Samsung is reportedly reconsidering variable aperture technology for its Galaxy S27 series after dropping the feature in 2020, apparently influenced by Apple's rumored plans for iPhone 18 Pro.
Samsung appears to be reconsidering a camera feature it abandoned four years ago, potentially bringing variable aperture technology back to its flagship Galaxy smartphones. According to recent reports, the Korean tech giant is evaluating whether to reintroduce the dual aperture system that was last seen on the Galaxy S10 in 2019.
Apple's Rumored Innovation Sparks Samsung's Interest
The catalyst for this potential reversal seems to be Apple's rumored plans for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Industry sources suggest Apple is preparing to introduce variable aperture technology to its premium iPhone lineup later this year. This development has apparently caught Samsung's attention, with the company now actively exploring whether to revive the feature it dropped with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020.
This situation highlights an interesting pattern in the smartphone industry where companies sometimes abandon innovations only to reconsider them when competitors show renewed interest. Samsung's variable aperture system, which allowed the camera to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures, was actually ahead of its time when first introduced.
The Technical Comeback
According to reports from Korean media, Samsung has already taken concrete steps toward potentially reintroducing the feature. The company has reportedly requested development samples of variable aperture modules from its manufacturing partners. Both Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX are said to be producing these components and supplying them to Samsung Electronics for evaluation.
This suggests the company is seriously considering the technology, though it hasn't made a final decision. The evaluation process indicates Samsung wants to ensure the technology meets current standards and integrates well with its latest camera systems before committing to its inclusion in future devices.
A Seven-Year Gap
If Samsung does decide to bring back variable aperture, it would mark a significant return after a seven-year absence from its flagship lineup. The feature debuted on the Galaxy S9 in 2018 and continued through the Galaxy S10 before being discontinued with the S20 generation.
Looking Ahead to Galaxy S27
Should Samsung greenlight the feature's return, consumers can expect to see it debut on the Galaxy S27 family, which would launch in early 2027. This timeline gives Samsung ample opportunity to refine the technology and ensure it delivers meaningful improvements to mobile photography.
The potential comeback of variable aperture technology demonstrates how the competitive landscape in smartphone photography continues to evolve, with companies constantly reassessing their feature sets based on both technological advancements and competitive pressures.
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