Apple's iPhone 18 Pro features a new variable aperture, expanded camera controls, a new chip, and better battery life, according to a review that describes the device as "absurdly fast" and "full-featured." The report notes that while the smartphone is "cooler to the touch" in many situations due to improved thermals, the design has not changed significantly since the iPhone 17 Pro. The review suggests that the iPhone 18 Pro may be eclipsed by hype surrounding the iPhone Duo this year, yet it remains comparable in quality to its immediate predecessor.
The new camera controls are presented as a welcome addition for users seeking granular mobile photography options, addressing the iPhone's historical reputation for inflexibly opinionated computational photography. Beyond the camera updates, the most important changes are internal, specifically the new chip and enhanced thermals which provide better sustained performance. The review frames these updates within the context of Apple's Tim Cook era drawing to a close, observing that more design experimentation is expected in future iterations.