January 15, 2025

Every year, Apple celebrates Chinese New Year with a beautiful short film, and this year is no different. Directed by Michael Gracey, "I Made a Mixtape for You" continues the tradition. Shot entirely on the new iPhone 16, the film combines heartfelt storytelling with advanced technology.

The story is something many can relate to: a family member gives unwanted relationship advice during a holiday dinner, exposing a generational gap. Apple’s eighth annual Chinese New Year campaign explores this universal experience and shows how being open to love can lead to magical moments. The film follows Wei, a young man who feels destined to be alone, as he discovers a mixtape his dad made to win his mom’s heart. He’s transported back to the 1990s, where he goes on a nostalgic journey of love and self-discovery. By the end, Wei gains a new appreciation for his parents’ relationship. Gracey’s musical background adds a special touch, with memorable scenes of Wei’s dance and romantic adventures brought to life by the iPhone 16 impressive features.

The film highlights the iPhone 16 Pro’s capabilities, like ProRes low-light performance and 4K 120fps slow-motion video. Behind-the-scenes clips show off the new camera control which makes handheld filming easier than ever. While many shots were handheld, some behind-the-scenes moments reveal professional setups, and we’re excited to see our Beastcage 16 in use on set.

Although Apple’s behind-the-scenes footage doesn’t directly show additional lenses, we can see something attached to the cage, and one of the setups shows a matt box attached to the rig. Certain shots with a more shallow depth of field and tighter perspective suggest they may have been made using additional optics. This new short film shows us how the new iPhone 16 Pro is perfect for everyday filming and professional productions when paired with pro-level tools via our Beastcage rigs.

For those who are interested in Beastgrip gear for new iPhone 16 and especially in our new Beastcages for iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models they are now available for pre-order, and will be shipped this month. Designed specifically for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, it’s the ultimate tool for smartphone filmmakers and content creators. Fully compatible with all Beastgrip lenses, the Beastcage 16 unlocks endless creative possibilities and takes mobile filmmaking to new heights.

Don’t wait—pre-order yours today and elevate your storytelling like never before!