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Both iPhone 18 Pro Models Feature Variable Aperture Camera

Apple has revealed at its "Surprise and Shine" event that both iPhone 18 Pro models will be equipped with a variable aperture camera.

variable aperture iphone 18 pro
Prior to this announcement, some rumours suggested that only the iPhone 18 Pro Max would feature a variable aperture lens, but it seems that both models will benefit from the technology.

Apple says it has developed a system of six laser-cut blades, each thinner than a human hair, to create the aperture lens. The blades are made of a specialized polymer composite for the right balance of mass flexibility and durability.

The aperture adjusts automatically based on the scene. When you're in a darker environment, for example, the aperture opens to let in around 50% more light.

It also allows you to capture cinematic mode effects from regular video after you capture, plus it now supports 60 frames per second for a half-speed effect.

"iPhone 18 Pro has a new 48 megapixel fusion main camera with variable aperture for creative control that wasn't possible before," said Apple. "This is the most advanced camera we've ever made."

Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

1 week ago
Honestly, the most exciting feature I’ve seen in years.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1 week ago

Honestly, the most exciting feature I’ve seen in years.

SAME! I just now need to know what the price of the 18 Pro is gonna be. I've been fine with all old features of the iPhone for a very long time (since iPhone Xs with the FaceID). It was camera that I really wanted improvement, and also battery life. Other than that, I don't care much about the other stuff.
Samsung had variable aperture years ago. No one used it and they took it out after a couple of models.

f/1.48 might actually be an improvement over the old phones
Yep, that's the real feature for me.

It's a phone sensor, variable aperture will make almost no difference in photos on this sensor. MORE light is the real addition.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1 week ago
Is it a bigger sensor or not?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
1 week ago

SAME! I just now need to know what the price of the 18 Pro is gonna be. I've been fine with all old features of the iPhone for a very long time (since iPhone Xs with the FaceID). It was camera that I really wanted improvement, and also battery life. Other than that, I don't care much about the other stuff.
It's 1,199$ and 1,299$
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1 week ago
f/1.48 might actually be an improvement over the old phones
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
windmark Avatar
1 week ago
There is actually a new camera sensor, that’s partly where the extra light sensitivity comes from. See here


Combined with a new sensor that improves image quality, the result is better low-light photography, crisper detail in the back of group photos, and more unique shots
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apple-debuts-iphone-18-pro-and-iphone-18-pro-max/

The wide open aperture is also f/1.48 compared to f/1.78 on the 17 Pro, ie a 45% larger opening. Given this, it makes sense to be able to stop down the aperture to get a larger depth of field.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)