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The iPhone 18 Pro’s big camera update is all about the small gains
Confirmed
In Short: Apple introduces new camera features and modes for its iPhone 18 Pro, enhancing user interaction and convenience.

Siri mode brings visual intelligence features directly into the iPhone’s Camera app, allowing users to capture and take action on anything their iPhone sees. Apple has made the controls in each Camera app mode fully customizable in iOS 27, giving users more flexibility.
For the iPhone Duo, Apple introduces new Camera app features that are unique to the foldable design. Kid Cue shows little Peanuts animations to children so they look at the camera when taking a photo, while Duo Preview shows a live preview of the shot on both displays, allowing the subject to make adjustments.
Smart Take uses AI to determine when everyone, including the iPhone owner, is ready for a group shot, eliminating the need for a timer or someone to stay out of the picture. The iPhone Duo can be used in multiple orientations, including when it's half-folded, and you can capture selfies with the higher-quality 48MP rear camera while using the outer display as a viewfinder.
The iPhone 17 lineup is Apple's best yet, with sharper cameras, a larger and smoother display, and a quicker chip with more storage than previous models. However, the iPhone 16, now $100 less, remains a compelling option, offering solid battery life, good cameras, and support for Apple Intelligence.
Apple's iPhone 17 sets a new standard, but some may consider the iPhone 16 a better value, especially given its lower price. The iPhone 17 keeps its simple design mostly intact, but the improvements in camera quality and performance make it a strong contender in the market.
What's confirmed
- Siri mode brings visual intelligence features directly into the iPhone’s Camera app, allowing users to capture and take action on anything their iPhone sees. Apple has made the controls in each Camera app mode fully customizable in iOS 27, giving users more flexibility.
- For the iPhone Duo, Apple introduces new Camera app features that are unique to the foldable design. Kid Cue shows little Peanuts animations to children so they look at the camera when taking a photo, while Duo Preview shows a live preview of the shot on both displays, allowing the subject to make adjustments.
- Smart Take uses AI to determine when everyone, including the iPhone owner, is ready for a group shot, eliminating the need for a timer or someone to stay out of the picture. The iPhone Duo can be used in multiple orientations, including when it's half-folded, and you can capture selfies with the higher-quality 48MP rear camera while using the outer display as a viewfinder.
- The iPhone 17 lineup is Apple's best yet, with sharper cameras, a larger and smoother display, and a quicker chip with more storage than previous models. However, the iPhone 16, now $100 less, remains a compelling option, offering solid battery life, good cameras, and support for Apple Intelligence.
- Apple's iPhone 17 sets a new standard, but some may consider the iPhone 16 a better value, especially given its lower price. The iPhone 17 keeps its simple design mostly intact, but the improvements in camera quality and performance make it a strong contender in the market.
What's still developing
- You can prop up the iPhone Duo in a half-folded orientation, get in frame, and then wait for the group shot to be taken.
- Nearby friends can participate in a FaceTime call using the outer display while the iPhone owner uses the inner display, so nobody has to crowd around the iPhone or pass it around to get on video.
- Duo FaceTime is not the same as Dual Capture, which records video with both the front and rear cameras.
- Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is its best yet, but, as it often does, the company is selling last year's model for a slightly lower price.
- The iPhone 17 sets a new standard, but is it worth saving some money and picking up the iPhone 16 instead?
