A key part for the regularly rumored variable aperture camera in the forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max has reportedly now entered manufacturing, on schedule for production of the whole system.

A variable aperture will be one of the most significant improvements Apple has made to the iPhone's camera system, bringing it another feature that's previously been confined to standalone cameras. Now according to ET News, the supply chain has revealed that it's coming, and that it is now in production.

Specifically, China's Sunny Optical firm is reported to have started production of an actuator. This is the mechanism that moves the lens components, letting it increase or decrease the amount of light being received by the sensor.

"The actuator manufacturer has recently started manufacturing parts," said an unspecified industry professional in translation. "LG Innotech is preparing for mass production by putting dedicated equipment at the Gumi business site for the production of variable-rig cameras."

Apple previously chose LG Innotech for its tetraprism camera system in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Gumi is in South Korea, where LG Innotech has long had production lines being used for Apple components including screens.

By being able to vary the aperture on the camera, users will be able to better control depth of field. The iPhone will be able to avoid or reduce avoiding overexposure in bright scenes, and should also improve how well it captures low-light situations.

It will also mean in-camera bokeh instead of, or as well as, Apple's existing computational photography version.

The report also says that Luxshare ICT will be making the actuators, although it isn't known if it has already begun production. Reportedly, Apple has used LG Innotech for the research and development of the actuator.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The variable aperture system is expected to be the key new feature, according to multiple rumors.

The iPhone 18 Pro models may also get a reduced Dynamic Island. However there are just about as many reports saying that will come in 2027 as there are ones claiming it will be in the iPhone 18 Pro range.