The iPhone 18 Pro series introduces Apple's first variable aperture camera, a key feature highlighted in iFixit's detailed teardown of the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. The system uses six microscopic "leaf-shaped" aperture blades driven by tiny electromagnets on an intricate ring. Under a microscope, iFixit confirmed the blades are as thin as a human hair, validating Apple's engineering claims. The teardown video focuses on the camera mechanism starting at the 7:25 mark.

Beyond the aperture, the devices feature significantly larger vapor chambers covering nearly the entire rear interior for improved thermal management. A notable hardware difference exists in connectivity: the US model of the 18 Pro Max utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, while all other 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max variants rely on Apple's in-house C2 modem.

Despite the complex new camera hardware, iFixit awarded the 18 Pro series a 7/10 repairability score, matching the rating given to the iPhone 17 Pro series.