iPhone 18 Pro packs lots of camera upgrades (great rundown here), with the tentpole addition being variable aperture. But there’s one other Main camera change that users like me might deem their favorite.
iPhone 18 Pro’s new f/1.48 lens could prove popular for the average non-‘pro’ user
As impressive as Apple’s new iPhone Duo foldable is, when it comes to camera features, it’s a clear loser to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max (see our iPhone Duo-iPhone 18 Pro comparison here).
Not only does iPhone Duo lack a Telephoto camera, but its Main camera also misses out on the improvements coming to iPhone 18 Pro.
For a rundown of iPhone 18 Pro camera upgrades, I recommend my colleague Ben’s piece here.
As I’ve been thinking about the new camera system, many of the changes appear meant for users that are more “pro” than me. All of the manual ‘Pro controls’ iPhone 18 Pro offers intimidate me, and I don’t expect to ever use them. Even the tentpole variable aperture feature feels a bit over my head, though I’m glad it can work automatically.
Relevant background: I have zero training in photography outside of a single ‘Today at Apple’ class I took years ago. But of course, I love to take photos with my iPhone.
And the iPhone 18 Pro camera change I’m most intrigued by is something highlighted by The Verge. Antonio G. Di Benedetto writes:
I haven’t used an iPhone 18 Pro yet. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the new f/1.48 aperture proves a hit among users like me.
Most iPhone 18 Pro buyers will, I suspect, never touch any of the custom manual controls. But if their everyday photos offer more natural, “dreamy” bokeh—even if just a little bit—then the iPhone 18 Pro camera could be beloved for that reason alone.
Which iPhone 18 Pro camera features are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
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