Samsung is definitely working on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and new reports say it will have some exciting upgrades. One of the biggest changes could be the return of the variable aperture camera, a feature that was last seen seven years ago.
Back in 2018, Samsung introduced variable aperture in the Galaxy S9 and S9+ cameras, allowing them to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 settings. The feature was also included in the Galaxy S10 series but was later removed from the S20 series and newer models.
Will the Galaxy S26 Ultra Have a Variable Aperture?
According to a leak from Ice Universe on the Chinese website Weibo, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s main rear camera might bring back variable aperture. This means the camera could adjust its lens opening to let in more or less light, improving photos in different lighting conditions.
However, this isn’t a completely new idea. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra already has a similar feature. What we don’t know yet is whether Samsung will bring back the old dual-aperture system (like in the S9 and S10) or introduce a more advanced version like Xiaomi’s camera, which has a wider range of adjustments.
Should You Believe the Rumors?
It’s still too early to be sure about these leaks. While Ice Universe has a good track record of predicting Samsung features, plans could still change before the phone is officially announced. So, take this news with caution.
What’s Next for Samsung?
The Galaxy S26 series will likely be launched in January next year, so there’s still a long wait. But before that, Samsung will introduce the Galaxy S25 Edge, expected to arrive in April or May. The Edge model is rumored to have a super-thin 5.5mm design and could cost around $1100 with limited availability.