Home · Technology · Sep 21 archive
iPhone 18 Pro Teardown Reveals Mechanical Camera Details
Confirmed
In Short: The teardown also highlights repair concerns, as the camera assembly is likely to require replacement if damaged, though it is relatively easy to access.
The teardown also highlights repair concerns, as the camera assembly is likely to require replacement if damaged, though it is relatively easy to access.
Apple’s new lineup starts at AUD$2,099 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro and AUD$2,299 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max, with storage options scaling up to 2TB.
In addition to the camera upgrade, the new models feature a redesigned Dynamic Island capable of displaying up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display sizes, retaining the forged aluminum unibody design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Local buyers in Australia can secure the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max starting Saturday, 12 September at 10 p.m.
Apple’s upcoming folding iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to weigh between 230 and 241 grams, with a display sandwiched between two UTG layers to improve durability.
Samsung, however, is not feeling threatened by Apple’s folding iPhone, according to a WIRED report.
To protect the new iPhones, Apple has launched a range of accessories, including Silicone Cases, Clear Cases, FineWoven Wallets, TechWoven cases, Crossbody Straps, and a new Wrist Strap woven from 100 percent recycled polyester yarns.
The launch felt quieter this year compared to previous generations, with fewer changes to the overall design.
The new models also come with enhanced safety features, such as AI cameras to identify potential hazards in industrial settings.
What this adds
The new mechanical camera in the iPhone 18 Pro offers precise exposure control but may not significantly improve photography for novice users.
Apple's folding iPhone is expected to weigh slightly more than Samsung's latest model, with a unique display design to improve durability.
Samsung's executives do not seem concerned about Apple's upcoming folding iPhone, indicating a competitive but not necessarily threatening market position.
The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in Australia includes a range of accessories designed to protect and enhance the user experience.
Background
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models feature an upgraded main camera and new software controls.
What's confirmed
- The teardown also highlights repair concerns, as the camera assembly is likely to require replacement if damaged, though it is relatively easy to access.
- Apple’s new lineup starts at AUD$2,099 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro and AUD$2,299 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max, with storage options scaling up to 2TB.
- In addition to the camera upgrade, the new models feature a redesigned Dynamic Island capable of displaying up to three Live Activities simultaneously.
- The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display sizes, retaining the forged aluminum unibody design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Local buyers in Australia can secure the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max starting Saturday, 12 September at 10 p.m.
- Apple’s upcoming folding iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra, is expected to weigh between 230 and 241 grams, with a display sandwiched between two UTG layers to improve durability.
- Samsung, however, is not feeling threatened by Apple’s folding iPhone, according to a WIRED report.
- To protect the new iPhones, Apple has launched a range of accessories, including Silicone Cases, Clear Cases, FineWoven Wallets, TechWoven cases, Crossbody Straps, and a new Wrist Strap woven from 100 percent recycled polyester yarns.
- The launch felt quieter this year compared to previous generations, with fewer changes to the overall design.
- The new models also come with enhanced safety features, such as AI cameras to identify potential hazards in industrial settings.
What's still developing
- Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. iFixit’s latest device teardown shows us the inner workings of the new variable aperture lens inside Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, alongside some repair concerns to be mindful of.
- That said, in our own iPhone 18 Pro review we found it made a “generally marginal” improvement on overall photography, so novice snappers may not even notice any difference.
- The adjustable mechanical iris opens and closes magnetically, controlling how much light should pass through to the sensor, featuring six leaf-like overlapping blades that are each about as thin as a human hair.
- That’s according to Hee-Cheul Moon, head of Samsung’s Advanced Mechanical R&D Group, who sat with WIRED on a virtual Zoom call with Seungki Choi, head of Samsung’s Smartphone R&D Group.
- For Australian buyers, the iPhone 18 Pro lineup starts at AUD$2,099 for the 256GB base model, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max opens at AUD$2,299, with storage options scaling up to 2TB for intensive mobile media workflows.
- The entry pricing starts at AUD$2,099 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro and AUD$2,299 for the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro Max, pushing the base Pro tier past the AUD$2,000 mark with an entry price increase (+AUD$100) across both models compared to the previous generation.
- The headline upgrade centres on a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera equipped with a six-blade mechanical variable aperture, allowing photographers to physically shift between ƒ/1.48, ƒ/1.8, ƒ/2.8, and ƒ/4.0 settings for precise exposure and depth-of-field control.
- Apple's book-style iPhone Ultra, expected to be unveiled next week, reportedly uses two UTG layers, with the display sandwiched between them, isolating it from direct contact with the hinge.
- The method, pioneered by Apple, is meant to spread mechanical stress across multiple layers to improve durability and reduce visible creasing over time.
- Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
- Command center staff can click on a high-risk work item and immediately view cameras in the surrounding area, Xu said.
- AI cameras have been introduced in key areas to identify and capture potential hazards, including workers not wearing personal protective equipment properly, entry into dangerous areas, smoking and signs of fire, Xu said.