GoKawiilThird-party apps unlock finer aperture control on iPhone 18 Pro camera
Apple's native camera app limits the iPhone 18 Pro's variable-aperture main camera to four fixed settings (f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4), even in Auto mode. Third-party apps BlackMagic Camera and Moment Pro Camera II have both added support for the aperture hardware with 10 presets in 1/3-stop increments, offering finer control than Apple's own app. BlackMagic's version 3.5 was initially reported as buggy but has since been updated to 3.5.1 with stability fixes.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The gap between Apple's software limits and what the hardware actually supports suggests Apple's SDK is more capable than its own camera app exposes, opening room for third-party developers to differentiate on manual controls. Given the iPhone's small sensor, the practical visual difference between such fine aperture steps may be minimal, but the added granularity could appeal to enthusiasts and professional-leaning users who want DSLR-like control.
- Apple's iOS Camera app restricts the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture to just four presets.
- BlackMagic Camera and Moment Pro Camera II both now offer 10 aperture presets in 1/3-stop increments.
- Real-world background blur differences between these finer aperture steps may be subtle due to the phone's small sensor.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — The iPhone 18 Pro's new variable aperture main camera is the star of this story, letting you shift depth of field creatively with apps like Blackmagic Camera. If you're eager to explore this feature yourself, the iPhone 18 Pro is the device that makes it all possible.
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: theverge.com — Andrew Liszewski, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “These camera apps give you more control over the iPhone 18 Pro’s aperture”
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