also secured an order for optical components to be used in a ' mobile device other than a smartphone ' that OpenAI is planning.
OpenAI's AI hardware prototype is complete and is expected to be finished within two years - GIGAZINE
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in Hardware, Smartphone, Posted by logu_ii