One of the puzzling limitations of the iPhone 18 Pro’s new main camera with its variable aperture is that you’re only offered four settings in the native iOS camera app: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4. However, these limitations aren’t strictly tied to the hardware – Apple’s SDK allows third-party camera apps to implement more granular control.
Two such apps, Moment Pro Camera II and Blackmagic Camera, offer 10 aperture presets, allowing adjustment in 1/3 stop increments. These apps were among the first to support the iPhone 18 Pro’s adjustable aperture, giving photographers more flexibility than the iOS camera app.
The iPhoneographers YouTube channel tested the new functionality in Blackmagic’s app, describing it as ‘pretty buggy’ but noting that version 3.5.1 has since improved general performance and stability. Meanwhile, Moment announced an update to its $12.99 app, also supporting the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture.
While the difference in background blur and focus depth between f-stops that differ by just 1/3 of a stop might not be noticeable, the ability to adjust the aperture in finer increments provides more control, which is always welcome for photographers.
