iPhone 18 Pro Adds 4-Stop Variable Aperture Camera as Apple Raises Starting Price to $1,199
Updated
Updated · CNET · Sep 10
iPhone 18 Pro Adds 4-Stop Variable Aperture Camera as Apple Raises Starting Price to $1,199
3 articles · Updated · CNET · Sep 10
Summary
CNET’s hands-on test found the iPhone 18 Pro’s new variable aperture can create starburst light effects—something enabled by physical aperture blades rarely seen on phones.
The camera offers auto control or manual selection across four f-stops—f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0—letting users open for brighter low-light shots or stop down for sharper images.
Apple pairs the camera upgrade with other Pro changes including a slimmer Dynamic Island, an A20 Pro chip and larger batteries that reach 4,056 mAh on the 18 Pro and 5,391 mAh on the Pro Max.
Pricing starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max, both $100 above last year’s models, which the reviewer said may limit the feature’s appeal beyond serious photographers.
Preorders for the new Pro models open Sept. 12, with in-store availability beginning Sept. 18.