Samsung May Bring Galaxy S26 Virtual Aperture Feature to Galaxy S25 Series
TL;DR: Samsung might update the Galaxy S25 series with the Virtual Aperture telephoto feature currently found on the S26. This software-based tool simulates different aperture sizes to improve background blur for portrait shots.
Samsung is reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing a popular camera feature from its latest Galaxy S26 lineup to the older Galaxy S25 series. According to recent reports, the Korean tech giant is considering a software update that would introduce the Virtual Aperture feature to the telephoto cameras of the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra.
Following requests from the online community, a Samsung executive has confirmed that the company is actively looking into the update. Because Virtual Aperture is entirely a software-based function, rolling it out to older flagships is highly feasible and would not require any hardware modifications.
Currently, users of the Galaxy S25 series can access the Virtual Aperture feature through the Expert RAW application, but it is strictly restricted to the main camera. Expanding this capability to the telephoto lens would significantly improve its overall usability and versatility. As the name suggests, Virtual Aperture allows users to artificially simulate different aperture sizes. This effectively lets photographers adjust the intensity of the background blur, making it an excellent tool for capturing professional-looking portrait shots.
Looking further ahead, rumours are also circulating about the future Galaxy S27. Speculation suggests the upcoming S27 could feature a physically variable aperture for its main camera. This would mark a return to a hardware feature Samsung previously included on the Galaxy S9 in 2018 and the Galaxy S10 in 2019 before deciding to drop it. With Apple reportedly adopting similar technology for the iPhone 18 Pro series, Samsung might be preparing to reintroduce physical variable apertures to stay competitive in the flagship smartphone market.
