iPhone 18 Pro Max variable aperture shows promise in first tests

TechRadar’s Lance Ulanoff says the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s new variable aperture could significantly expand the phone’s photography possibilities, although his assessment is based on limited early use.

The physical aperture is available on the main camera. It uses interlocked blades that open and close as the aperture changes, controlling both the amount of light and how much of the scene remains in focus. The other cameras retain fixed apertures.

Ulanoff compared variable-aperture photography with Portrait Mode, which uses software to create and adjust background blur. He photographed a drying leaf, himself, and statues. The leaf comparison was the most convincing: Portrait Mode struggled with the curling stem, while the variable-aperture image kept the leaf complete and produced a more natural background blur.

He saw similar differences in selfies, where Portrait Mode could leave artificial-looking sharp areas and separate the subject from the surrounding environment. A photo of the Gertrude Stein statue also showed a preference for the more realistic blur from the physical aperture.

Ulanoff says the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s additional controls for shutter speed, exposure, and focus are enjoyable to use. He still sees smartphone-camera limits, but believes the results look closer to pro-level photography. His main disappointment is that only the main camera has a variable aperture.