iOS 18 Camera App: Everything New and Improved
With iOS 18, Apple introduced several upgrades across its built-in apps, and the Camera app received a handful of small but genuinely useful improvements. While the changes may not completely redesign the camera experience, they add more convenience, flexibility, and quality-of-life enhancements for everyday photography and video recording.
From new timer options to smarter portrait controls and uninterrupted music playback while recording videos, iOS 18 makes the iPhone camera experience smoother and more versatile than before.
Here’s a closer look at all the new Camera app features in iOS 18.
A New 5-Second Timer Option
Apple has expanded the Camera app’s timer controls by adding a new 5-second timer option.
Previously, users could only choose between 3-second and 10-second timers, which sometimes felt either too short or unnecessarily long depending on the situation. The new 5-second setting offers a more balanced option, making it easier to prepare for group photos, selfies, or tripod shots without rushing.
Although it’s a small addition, it gives users more flexibility when capturing timed photos.
Faster Flash Controls
Managing flash settings is now quicker in iOS 18.
Instead of navigating through additional camera controls, users can simply press and hold the flash icon inside the Camera app to instantly access flash options, including:
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Auto
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On
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Off
In previous iOS versions, these controls were tucked away behind the extra settings menu. The new long-press shortcut makes adjusting flash behavior much more convenient while taking photos.
A normal tap on the flash icon still quickly toggles flash on or off as before.
Music No Longer Stops During Video Recording
One of the most practical updates in iOS 18 is the ability to continue playing music while recording videos.
Previously, starting a video recording in the Camera app would automatically pause any audio playing on the iPhone. With iOS 18, users can enable a new “Allow Audio Playback” setting that lets music continue playing even while recording video.
The feature works both through the iPhone speaker and connected Bluetooth devices, making it easier to record casual moments, behind-the-scenes clips, or social media videos without interrupting playback.
The option can be found in:
Settings → Camera → Allow Audio Playback
This change is especially useful for creators who frequently shoot short-form content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
Improved Portrait Features on iPhone 15 Models
Apple also expanded its next-generation Portrait capabilities in iOS 18, particularly for iPhone 15 and newer devices.
Last year, Apple introduced automatic portrait data capture in standard Photo mode. Instead of manually switching to Portrait mode, the iPhone can now automatically save depth information whenever it detects a person, pet, or subject in a scene.
This allows users to take a normal photo first and then apply Portrait blur effects later in the Photos app.
With iOS 18, Apple improves this system further by adding:
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Portrait Lighting controls in standard Photo mode
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Support for Night mode portraits
These additions make portrait photography more flexible, especially in low-light environments where Portrait mode previously struggled.
The ability to edit depth-of-field effects after taking the photo also continues to be one of the most useful modern iPhone camera features.
Small Changes That Improve Everyday Photography
Although the Camera app updates in iOS 18 are relatively modest compared to larger iOS redesigns, they focus on practical usability improvements that many users will appreciate in daily use.
The new timer option makes self-timed photos more convenient, flash controls are easier to access, uninterrupted music playback improves video recording workflows, and Portrait enhancements give users more creative flexibility without requiring mode switching.
These updates may seem minor individually, but together they make the Camera app feel more polished, modern, and user-friendly across the entire iPhone experience.