A fresh leak from the Chinese tipster “Smart Pikachu” (via Weibo) claims that Apple is testing teleconverter lenses for the iPhone 18 Pro series, which is rumored to launch this year. The rumor comes after several Android flagships have already provided the feature over the years.
Teleconverter lenses, like those used on DSLRs, are external lenses that sit between the camera lens and the sensor and extend its effective focal length or optical zoom range.
How do teleconverters work on smartphones?
On smartphones, teleconverters are available as attachable lens elements that sit atop the existing telephoto cameras.
While the sound of a teleconverter kit for the iPhone 18 Pro is amazing, Apple won’t be the first smartphone maker to do this. In the past, we’ve seen several Android manufacturers provide an optional teleconverter kit (as part of a model’s first-party accessories).
For instance, Oppo provides a Hasselblad-branded kit for its Find X9 Pro (up to 10x optical zoom), while vivo offers a Zeiss-branded kit for its X200 Ultra and X300 models. For the smartphone, the additional lens sits on top of the original lens and helps bring a distant subject closer.
Android’s been here, Apple’s taking notes
Does that mean Apple is opening the door to accessories beyond cases and MagSafe chargers? I’d like to believe it’s true, but at the same time, take the information with a pinch of salt. If the accessory fails to meet the company’s standards, it may not be shipped as a consumer-grade product.
The iPhone 18 Pro series is already rumored to feature a variable-aperture rear camera, allowing users to adjust the lens opening based on the environment.
While the feature might not benefit photography as much as it could videography (by providing more control to professionals), variable-aperture cameras generally work well with teleconverter lenses or kits.