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Halide Mark III update brings full iPhone 18 Pro aperture control

The Halide Mark III camera app update adds support for the iPhone 18 Pro main camera variable aperture, letting users select any f-stop from f/1.48 to f/4.0.

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01 Oct 2026Source: The Verge2 min read (0 views)
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Halide Mark III update brings full iPhone 18 Pro aperture control

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

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  • Halide Mark III update supports iPhone 18 Pro aperture
  • Users can freely choose any f-stop from f/1.48 to f/4.0
  • Introduces two new photography looks: Dawn and Quicksilver

Lux Optics has released a new update for its anti-algorithm Halide camera app, bringing support for the variable aperture on the main camera of the new iPhone 18 Pro alongside two fresh photography looks for iPhone and iPad users. While Halide is not the first alternative to the native iOS camera app to adopt this hardware feature, it delivers much finer granularity over aperture settings than rival third-party applications.

The native iOS camera app restricts aperture adjustments to just four presets, and competitor apps like BlackMagic Camera and Moment Pro Camera II expand that selection to 10 presets in 1/3 stop increments, comparable to traditional standalone digital cameras. However, Halide Mark III pushes boundaries further by allowing users to select any exact f-stop setting ranging from f/1.48 all the way down to f/4.0.

f/1.48Widest available f-stop setting
f/4.0Narrowest available f-stop setting

The developers behind Halide noted that although it is difficult to spot any noticeable visual difference between f/4.0 and f/3.99, the precise option remains readily available. Furthermore, the development team is currently evaluating the inclusion of pre-set f-stop shortcuts in forthcoming software updates based directly on user feedback.

Granular aperture control represents a major milestone for mobile photography, empowering creators to manipulate depth of field and light intake in ways previously exclusive to DSLR and mirrorless cameras. By bypassing rigid presets in favor of continuous f-stop selection, third-party apps like Halide maximize the advanced hardware capabilities of the iPhone 18 Pro for professional-grade shooting workflows.

mobile photography camera settings interface dark

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Building upon the film simulation engine and multiple photographic looks introduced earlier this year with Halide Mark III, today's update introduces two distinct aesthetic profiles to the collection:

  • Dawn: Applies filmic warmth across mid-tones and highlights while maintaining gentle, rich shadows.
  • Quicksilver: Combines high contrast with muted colors, drawing direct inspiration from silver-retention processes.

Source: The Verge

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