The iPhone 18 Pro series introduces a variable aperture for the first time, and the teardown video shows that the aperture blades are affected by the proximity of magnets

The iPhone 18 Pro series introduces a variable aperture design for the first time. (Photo/Reuters)

The iPhone 18 Pro series introduced variable aperture for the first time this year, becoming one of the most anticipated upgrades of the new phone. However, a recent teardown video unexpectedly sparked another wave of discussion. While disassembling the phone, the well-known YouTube channel Phone Repair Guru discovered that as long as a magnet is brought close to the camera module, the aperture blades will close immediately, which also made many netizens curious whether strong magnets may interfere with this new camera system.

Magnets affect variable aperture? Teardown footage sparks heated debate

When Phone Repair Guru dismantled the iPhone 18 Pro series camera module, he especially studied the variable aperture structure. The main camera uses 6 aperture blades, providing a total of 4 adjustable aperture levels: f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4. Judging from the direct movement of the blades when the magnet is close, he speculated that Apple may drive the aperture through a miniature electromagnetic motor, which uses a coil to generate a magnetic field, and then controls the opening and closing of the six aperture blades through the internal rotating structure.

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YTR actually measured that when a magnet is brought close, the aperture blades of the iPhone 18 Pro series will close. (Picture/reproduced by YT)

After this footage was exposed, it immediately aroused heated discussions among netizens. Some people said, "Don't you have to stay away from magnets? But the iPhone itself has MagSafe." Others believed that what really needs attention should be magnets with particularly strong magnetic force, not ordinary MagSafe accessories.

Apple warns that magnetic accessories may affect cameras, not for variable apertures

Foreign media reported that Apple has actually warned in the past that magnetic accessories may interfere with the iPhone camera. According to Apple’s official statement, some iPhones have OIS optical image anti-shock and closed-loop autofocus functions. The positioning sensor in the lens will react to the magnetic field. If a strong magnet is too close, it may cause interference and even temporarily prevent the sensor from functioning properly. Once affected, it may not only reduce the accuracy of the sensor, but also limit the range of movement of the lens. Although the camera can still achieve shock-proof shooting through other methods, the effects of OIS and closed-loop autofocus may not work properly.

Apple also reminds that some third-party mobile phone cases, car mounts and other accessories may use strong magnets or magnetic metal plates close to the rear lens of the iPhone. In order to maintain the best performance of the camera, it is recommended to avoid placing such magnetic accessories too close to the rear lens. However, it is worth noting that Apple’s explanation only explains that magnetic accessories may interfere with the iPhone camera, and is not designed for variable aperture.

However, it is worth noting that this official statement from Apple is mainly to remind that magnetic accessories may interfere with the OIS and closed-loop autofocus system of the iPhone camera, and is not specifically aimed at the variable aperture design of the iPhone 18 Pro series. In other words, it can only be confirmed that during the disassembly test, the external magnetic field will indeed cause the aperture blades to react. As for whether it will cause actual damage to the variable aperture, there is still no official evidence to confirm at this stage.

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