(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Apple’s fall iPhone launch is tipped for a major shakeup this year because the company isn't launching all of its typical models at the same time. The base iPhone 18 could be delayed until next year, while the iPhone Ultra (Fold) might debut at another time, possibly in the winter.That leaves the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max as the likeliest models Apple ends up revealing at its usual fall launch event. I’ve tested every iPhone ever released, and these new models have a lot to prove if they want to be memorable. Not only will I break down all the biggest upgrades they’re expected to get, but I’ll also tell you how they stack up against my favorite iPhones of all time.iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max: Biggest rumorsVariable aperture
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)Out of all the rumors floating around, the one about the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max getting a variable aperture is the most intriguing. As a camera buff who routinely puts Apple’s devices through intense photo shootouts against the best camera phones on the market, this upgrade has me genuinely excited.While variable apertures in phones are nothing new, this would be a first for an iPhone. Introducing one to the iPhone 18 Pro models would allow shooters to switch the aperture to something other than the fixed f/1.78 currently used by the iPhone 17 Pro series.The average person probably won’t have much need for changing apertures, but it is incredibly helpful for dialing in a specific photographic look. For example, you could close the aperture down to f/4.0 or f/8.0 to slow down your shutter speed for a long exposure, making water ripples look silky smooth. Conversely, you could open it wide to f/1.78 to create real separation between your subject and the background.If this rumor turns out to be true, I just hope Apple finally gives us a true manual mode for photos and videos to actually let us control it.Larger capacity battery
