Is the iPhone 18 Pro camera on par with professional cameras?

Since late 2024, rumors have been circulating about the arrival of a variable aperture camera sensor on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max. This rumor was recently reiterated by the "leaker" Smart Pikachu (who has proven reliable in the past), who specifies that the component is in its final sampling stages, prior to mass production. Furthermore, a new complementary component is currently being evaluated: a teleconverter. iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, variable aperture and teleconverter on the menu? As a reminder, a variable aperture is usually reserved for professional cameras and allows adjustment of the amount of light reaching the sensor. In practical terms, more light can be captured in dark environments and it can also be limited in overly bright conditions to prevent overexposure. Furthermore, this mechanical system will allow for better control of depth of field, specifically the bokeh effect, which was previously simulated by software on the iPhone. As for the teleconverter, this is the first time we've heard of this component from the world of professional photography. This accessory increases the focal length of a compatible lens. The zoom then becomes more powerful, even if it loses some light. The component is currently only being tested and may not be included in future iPhones, although there's a good chance it will arrive starting next year.