The biggest change in the iPhone 18 Pro series is the revamped 48-megapixel main camera. But it’s not the number of megapixels that constitutes the upgrade; these are unchanged across the board.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max use a fixed aperture of f/1.78. But the new main camera on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max can switch between f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0. This means the phone can adjust the amount of light entering the camera system. In practice, a narrower aperture keeps more of the scene in focus, while a wider aperture can collect more light and create greater focal contrast between the subject and background.
Devices can make these choices automatically, which most people will likely choose. But anyone who wants more control over depth of field can manually adjust the aperture. Apple also added new manual controls for shutter speed and white balance, as well as an on-screen histogram. For at least some photographers, the “Pro” brand may seem more authentic this year.
Otherwise, both iPhone 18 Pro models have the same triple-camera setup and photographic capabilities. Besides the main camera, they include a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 48-megapixel 4x telephoto camera. Their listed resolution, focal length, and aperture specifications are unchanged from last year’s models.
Video also gets an upgrade. The rear camera’s Cinematic mode now records up to 4K at 60 frames per second, compared to 4K/30fps on the iPhone 17 Pro series. (The new model’s front camera remains limited to 4K/30 in cinematic mode.) The phones can also apply cinematic-style background effects after recording – although in our testing the results were hit or miss. Expect best results with subjects that are relatively still and clearly separated.
Another new feature, Apple Reference Image, can save sensor-signed RAW data alongside the normally processed photo, giving you a version to compare to edits. An obvious goal is to check that a photo hasn’t been altered by AI (or regular old editing). But the downside is having to film in a special mode; the function will not activate automatically with normal shots. So it makes more sense for professional photographers, journalists, and others whose work depends on image integrity.
Meanwhile, Photographic Styles 3 adds texture and grain controls. Fortunately, Apple limits the effects, so they don’t appear too processed or artificial. Texture editing adds Glow, Soft Skin, or Film effects (the latter includes an additional Grain slider). The iPhone 17 Pro series doesn’t support any of these options, although it’s hard to imagine many people upgrading for their own pleasure.
