iPhone 18 Pro Enhances Camera Professionalism with Physical Variable Aperture

Apple's latest smartphone, the iPhone 18 Pro model, has introduced meaningful changes in design, internal architecture, and camera functions compared to its predecessor. According to a Home Appliance Housewife video, this model is characterized by enhanced hardware performance and user convenience, living up to the evaluation of being "the experiment of odd numbers, the perfection of even numbers."

Reduction in Dynamic Island Size and Changes in Sensor Placement

One of the noticeable changes in the exterior of this iPhone 18 Pro is the reduction in the size of the Dynamic Island. This is because the technology to hide the TrueDepth sensor module, which was previously exposed alongside the front camera, under the screen pixels has been applied. The pixels at the sensor's location are specially arranged so that infrared light can pass through the screen and be delivered to the sensor. It achieves a smooth screen where it is difficult to confirm the presence of the sensor with the naked eye. However, the video also expressed anticipation for design changes in the next version, such as UDC (Under Display Camera) or a punch-hole type front design.

In terms of design, the position of the rear Apple logo has moved higher than in the previous model. Since the position is aligned centered on the flesh part of the logo, it may be difficult to feel a significant difference from the predecessor when a case is attached. The materials consist of an aluminum unibody with Ceramic Shield on the rear and Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. Regarding colors, Glacier and Silver are available; Glacier has a two-tone feel that can look like Silver depending on the light. In the case of the Silver model, the rear is close to white, making it look overall brighter, and it is characterized by a high sense of unity between the rear color and the logo.

Improvements in Heat and Battery via A20 Pro Chip and Vapor Chamber

Regarding internal performance, the 'A20 Pro', Apple's first E-nanometer process chip, is installed. This chip has improved GPU graphics performance by up to 40% compared to the predecessor, and the memory bandwidth has increased by 50%, allowing it to process Apple Intelligence functions even faster. Of particular note is the evolution of the heat management system. The vapor chamber structure introduced in the predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro, has been further strengthened.

To disperse heat, graphite sheets with high thermal conductivity and nano-twin copper materials have been applied to the display laminate. This structure widely disperses the heat generated by the A20 Pro chip toward the back of the screen. Thanks to this design, battery usage time has also increased. The Pro model provides up to 3 hours more usage time, and the Pro Max provides up to 5 hours more. Charging speed has also been improved; when using a 60W or higher USB-C cable and an adapter that supports USB PD 3.1 or higher with variable voltage supply technology, 50% of the battery can be charged in 15 minutes. For MagSafe chargers, 50% charging is possible in 30 minutes when using a 35W or higher adapter.

Introduction of Physical Variable Aperture and Professional Camera Functions

The core of this series is the professionalization of camera functions. For the first time in an iPhone, a physical variable aperture has been installed in the 48-megapixel Fusion main camera. The aperture values support a total of four stages, such as f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8, and f/4.0, and can also be used in Auto mode. Depending on the aperture value, the degree of background blur (bokeh) is expressed differently, creating a difference when shooting portraits. However, it was found that the ghosting phenomenon, a chronic problem with iPhones, still persists.

Professional shooting functions have also been significantly enhanced on the software side. A menu system has been introduced where users can edit and arrange frequently used menus (photo aspect ratios 16:9, 4:3, timer, etc.). Additionally, the 'Focus Tracking' function, which focuses on a moving object by quickly double-tapping the screen, and the 'Focus Correction' function, which allows users to specify the lens (ultra-wide, wide, telephoto) they want to focus on, have been added, allowing it to produce effects like a professional camera beyond a smartphone. A new 'Texture' setting function has also been added, allowing users to adjust skin smoothness, glow, and film grain after taking a photo. Texture settings are applied after the shot is taken, and the intensity of skin smoothness, etc., can also be checked in the preview screen.

The video analyzed that while the changes in this model may be meaningful for users who perform professional shooting or enjoy high-intensity gaming, there may be a lack of a decisive reason for general users to replace their devices simply for performance or heat management. However, users who were using models at or below the iPhone 15 are expected to feel a clear difference in heat management and battery life improvement due to the introduction of the vapor chamber.