GoKawiilApple's iPhone 18 Pro adds variable aperture camera system
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro introduces a variable aperture camera with six blades controlled by a rotor, letting users choose between four settings from f/1.48 to f/4.0 directly in the Camera app. The update is paired with other imaging features including cinematic effects for standard video, Apple Reference Image, Photographic Styles 3, and an Audio Mix tool for music. According to early hands-on testing, the new aperture control produces more natural soft-focus effects than the phone's existing Portrait mode.
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Variable aperture is a rare hardware-level camera innovation for smartphones, most of which rely purely on software processing to mimic depth-of-field effects. By giving users physical control over light and focus, Apple is narrowing the long-standing image-quality gap with rivals like Google's Pixel line, particularly in tricky lighting and portrait scenarios. Opening the feature to third-party developers could also spur a wave of new photography apps built around this hardware capability.
- iPhone 18 Pro's camera uses a six-blade rotor mechanism for four selectable aperture settings.
- Variable aperture offers a more flexible alternative to Apple's rigid Portrait mode.
- New features include cinematic video effects, Reference Image, Photographic Styles 3, and Audio Mix.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — This is the phone the article is all about, with its standout variable aperture camera system letting you control depth of field like a real lens. If you're upgrading for the best camera experience on iPhone yet, this is the one to get.
See Apple iPhone 18 Pro 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: engadget.com — Cherlynn Low, 2026-09-16
Published there as: “iPhone 18 Pro review: The standard setter”
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