Four ways to achieve shallow depth of field without buying the iPhone 18 Pro
The variable aperture lens of the shiny new iPhone 18 Pro goes almost one stop wider than the fixed aperture lens in its predecessor: up from f/1.78 in the iPhone 17 Pro to f/1.48 (a smaller number is wider). In principle, this will allow for slightly shallower depth of field, enabling greater separation between your subject and the background – although it’s a relatively small difference . But…
The new iPhone 18 Pro boasts a variable aperture lens, allowing for a wider opening compared to its predecessor. This results in a slightly shallower depth of field, creating a more pronounced separation between the subject and the background. However, there are four alternative methods to achieve shallow depth of field (DOF) with older iPhone models.
The most apparent method is utilizing Portrait mode, designed to create a clear distinction between the subject and the background. This effect is achieved through computational photography, aided by the iPhone's LiDAR sensor (in compatible models) to identify the subject and apply an artificial blur to the rest of the image. While early versions were rudimentary, the feature has improved significantly over recent years.
The second approach involves engaging the Macro mode, automatically activated when you approach an object closely. In this mode, the iPhone utilizes the wide-angle camera, enabling extremely close focusing. Consequently, only a small portion of the image will be in focus, with the surrounding area blurred. To ensure optimal results, you may need to clean the camera lens before attempting to photograph with this mode, as evidenced by the yellow flower icon appearing in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Another technique to achieve a similar effect is by employing the standard camera while getting very close to the subject. Before capturing the image, simply tap on the desired object or person to set the focus. An added advantage of this method is that it doesn't require the use of computational photography, making it a more straightforward option.
Lastly, the focal length of the camera lens plays a role in determining the depth of field. All other factors remaining constant, a longer focal length leads to a shallower depth of field. Thus, employing the telephoto lens on an iPhone can help achieve a blurred background. This technique is particularly effective when photographing people, especially with the iPhone 15 Pro and later models, due to their extended focal lengths.
However, upgrading to the latest iPhone 18 Pro model is not a necessity if background blur is your primary objective – there are other methods available. For more Apple news, check out 9to5Mac on YouTube.
Written by urgent.news from 9to5Mac's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
