iPhone 18 Pro camera upgrades — everything we know about the new sensor

Apple has officially announced its upcoming iPhone event on September 9, using the tagline "Surprise and Sunshine." While the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra will likely take center stage, we can also expect to see the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. The base iPhone 18 and iPhone 18 Plus are reportedly making their debut in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18e.

Based on current reports, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain the same triple 48MP camera setup as its predecessors, including the main, ultrawide, and 4x telephoto lenses. The camera setup will also include an 18MP Center Stage front camera, similar to the one found in the iPhone 17 Pro. However, Apple is rumored to be refining the Camera Control button, which was introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro.

There are mixed opinions on this button, with some praising its functionality and others criticizing it. The new iteration of the button is expected to remove its capacitive capabilities but retain its ability to adjust settings.

One notable difference between the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may be the cameras. The Pro Max model could potentially benefit from a longer zoom and a variable-aperture camera. Rumors suggest that the Pro Max could achieve a 6x optical zoom, while the Pro model would only offer a 5x zoom. Additionally, there is speculation that Apple is introducing a variable-aperture camera to at least one model, which could provide users with greater manual control over depth of field.

This feature would result in sharper close-ups and improved performance in low-light situations. However, it remains unclear whether this feature will be available on both Pro models or exclusively on the Pro Max. It is also speculated that the thinner iPhone 18 Pro may not accommodate the necessary mechanics for a variable lens. We will have to wait less than two weeks to discover the final details.