GoKawiilApple's iPhone 18 Pro adds variable aperture and manual camera controls
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max retain the design and aluminum build of last year's models but introduce a variable-aperture main camera with four selectable stops plus manual controls for shutter speed, white balance and focus. The phones also ship in four colors including a new glacier blue and burgundy, with color-matched glass backs, and a smaller Dynamic Island that can now display three Live Activities simultaneously.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The variable aperture and manual photography controls push the iPhone camera closer to dedicated camera hardware, targeting enthusiasts who previously relied on third-party apps or separate gear. Incremental design changes alongside deeper software-camera integration suggest Apple is prioritizing photographic capability over hardware redesign this generation.
- Variable-aperture main camera offers four selectable f-stops plus auto mode
- New manual controls cover shutter speed, white balance, and focus peaking
- Smaller Dynamic Island now supports three simultaneous Live Activities
Apple MagSafe Charger — If you're eyeing the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple's own MagSafe Charger snaps magnetically to the back for fuss-free wireless top-ups. It's a natural companion for a phone you'll be draining with variable-aperture camera sessions and stacked Live Activities.
See Apple MagSafe Charger on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Allison Johnson, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Our first hands-on impressions”
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