Apple gives older iPhone owners a free satellite connectivity bonus — but inexplicably locks them out of the iPhone 18 Pro’s new camera controls

Apple has announced new Pro controls and Photographic Styles for its latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo. These features offer enhanced control over smartphone images, with tools for adjusting white balance, manually tweaking aperture and shutter speeds, consulting histograms, and more. Photographic Styles provide presets and filters with precise controls for grain and texture.

However, it appears that these new features are limited to the latest iPhones, specifically the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Duo. Users of older iPhone models, such as those from the iPhone 17 series or earlier, will not have access to these enhancements.

On a brighter note, Apple has quietly extended its free satellite connectivity features for older iPhone models. This extension applies to devices from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 ranges. Users of these devices will still be able to enjoy features like Emergency SOS via satellite, Messages via satellite, Find My via satellite, and Roadside Assistance via satellite for another year, despite the original plan to phase out this service.

While the new Photographic Styles and Pro controls may be locked behind newer iPhone models, the extended satellite connectivity benefits provide a valuable perk for owners of older iPhones.