iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 Review: Variable Aperture, New Sensors, and AI Features

In this episode of The Vergecast, senior reviewers Allison Johnson and V Song discuss their in-depth reviews of the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12. They cover the new variable aperture camera, the A20 Pro chip, and the latest AI-powered features like Siri AI and audio intelligence, providing a comprehensive look at what's new and whether it's worth upgrading.

■ iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
- Variable aperture camera: how it works, its subtle benefits, and durability concerns
- New f1.48 lens and improved low-light performance
- Pro camera controls: manual shutter speed, focus, and white balance
- Siri AI improvements, including on-device indexing and practical use cases
- Upgrade recommendations and price increase

■ Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
- New sensor array with 32 electrodes and improved heart rate tracking
- Recovery HRV and readiness score for training and recovery
- Audio intelligence features: live rewind and Siri recap (not yet available)
- Health age metric and redesigned health app
- Upgrade recommendations for different watch generations

This episode is ideal for anyone considering upgrading their iPhone or Apple Watch, or curious about the latest camera and AI innovations. Viewers will gain a clear understanding of the new features, their real-world impact, and practical advice on whether to upgrade.