Samsung, the pioneer of variable aperture cameras with the Galaxy S9 and S9+, may reintroduce this feature in its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Tipster Ice Universe suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature a primary camera with variable aperture, though it remains uncertain if it will mimic the dual-aperture design of the S9 series or follow Xiaomi’s approach with multiple aperture settings on the 14 Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is not expected to launch until next year, leaving its specifications uncertain until closer to the release date.
In 2018, Samsung pioneered the introduction of variable aperture cameras with its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ smartphones. This feature continued in subsequent flagship models but was eventually phased out with the Galaxy S20 series. Nevertheless, there are indications that variable aperture cameras may return to Samsung devices, specifically with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series next year.
The information comes from the leaker Ice Universe, who has suggested that Samsung is contemplating the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra featuring a primary camera with a variable aperture. However, it remains uncertain whether Samsung will opt for the dual-aperture setup it employed in the S9 series or follow a different approach like Xiaomi, which introduced multiple aperture settings on the 14 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S9+
In any case, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is not set to launch until next year, making it premature to draw any definitive conclusions, as plans could always evolve. We will gain better insight into whether the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a variable aperture as we approach its release.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Source (in Chinese)