Apple announced that both iPhone 18 Pro models will feature a variable aperture camera. Earlier speculation had indicated the technology might be reserved for the iPhone 18 Pro Max alone. The company created an assembly of six laser-cut blades, each thinner than a human hair, that automatically adapts to scenes and admits approximately 50% more light in darker conditions while enabling post-capture cinematic effects and 60 fps half-speed video.
The company created an assembly of six laser-cut blades, each thinner than a human hair and fashioned from a specialized polymer composite chosen to deliver the necessary combination of mass, flexibility and durability.
The aperture automatically adapts to the captured scene and, in darker conditions, opens to admit approximately 50% more light.
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Retail stores worldwide began selling Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max alongside the Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 on September 18, 2026, with CEO John Ternus leading launch events at flagship locations.
iOS 27.1 will be released by October 23 to coincide with the iPhone Duo launch and bring Siri AI support for five new languages. The update is also expected to deliver two features that Apple delayed from the initial iOS 27 release.
Apple has raised prices by $100 on the iPhone 16, full iPhone 17 lineup and iPhone Air immediately after unveiling the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, according to The Verge. The move means an affordable iPhone now costs more than it did yesterday.
Apple introduced the C2 modem with the iPhone Duo announcement, promising meaningfully faster uploads, 15% lower power consumption, and mmWave support in the US. Fully integrated with the A20 Pro and iOS 27, the platform uses AI algorithms to strengthen connection reliability in weak signal areas.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported ahead of today's event that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will include a smaller Dynamic Island capable of displaying up to three simultaneous Live Activities. The change would double the previous maximum of two.
