technology

Samsung's galaxy s26 to bring virtual aperture to main camera

Published on 10/03/2026 05:59 in technology • Jennifer White

Samsung is bringing a familiar camera feature to its upcoming Galaxy S26 series: virtual aperture. This Technology, previously available on the S25 series, will now be integrated into the standard camera app for the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, offering users more control over portrait mode bokeh.

Software feature trickles down to older devices

Software feature trickles down to older devices

While the Galaxy S26 series won't feature significant hardware upgrades to its camera system, the company is enhancing the image processing capabilities. The virtual aperture, which simulates the shallow depth of field achieved with a wider aperture lens, was first introduced with the Galaxy S9 and later offered on the S25 series via the Expert RAW app.

The move to integrate virtual aperture into the stock camera app is a welcome change for many users. Previously, the feature was confined to the Expert RAW app, requiring a more technical approach to portrait photography. The new integration provides a simpler, more intuitive way to achieve the desired background blur.

This isn't an isolated incident. Apple is rumored to be working on a variable aperture camera for the iPhone 18 Pro, and Huawei has long utilized variable aperture on its flagship devices. However, past rumors surrounding the Galaxy S26 series have not always materialized, so the actual implementation will be key.

The Galaxy S26 series, announced with a next-generation Galaxy AI and a powerful processor, is slated for a march release. Pre-orders are now open with trade-in discounts available up to $900 off for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It’s a strategic move by Samsung to enhance the value proposition of its existing hardware.

The company’s approach to software enhancements is a smart one. The majority of consumers don't upgrade their phones every year, making these kinds of feature additions a significant way to keep current users satisfied and potentially retain them for longer. It’s a practical approach to staying competitive without requiring expensive hardware overhauls.