Apple’s Final Cut Camera app is getting updated on Tuesday with support for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max’s camera, adding the ability to take advantage of the phone’s variable aperture and Cinematic mode effects.

The app update, announced in a post on Apple’s newsroom, includes a redesign that’s available for any iPhone. It provides easier access to commonly used settings like white balance and ISO, along with customizable overlays. 

But iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max owners will get the most from this update, since it provides the ability to dial in to the variable aperture — allowing you to open it widely to let in more light or to close it to focus in on closer subjects. The camera app update also unlocks Cinematic mode effects for regular video, allowing for adjustments to focus points and depth of field when editing footage in Apple’s Final Cut Pro app.

The update to the Final Cut Camera app arrives on Apple’s App Store roughly 10 days after the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with both phones debuting Pro controls in the standard camera app. Thus far, that’s included preset variable aperture settings that can be toggled between, as well as shutter speed settings that let photographers experiment with lighting.

The Final Cut Camera app focuses on video recording and includes additional features like creating a Live Multicam session that connects up to four devices running the recording software. While most people will be just fine using the video recording settings in the standard camera app, Apple’s Final Cut Camera app puts a particular emphasis on professional-level video recording.

For instance, Apple recently used the iPhone 18 Pro Max to broadcast a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants baseball game. Apple also used last year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max in similar broadcast environments. 

Mike Sorrentino

Senior Editor

Mike Sorrentino is a Senior Editor for Mobile, covering phones, texting apps and smartwatches -- obsessing about how we can make the most of them. Mike also keeps an eye out on the movie and toy industry, and outside of work enjoys biking and pizza making. See full bio