iPhone 17 Pro and Beastcages Step Onto the Field in MLB Broadcasts

A First in MLB History

For the first time in Major League Baseball history, live game footage is being captured on iPhone — and our Beastcages are an essential part of the setup, making it possible.

Apple TV+ and MLB Test the Innovation

Apple TV+ and MLB first tested this groundbreaking approach last week in Los Angeles during Clayton Kershaw’s final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium. Four iPhone 17 Pros were strategically placed around the park to capture everything from Shohei Ohtani’s home run to the energy and reactions in the crowd. The footage blended seamlessly into the broadcast, and even Apple’s production team admitted it looked indistinguishable from traditional broadcast camera shots. This moment showcased the iPhone’s surprising capabilities in a professional live-production environment.

Expanding to Fenway Park

Tonight at Fenway Park, the innovation expands for the Tigers vs. Red Sox series. Four iPhone 17 Pros will once again be used, including one positioned inside the iconic Green Monster. Viewers watching on Apple TV+ will see a special on-screen overlay whenever footage is captured on iPhone, making it easy to spot the unique perspectives these devices provide.

The iPhone 17 Pro delivers broadcast-ready frame rates, exceptional low-light performance, and the mobility required to capture angles that traditional cameras cannot. Additional tools in the production truck ensure that the iPhones’ color grading matches seamlessly with larger broadcast cameras.

Beastcage: Making the iPhone Broadcast-Ready

When paired with our new Beastcages, the iPhone 17 Pro becomes a fully production-ready rig that can be mounted, repositioned, or discreetly placed to unlock entirely new possibilities for sports coverage. In this case, the crew combined it with a Blackmagic hub to create a custom setup that allowed the rig to integrate directly into the broadcast system.

Image courtesy of Apple TV+

A Milestone in Broadcast History

MLB has officially authenticated these iPhones as the first ever used in a professional baseball broadcast, marking a milestone moment that demonstrates how far smartphone filmmaking has come. This isn’t just a novelty — it’s a glimpse into the future of sports production where high-quality footage and versatile setups can coexist without the massive cost and footprint of traditional broadcast rigs.

Beastgrip’s Role in the Future of Filmmaking

At Beastgrip, we’re proud that our cages are helping make this possible. From capturing historic moments in Los Angeles to tonight’s high-stakes series in Boston, the iPhone is proving it belongs on the biggest stage in sports. With the right gear, its potential is just getting started. Whether you’re a professional broadcaster or an independent content creator, the tools to capture incredible footage have never been more accessible.

Be the First to Get the Beastcage 17 Series

The Beastcage 17 Series is almost here, and this is just the beginning of what’s possible with iPhone filmmaking. 👉 Sign up for our release list to be among the first to get access when preorders open — and enjoy exclusive perks reserved only for early supporters.