iPhone 18 Pro gets Apple’s first variable-aperture camera with new manual Pro controls

Apple is giving iPhone photographers considerably more control with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, introducing a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture for the first time.

The new camera uses six laser-cut blades and can automatically alter its aperture to suit different scenes. Apple says the system can open as wide as ƒ/1.48 for low-light photography, use ƒ/1.8 for portraits and narrow to ƒ/4 when greater depth of field is needed, such as keeping more people sharp in a group photograph.

The launch confirms one of the most persistent rumors surrounding this year’s Pro models. Recent iOS 27 discoveries had also pointed to a collection of new camera controls ahead of today’s announcement.

Rather than limiting the aperture system to automatic operation, Apple is allowing users to manually select from four aperture settings inside the Camera app. Developers will also be able to access a wider aperture range through an API.

Apple has introduced a dedicated Pro controls experience alongside the hardware change. Users can quickly adjust aperture, shutter speed and white balance and display a histogram to monitor exposure while framing a photograph.

The Main camera uses a new sensor and computational imaging pipeline intended to improve detail and low-light results. Photographic Styles now includes texture and grain controls, providing additional ways to alter the appearance of an image.

Video receives several changes too. Cinematic effects can be applied after capture to video recorded at up to 60fps, while Time-lapse can record in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR. Audio Mix has also been updated with improved voice processing and the ability to isolate music.

Another camera addition, Apple Reference Image, is aimed at image authenticity. Reference mode captures signed sensor data that is processed into an unalterable reference image, allowing the original sensor capture to be compared visually with an edited photograph.

According to Apple’s announcement, APIs will allow third-party apps on iOS, iPadOS and macOS 27 to display Reference Images as well.

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for pre-order on September 12 before launching on September 18.