The Vergecast Digs Into the iPhone 18 Pro Camera, AI Safety and Waymo
The Vergecast examines the iPhone 18 Pro's variable aperture and new camera software, the AI safety debate after an Anthropic researcher's exit, and Waymo, Boox and retro cameras in its Lightning Round.
The variable aperture main lens lets users open the aperture wider for better low-light shots and make it smaller for better depth of field in group photos, according to The Verge. Despite that hardware feature, The Verge reported that most of the conversation around the iPhone 18 Pro's camera has centered on software. Imel and Johnson explored how the camera app's manual controls, imaging pipeline and ProRAW updates affect real-world shooting. The Verge described the camera as one of the most fascinating iPhone camera upgrades in years.
The Vergecast then turned to AI safety with Hayden Field. The discussion followed an Anthropic researcher's decision to quit his job to warn about the dangers of AI, according to The Verge. Concerns about AI safety are still boiling over, and any chance for policy solutions appears to have hit a dead end. The show considered whether likely interim measures, such as third-party evaluators being embedded within large AI labs, have any teeth, and where the safety conversation goes from here.
In its Lightning Round, the Vergecast discussed Waymo's ability to call the police, a new ereader from Boox, and a couple of tiny retro-style cameras. The Verge noted that more information on the topics was available in linked stories.