Photographer Tyler Stalman reviews the iPhone 18 Pro’s new camera with variable aperture

Marcus Mendes· Sep 17, 2026 · 1:24 AM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 7 views

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TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Photographer Tyler Stalman reviewed the iPhone 18 Pro, highlighting its new variable aperture system as a significant step toward making the device a serious camera tool. He noted that the wider f/1.48 aperture improves low-light performance by allowing more light to reach the sensor, thereby reducing the need for Night mode. The review also covered new texture controls, AI editing features, and comparisons with previous iPhone models, while advising photographers on color choices to minimize unwanted reflections.

Key facts

▪The iPhone 18 Pro features a new variable aperture system with a wider f/1.48 opening that helps lower ISO in low-light conditions.
▪Stalman recommends Burgundy or Black color options for professional photographers to avoid unwanted color casts in reflections.
▪The review compares the new 4x zoom lens favorably against the previous 5x zoom, which was sometimes considered too tight.
▪New Photographic Styles include texture controls like Soft Skin, Glow, and Film, with the Film effect offering grain and halation effects.
▪Stalman observed that while AI editing tools are impressive, they can alter images significantly enough to reduce their perceived authenticity.

How this story was covered

4 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 13 hours. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: centre. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.

Centre · 3

▪ The iPhone 18 Pro Max has taken some of my favorite images EVER by an iPhone — Mashable
▪ The iPhone 18 Pro Max Has Taken Some of My Favorite Images Ever by an iPhone — CNET
▪ iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Review: Fastest phones ever, variable aperture camera soars — Tom's Guide

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Original publisher	9to5Mac
Canonical URL	https://9to5mac.com/2026/09/16/photographer-tyler-stalman-reviews-the-iphone-18-pros-new-camera-with-variable-aperture/
Publication time	Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:24:30 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-09-17T01:28:41.689Z
Last seen	2026-09-17T01:28:41.689Z
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