iPhone 18 Pro Review: Physical Aperture and AI Upgrades
We reviewed the new iPhone 18 Pro, testing its A20 Pro processor, physical variable aperture camera, and AI Siri features provided by iDigital.
The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max brings back the classic debate between iOS and Android. We tested the new Pro model, courtesy of iDigital, to evaluate Apple's latest hardware and software innovations.
Design and Build
Externally, the iPhone 18 Pro is virtually identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro. It retains the same dimensions, screen size of 6.3 inches, and button placement, with the weight increasing slightly by a few grams to 211 grams. The build quality remains exceptionally sturdy, featuring Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and Ceramic Shield on the back, alongside IP68 water and dust resistance.
The Dynamic Island at the top of the screen has been slightly reduced in size, freeing up more display space. It now supports up to three concurrent live activities instead of two.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the device is powered by the new A20 Pro processor paired with 12GB of RAM. Apple claims a 20% performance boost. The phone operates smoothly and handles heavy tasks and gaming without noticeable overheating. Battery capacity has also seen a modest increase, supporting rapid charging that brings the device from 15% to 50% in just ten minutes using a fast charger.
Software and AI Features
iOS 27 introduces several updates, including customizable transparency for the Liquid Glass interface. A major addition is the beta version of AI Siri, which requires changing the device's system language to English and joining a waiting list. AI Siri can also be accessed as a standalone app resembling other conversational AI assistants, handling natural language and extracting event details directly from camera viewfinders or text messages.
Cameras with Physical Aperture Control
The camera system receives the most significant upgrade. While utilizing three 48-megapixel sensors—main, 4x telephoto, and ultra-wide—the main camera introduces a physical variable aperture. Users can manually select between four aperture settings or rely on automatic adjustment to control incoming light and depth of field.
Verdict
Starting at approximately 5,500 NIS for the 256GB model at iDigital, the iPhone 18 Pro offers compelling upgrades for mobile photography enthusiasts due to its physical aperture control. However, users with iPhone 16 or 17 models who do not require manual camera controls can access most software features via iOS 27 without upgrading.
