September 24, 2026, 9:32 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple has retroactively changed its press release for the iPhone 18 Pro. Two new settings for Photographic Styles will no longer be available for older iPhone models. The affected controls are for texture and grain.
Apple Changes Announced Availability
In its press release from September 11, 2026, Apple initially announced the new settings for all iPhones that support the current generation of Photographic Styles. This included the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, the two iPhone 16 Pro models, as well as the iPhone 17, the iPhone Air, and the two variants of the iPhone 17 Pro.
In the revised version, it now states that texture and grain can only be adjusted in photos taken with the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo. However, the FaceTime camera under the internal display of the Duo is excluded from the new features.
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Texture and Grain Alter Image Effect
The texture control determines how fine details appear in the image. This can make the depiction of skin, for example, appear softer or sharper. The grain allows visible film grain to be added, giving photos an effect reminiscent of classic analog shots.
Photographic Styles alter several image settings during capture. The strength of the adjustment can vary in different areas of the image. The standard camera app delivers high-quality photos even without the two controls. The additional settings are primarily aimed at hobby photographers who want to tailor their shots more precisely.
Apple Provides No Technical Reasons
Apple neither separately announced nor technically explained the change. There is no information on possible requirements for the processor, image sensor, or memory.
A user reported on Reddit that the controls were available on his iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, they could only be applied to sample photos by photographer Austin Mann, not to his own images.
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This suggests that at least parts of the software are already present on older devices. The original wording of the press release is still documented in copies at Business Wire.