Home · Technology · Sep 25 archive
iPhone 18 Pro's Camera Upgrades Draw Expert Analysis
Confirmed
In Short: Photographer and videographer Tyler Stalman joined The MacRumors Show to discuss the iPhone 18 Pro's camera upgrades and new features, including the Reference Image mode, Smart Take, Kid Cue, and Duo Preview.
Photographer and videographer Tyler Stalman joined The MacRumors Show to discuss the iPhone 18 Pro's camera upgrades and new features, including the Reference Image mode, Smart Take, Kid Cue, and Duo Preview. Stalman examined whether the new camera is a compelling reason to upgrade and how its features affect everyday shooting.
The iPhone 18 Pro's main camera combines a new 48-megapixel sensor, a faster variable-aperture lens, and updated image processing. The camera's new lens admits about 45% more light on aperture values alone, or just over half an exposure stop, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture.
Apple claims the new camera system offers around 50% better low-light performance. The camera defaults to ƒ/1.8, close to the 17 Pro's fixed aperture, but the new sensor and processing still affect photos taken at that setting. The Pro Controls add manual aperture, shutter speed, and white balance adjustments, plus a live histogram directly in the native Camera app.
The iPhone 18 Pro models launched today with an upgraded main camera and new features like updated Photographic Styles, auto subject tracking, and Pro Controls for manual adjustments. Pricing starts at $1,199. Apple is promoting the iPhone 18 Pro with a new Shot on iPhone ad featuring Blackpink member ROSÉ's latest music video, which was filmed using the iPhone 18 Pro.
Apple's video for the ad shows some of the footage as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the filming equipment. Many of Apple's Shot on iPhone videos pair the iPhone with high-end filming rigs for stability and cinematic effects. Apple has worked with several other musicians in the past for Shot on iPhone music videos, including The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo.
The new iPhone models feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, making it challenging to decide which one to buy. Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, could arrive with a starting price of at least $2,000, but the premium device may not offer every feature found on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
According to MacRumors, Apple is expected to make several compromises to achieve the foldable’s ultra-thin design. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reportedly called the camera system the most likely disappointment for buyers. The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to start at no less than $1,999, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimating $2,000-$2,500.
Background
Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models feature an upgraded main camera and new software controls.
Apple introduces new camera features and modes for its iPhone 18 Pro, enhancing user interaction and convenience.
What's confirmed
- Photographer and videographer Tyler Stalman joined The MacRumors Show to discuss the iPhone 18 Pro's camera upgrades and new features, including the Reference Image mode, Smart Take, Kid Cue, and Duo Preview. Stalman examined whether the new camera is a compelling reason to upgrade and how its features affect everyday shooting.
- The iPhone 18 Pro's main camera combines a new 48-megapixel sensor, a faster variable-aperture lens, and updated image processing. The camera's new lens admits about 45% more light on aperture values alone, or just over half an exposure stop, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture.
- Apple claims the new camera system offers around 50% better low-light performance. The camera defaults to ƒ/1.8, close to the 17 Pro's fixed aperture, but the new sensor and processing still affect photos taken at that setting. The Pro Controls add manual aperture, shutter speed, and white balance adjustments, plus a live histogram directly in the native Camera app.
- The iPhone 18 Pro models launched today with an upgraded main camera and new features like updated Photographic Styles, auto subject tracking, and Pro Controls for manual adjustments. Pricing starts at $1,199. Apple is promoting the iPhone 18 Pro with a new Shot on iPhone ad featuring Blackpink member ROSÉ's latest music video, which was filmed using the iPhone 18 Pro.
- Apple's video for the ad shows some of the footage as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the filming equipment. Many of Apple's Shot on iPhone videos pair the iPhone with high-end filming rigs for stability and cinematic effects. Apple has worked with several other musicians in the past for Shot on iPhone music videos, including The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Rodrigo.
- The new iPhone models feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, making it challenging to decide which one to buy. Apple’s first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, could arrive with a starting price of at least $2,000, but the premium device may not offer every feature found on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
- According to MacRumors, Apple is expected to make several compromises to achieve the foldable’s ultra-thin design. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reportedly called the camera system the most likely disappointment for buyers. The iPhone Ultra is reportedly expected to start at no less than $1,999, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimating $2,000-$2,500.
What's still developing
- Reference Image leaves room for creative editing while giving photographers a way to show what the sensor captured, provided they enabled the mode before taking the shot.
- Smart Take can capture a group photo when everyone is posing, Kid Cue plays animations on the outer display to draw a child's attention, and Duo Preview lets subjects see a live view of a photo being taken of them with the rear camera.
- Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Michael Fisher, Kayci Lacob, Kevin Nether, John Gruber, Mark Gurman, Jon Prosser, Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Sam Kohl, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
- For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 while offering the features listed above.
- These could include changes to biometric security, cameras, buttons, SIM support and 5G connectivity.
- While some details remain based on reports and rumours, the omissions could make the device a surprising proposition for buyers paying a significant premium over Apple’s conventional flagship iPhones.
- Both displays are expected to have front cameras, with the inner display reportedly featuring a 24-megapixel under-display sensor.
- Must Read: Inside Apple’s CEO transition: Tim Cook’s $47M board role, John Ternus era, and App Store shakeup The foldable is expected to feature two 48-megapixel rear cameras - Wide and Ultra Wide, instead of a third Telephoto lens.
- Dummy models reportedly show no Action button or silent switch.