Imagine creating stunning, professional-looking videos without needing an expensive pro camera. With just your iPhone, you can achieve cinematic results that rival high-end equipment. In fact, some movies, such as 28 Years Later and Unsane, were shot entirely on iPhones, proving that smartphone videography has reached incredible heights. Apple’s Cinematic Mode takes this even further, transforming your iPhone into a powerful tool for storytelling.

Available on iPhone 13 models and later, Cinematic Mode brings professional-level videography to your fingertips. This feature mimics the capabilities of a DSLR camera by keeping your subject in sharp focus while artfully blurring the background, creating a stunning depth-of-field effect.

While DSLRs still lead in areas like low-light performance and dynamic range, the iPhone’s portability and advanced computational photography make it a powerful tool for everyday creators. Imagine capturing a dramatic close-up or seamlessly shifting focus between subjects—all with a device that fits in your pocket. With Cinematic Mode, storytelling has never been more accessible.

Let’s break down how you can take advantage of your iPhone’s Cinematic Mode.

Guide to shooting in Cinematic Mode

Ready to create stunning, professional-quality videos with your iPhone? Here’s a quick guide to mastering Cinematic Mode:

1. Open the Camera app and swipe right to select Cinematic Mode.
2. Tap the screen to set your initial focus point. A yellow box will appear, and the background will blur beautifully, creating that cinematic depth-of-field effect.
3. Want to lock the focus? Simply touch and hold the screen until the yellow box locks in place.
4. Hit the red recording button to start capturing your masterpiece—and tap it again to stop when you’re done.

With just a few taps, you’ll be shooting videos that look like they belong on the big screen!

Tips for focus pulling 

Focus pulling is the art of shifting focus from one subject to another within a shot, a technique that adds drama and guides the viewer’s attention. Since Cinematic Mode is all about creating professional-looking focus transitions, here are some tips to help you master this skill and elevate your videos:

Plan your focus

Great focus pulling starts with preparation. Decide in advance which subjects you want to highlight and the sequence of focus changes. For example, if you’re filming a conversation, plan to shift focus between the speakers at key moments to enhance the storytelling.

Tap-to-focus

While tapping the screen to focus on a subject is straightforward, you can also use this feature dynamically. Tap on different areas of the frame to smoothly transition focus between subjects. For instance, shift focus from a person in the foreground to an object in the background to create depth and intrigue.

Lock Focus for Precision 

To maintain focus on a specific subject, tap and hold until the “AF Lock” (Auto Focus Lock) icon appears. This ensures your camera stays locked on the subject, even if there’s movement in the background. This is especially useful for action shots or when filming in busy environments.

Post Recording Focus Edit 

Did you know you can fine-tune your Cinematic Mode videos directly in the Photos app? This feature lets you take full control of your video’s focus and make it even more cinematic. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Photos app and select the Cinematic Mode video you want to edit. Tap the Edit icon to get started.
2. Adjust the focus for each scene by tapping on the area you want to highlight. For example, you can shift focus from a person in the foreground to an object in the background for a dramatic effect.
3. Use the timeline at the bottom of the screen to view and adjust the breakpoints for each focus change. These markers show where the focus transitions occur, giving you precise control over your edits.
4. Apply additional edits, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, or filters, to enhance the overall look of your video.

With these tools, you can transform your Cinematic Mode videos into polished, professional-quality creations that truly stand out. 

Explore your inner videographer

You don’t need a Hollywood budget or a studio packed with expensive gear to tell incredible stories. In fact, the ultimate filmmaking tool might already be in your pocket — your iPhone. With Cinematic Mode, you can shoot stunning, high-quality videos that bring your stories to life. Whether you’re creating short films, viral social media content, or even full-length movies, your iPhone makes it all possible.

Ready to unlock your inner filmmaker? Explore the latest iPhone models and start turning your creative vision into reality today.