iPhone 18 Pro camera leak: Sony IMX905 + Apple’s first variable aperture spotted in diagnostics

Apple’s next Pro camera may finally open and close like a real lens. A diagnostics log reportedly recovered from Tata Electronics files — leaked by the World Leaks ransomware group and covered by Notebookcheck, TechRepublic, and Digital Trends — identifies a Sony IMX905 main sensor and calibration data for an aperture actuator on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. If accurate, that is Apple’s first mechanical variable-aperture iPhone camera, aimed at a September 2026 unveil.

What the log claims

Pixel size stays at 1.22 microns — same class as the prior Pro Max main sensor — so the upgrade story is the aperture mechanism, not a dramatically larger sensor. Wider opening for low light and shallow depth of field; narrower for bright scenes and more of the frame in focus. Telephoto (IMX973), ultrawide, LiDAR, and front camera are listed as carryovers. Separate rumor stacks from MacRumors and Ice Universe add a smaller Dynamic Island (~35% reduction), LTPO+ displays, a simplified pressure-only Camera Control, and new colors including Dark Cherry.

Price anxiety is part of the leak cycle

Parallel reports float a meaningful ASP bump — figures as high as ~$200 over current Pro Max street prices in some channels — tied to camera and memory costs. That math only matters if September validates the hardware. Until then, the IMX905 + aperture combo is the clearest imaging rumor of the cycle, not a buy guide.

Bookmark September. Everything else is a calibration string until Tim Cook walks onstage.