GoKawiilTyler Stalman tests iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture camera in annual review
Photographer Tyler Stalman published his annual iPhone camera review, focusing on the iPhone 18 Pro's new variable aperture system, updated Cinematic mode, expanded Photographic Styles, and Apple Reference Image. He found the f/1.48 wide aperture lets in more light, lowering ISO needs and reducing reliance on Night mode, and noted Apple's unusual placement of the aperture blades above the main lens element.
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Variable aperture is a rare hardware feature for smartphone cameras, and independent reviewers testing it in real shooting conditions helps validate whether Apple's marketing claims translate into genuine image-quality gains. Feedback from working photographers like Stalman can shape public perception of whether the iPhone is closing the gap with dedicated cameras.
- iPhone 18 Pro's f/1.48 variable aperture improves low-light shooting by increasing light intake.
- Apple placed the aperture blades above the lens element, an unconventional engineering choice.
- Stalman recommends Burgundy or Black over Cosmic Orange to avoid unwanted color reflections in photos.
iPhone 18 Pro camera lens filter kit — If you're diving into the iPhone 18 Pro's new variable aperture and pro camera controls like Stalman, a clip-on lens filter kit lets you experiment further with polarizers and macro lenses. It's an affordable way to expand your mobile photography toolkit without buying separate camera gear.
See iPhone 18 Pro camera lens filter kit 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: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-09-17
Published there as: “Photographer Tyler Stalman reviews the iPhone 18 Pro’s new camera with variable aperture”
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