Fact check
AI analysis“The same four aperture settings are used when the native iOS camera app adjusts the iris in Auto aperture mode.”
Reasoning
Apple’s newsroom and support pages state that the native Camera app selects among four physical apertures (f/1.5, f/2.2, f/2.8, f/4.0) in Auto aperture mode. However, an iFixit teardown found only three mechanical aperture positions, with the f/4.0 setting achieved through digital processing rather than a physical iris movement. The Verge notes the transition appears seamless and may not follow strict steps. This contradictory evidence means the claim that the app adjusts the iris using the same four settings is disputed.
On confidence: Both Apple’s official statements and independent teardown evidence exist, creating a clear conflict without definitive resolution.
Important context
If the f/4.0 aperture is simulated digitally, the claim that the iris itself moves to four distinct positions is inaccurate, even though the app may present four exposure options to the user. Marketing language may oversimplify the underlying hardware behavior.
Evidence
Supporting (2)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceApple introduces iPhone 18 Pro with four‑aperture camera system
The new iPhone 18 Pro features a four‑aperture camera system (f/1.5, f/2.2, f/2.8, f/4.0). In Auto aperture mode the native Camera app automatically selects among these four settings to optimise exposure.
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceUse the iPhone camera: aperture and exposure
When you shoot in Photo mode with Auto aperture, the Camera app switches between the four available apertures (f/1.5, f/2.2, f/2.8, f/4.0) depending on lighting conditions.
Contradicting (1)
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originiPhone 18 Pro camera module analysis shows three aperture positions
Our teardown reveals that the iris mechanism only moves between three discrete positions, corresponding to f/1.5, f/2.2, and f/2.8; the f/4.0 setting is achieved via digital processing, not a physical aperture.
Contextual (1)
- Tier 2 — Independent reportingindependent originiPhone 18 Pro camera review: how Auto aperture works
In Auto mode the Camera app appears to toggle between the four advertised apertures, but the transition is seamless and the app may prioritize exposure over strict aperture steps.
Limitations
We lack direct technical documentation from Apple confirming the mechanical design, and teardown results could be interpreted differently. Future hardware revisions or software updates could change the behavior.
- Last verified:
- Sep 26, 2026, 5:21 PM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 0.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
These camera apps give you more control over the iPhone 18 Pro’s apertureThe Verge