AI Image
Teardown details the iPhone 18 Pro’s mechanical camera
The Verge • • general
Key Points:
- iFixit's teardown reveals the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feature a new variable aperture lens with a magnetic mechanical iris composed of six ultra-thin blades, allowing precise light control.
- The advanced aperture mechanism fits within the same camera footprint as the iPhone 17 Pro series, showcasing Apple's engineering prowess, though the photographic improvement is generally marginal for typical users.
- Repairing the variable aperture mechanism is highly challenging and likely impossible without specialist tools and expertise, meaning users would need to replace the entire camera assembly if it breaks.
- While the camera assembly is easy to access, the cost of replacement is expected to be higher than the iPhone 17 Pro's $249 price due to the complexity of the new lens system.
