Apple’s upcoming film, F1: The Movie, features a groundbreaking camera system built with iPhone parts to capture high-speed Formula 1 footage. 
This exclusive system was developed to meet the unique recording demands of the sport, especially when it comes to driver-view footage.
The custom camera solution was designed with racing in mind, prioritizing live streaming over the typical focus on quality or post-production. Apple engineers, however, rose to the challenge by creating a camera module that preserved the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties while providing a top-tier filming experience.
The heart of the system is an iPhone camera sensor, paired with a custom version of iOS and a powerful A-series processor-likely the A17 Pro. This setup was capable of capturing ProRES footage in LOG encoding, a format ideal for professional post-production work.
The technical setup included:
- A 48 MP iPhone camera sensor
- An A-series chip for image processing
- An iPhone battery for power
- A neutral density (ND) filter to manage exposure
Notably, the system lacked wireless controls, so operators used a USB-C connection and a special iPad app to adjust frame rates, white balance, and other settings. The innovation didn’t stop with just F1, as some of the lessons learned may have influenced the iPhone 15 Pro’s new filming features like LOG recording and ACES support.
This unique integration of mobile technology into a high-speed, high-vibration environment speaks volumes about Apple’s innovative approach to cinematography.
While Apple’s tech has garnered attention, it also faces challenges with Apple TV+ reportedly losing over $1 billion annually despite its 45 million subscribers. With high content investments and limited viewership, the platform remains one of Apple’s few unprofitable services.
Apple’s approach to filmmaking is not entirely unique-other manufacturers like Samsung and Sony have also used their smartphones in cinematic projects. Samsung’s partnership with Sir Ridley Scott for the film Behold and Sony’s collaboration on Kilian’s Game showcase how phone cameras have grown closer to professional film quality. These efforts may be marketing-driven, but they reflect the increasing potential of smartphones in filmmaking.