Samsung has confirmed that it’s bringing the next-gen Virtual Aperture camera feature from the Galaxy S26 series to last year’s Galaxy S25 phones. The feature, which debuted on the wide lens only in the S25 series, will now be supported on the telephoto and periscope lenses.
Virtual Aperture is a software trick used by Samsung to mimic DSLR aperture priority mode. It works by using depth map data from the dual camera array to fake different aperture values in software. The feature has been well-received by users who’ve tried it on the wide lens, and with improved depth maps this generation, the blur looks more natural.
The move makes sense as Samsung’s 3x and 5x cameras on the S25 Ultra are already good, and giving them software-controlled depth just makes them more flexible. With Virtual Aperture support, users can expect to get better camera performance in various shooting conditions.
However, this update also raises concerns about bloatware. The Galaxy S26 series is still loaded with preinstalled apps that some consider unnecessary, particularly on a flagship device that costs $1,300. It’s unclear why Samsung wouldn’t opt for more streamlined software experiences, especially considering the price point of the new flagship.
On a related note, Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold has been spotted with a redesigned camera bump that looks similar to Samsung’s recent flagships. The design is nearly identical to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but with some key differences in terms of materials and size.
In other news, Samsung Medison has partnered with US-based medical technology company HistoSonics to advance treatment using ultrasound technology. The partnership aims to improve the way doctors find and treat cancer using imaging and treatment technologies.
Finally, Samsung phones have been updated with a new security feature called Inactivity restart, which will automatically restart the device if it stays locked for 72 hours. The feature is available on the Galaxy S26 series and adds an extra layer of protection to users’ devices.
Source: https://www.sammyfans.com/2026/03/08/samsung-galaxy-s26-virtual-aperture-galaxy-s25-rollout