iPhone 18 Pro adds manual camera controls and variable aperture

Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro with a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera featuring a variable aperture, giving users manual control over light intake and depth of field for the first time. The aperture system uses six laser-cut polymer blades thinner than a human hair, automatically adjusting to lighting conditions, such as opening 50% more in dark areas. New Pro Controls allow manual white balance, shutter speed, aperture, and skin texture adjustments, plus AI-powered smart focus tracking. Apple also introduced Apple Reference Image, a pixel-level secure signature that verifies photo authenticity as a "digital negative." Preorders begin Sept. 12, with availability on Sept. 18.