Apple iPhone 13, 14, 15 and 16 Cinematic Mode Explained: Enhancements in 2025
The neat thing about the Cinematic Mode effect is that if you have multiple subjects, the iPhone camera will figure out which subject you want to have in focus, and seamlessly shift focus between your subjects. That’s a trick that usually requires an on set “focus puller” to manually monitor and adjust in real-time. With the iPhone Cinematic Mode, simply re-center the camera towards the subject you want to have in focus, or have them walk into the frame, and the camera will smoothly pull focus to the new subject, making them sharp and blurring out the background.
With the release of the iPhone 16, Apple has further refined its Cinematic Mode, enabling users to capture videos with enhanced focus tracking and more natural background blurring. This update builds upon the foundations laid by the iPhone 13, 14 and 15, offering even more control and quality for mobile videography enthusiasts.
Cinematic Mode allows you to record videos with automatic focus racking and blurred backgrounds.
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Building upon its initial introduction, Cinematic Mode in the iPhone 16 offers significant enhancements:
Higher Resolution and Frame Rates: Users can now record in 4K Dolby Vision at up to 30 fps, providing crisper and more detailed cinematic footage.
Advanced Focus Control: The improved AI algorithms offer more precise subject detection and smoother focus transitions, allowing for professional-grade rack focusing effects.
Post-Recording Adjustments: The Photos app now enables users to modify the depth-of-field effect and focal points even after recording, granting greater flexibility in post-production editing.
These advancements make achieving a cinematic look more accessible to all users, regardless of their videography experience.
How does Cinematic mode work?
“With Cinematic mode, your iPhone camera can record videos with a shallow depth of field and add beautiful focus transitions for a cinema-grade look... Cinematic mode applies a depth-of-field effect that keeps the subject of your video sharp while creating a beautifully blurred foreground and background. iPhone automatically identifies the subject of the video and keeps it in focus throughout the recording; if a new subject is identified, iPhone automatically transitions the point of focus. You can also manually adjust the point of focus while you record, or change it later in the Photos app. Cinematic mode is available on all iPhone 13 models and iPhone 14 models.”
What is the depth-of-field effect?
In photography and cinematography, depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear in sharp focus. A shallow depth of field means that only a small part of the scene is in focus, while a deep depth of field means that most or all of the scene is in focus. Depth of field is controlled by the aperture of the lens, which determines how much light is let in and how much of the scene is in focus.
What Apple is referring to as a depth-of-field effect is the blur or soft “bokeh,” in stark contrast to the sharpness of the subject.
“Bokeh balls,” soft blurring of the background from the depth-of-field effect
The neat thing about the Cinematic Mode effect is that if you have multiple subjects, the iPhone camera will figure out which subject you want to have in focus, and seamlessly shift focus between your subjects. That’s a trick that usually requires an on set “focus puller” to manually monitor and adjust in real-time. With the iPhone Cinematic Mode, simply re-center the camera towards the subject you want to have in focus, or have them walk into the frame, and the camera will smoothly pull focus to the new subject, making them sharp and blurring out the background.
With advancements in computational photography, the iPhone 16 simulates this effect using sophisticated software algorithms, allowing for adjustable background blur and focus effects that closely mimic those produced by professional cameras.
Will my videos really look like a film just by using Cinematic Mode?
While filmmakers and photographers often do make use of shallow depth of field, it’s not the only technique that can make a video or photo look cinematic.
There are many factors that can make a video look cinematic. Some of these include:
The use of a wide-angle lens to capture a scene, which can give the image a more expansive and immersive feel.
Careful composition of the shots, with the use of techniques such as the rule of thirds or leading lines to create a sense of depth and movement within the frame.
The use of color grading to create a specific visual aesthetic, such as a cool blue tone for a dramatic scene or a warm golden hue for a romantic one.
The use of creative lighting techniques, such as backlighting or rim lighting, to add depth and dimension to the images.
The use of visual effects and other post-production techniques to enhance the overall look and feel of the video.
Overall, achieving a cinematic look often involves a combination of these and other techniques, as well as a strong artistic vision and attention to detail.
Thoughts on Backlighting
In 2025, backlighting continues to be a powerful technique in creating cinematic visuals. With the iPhone 16's advanced camera capabilities, including improved dynamic range and low-light performance, capturing well-exposed backlit scenes has become more attainable. To effectively utilize backlighting:
Exposure Control: Use the iPhone's exposure adjustment tools to prevent overexposure of the background while keeping the subject well-lit.
Reflectors: Employ portable reflectors to bounce light onto the subject, reducing shadows and enhancing details.
Time of Day: Shooting during golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) provides softer backlight, adding warmth and depth to your footage.
iPhone Product Links - Cinematic mode is available on the following iPhone models:
SmallRig RC220D Continuous Light Review: Great Performance with a Design Flaw
As a portrait and headshot photographer, I've been using the SmallRig RC220D as my main continuous key light, and overall, it performs exceptionally well. The light provides powerful, clean daylight output with excellent color accuracy, making it a go-to for professional shoots. I appreciate the Bowens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of light modifiers. It’s an ideal setup for both photography and video work.
As a portrait and headshot photographer, I've been using the SmallRig RC220D as my main continuous key light, and overall, it performs exceptionally well. The light provides powerful, clean daylight output with excellent color accuracy, making it a go-to for professional shoots. I appreciate the Bowens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of light modifiers. It’s an ideal setup for both photography and video work.
Umbrella stem and power cord block one another in the SmallRig RC220D.
However, there is one frustrating issue: the placement of the umbrella mount. While the Bowens mount is well-designed, the umbrella mount is positioned in a way that conflicts with the AC adapter plug. They press against each other, which led to damage in my setup—my power plug failed, and the umbrella itself developed a bow. Although SmallRig replaced the power adapter promptly, the core issue with the mounting design remains unfixed.
Aside from that, the light is extremely bright and efficient, reaching almost 100,000 lux at one meter with the included reflector. It's great for handling any lighting needs, even in more demanding setups. The light stays cool thanks to a quiet fan system that only kicks in when necessary - and it really is quiet - and it’s compact and portable for on-location shoots.
For those looking for a high-performing continuous light with great value with accurate daylight color, the SmallRig RC220D is worth considering—just keep the umbrella mount flaw in mind. You can buy the SmallRig RC220D here.
Key specs for the SmallRig RC220D continuous LED light, ideal for professional photography and videography:
Power Output: 220W
Brightness: 98,700 lux at 1 meter (with included hyper-reflector)
Color Temperature: Daylight balanced at 5600K
Color Accuracy: CRI 95+, TLCI 96+
Dimming Range: 1% to 100% stepless dimming
Beam Angle: 60°
Cooling System: Active, ultra-quiet fan (30dB noise at 1 meter)
Control: App-based via the SmallGoGo app (Bluetooth)
Power Options: AC adapter or optional V-Mount battery
Mount: Standard Bowens mount for compatibility with various modifiers