Walmart is finally rolling out Apple Pay and contactless payments to all U.S. stores

For the first time in years, choosing the smaller Pro model for the upcoming iPhone 18 could mean sacrificing a key camera feature: a variable aperture. According to leaker Ice Universe, the Pro Max will exclusively feature this advanced camera hardware, a claim echoed on the Chinese social platform Weibo. This would mark a significant shift in Apple's lineup strategy, drawing a more distinct line between the two Pro models rather than just scaling up specifications.

A variable aperture allows the camera to physically adjust light exposure, giving photographers more control over depth of field and other technical aspects usually found in dedicated cameras. If true, this would make the Pro Max the only model with this hardware advantage, potentially justifying its larger size and premium price.

While this is a single claim from a leaker and not an official confirmation, it would be a small but meaningful signal that Apple is treating the Pro and Pro Max as more than just two sizes of the same phone. For now, potential buyers of the smaller Pro should wait until Apple's September event to confirm if this camera upgrade will be exclusive to the Pro Max.