The iPhone 17 Series Has Arrived

The wait is finally over; the iPhone 17 series is here. Apple has unveiled four new models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. As always, the new lineup brings plenty of excitement, but this year all eyes are on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which come loaded with the most significant professional-grade camera features and upgrades.

For filmmakers and content creators, these devices represent a huge leap forward, pushing mobile cinematography into territory once reserved for dedicated cinema cameras.

Major Camera Upgrades for Filmmakers

Apple has doubled down on imaging this year. All three rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max now feature 48-megapixel sensors, ensuring more consistent, high-resolution image quality across the board.

A standout upgrade is the telephoto camera, featuring a 4× optical zoom and a larger sensor that potentially can unlock new creative possibilities when paired with external optics. However, we won’t know the actual impact until we’ve tested it in real-world conditions.

For creators who rely on front-facing shots, the new selfie camera with a square sensor promises sharper details, improved low-light performance, and more precise framing, making it perfect for vlogging, streaming, and social content.

On the professional side, Apple has introduced Apple ProRes Log 2, the second generation of Apple’s log recording format on iPhone. The original ProRes Log already provided filmmakers with incredible flexibility for color grading and post-production, but this new version takes it even further, potentially delivering even greater image quality and creative control.

Even more exciting is the addition of Apple ProRes RAW and the ability to shoot in open gate format. These capabilities are usually reserved for high-end cinema cameras, providing professionals with access to maximum sensor data and unparalleled flexibility in post-production. Bringing them to the iPhone 17 Pro series is a significant development—it means filmmakers now have access to workflows and creative options that were previously unavailable on a smartphone.

Taken together, these recording options make the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max one of the most versatile mobile filmmaking tools ever created, offering a level of flexibility and quality that’s nothing short of groundbreaking.

We’ll be putting these features through extensive real-world testing, but so far, everything indicates a significant step forward in mobile filmmaking.

Performance That Keeps Up With Creativity

While Apple’s performance upgrades in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max benefit every user, they play an especially critical role in filmmaking. The new A19 Pro chip delivers more power and efficiency, ensuring that advanced formats like ProRes RAW and ProRes Apple Log 2 can be recorded and handled smoothly.

The new vapor chamber cooling system maintains the phone's optimal temperature during extended recording sessions, preventing overheating and allowing for longer takes. A larger battery allows filmmakers to shoot longer on location without interruption, while the new display, featuring 3000 nits of peak brightness and an anti-reflective coating, makes monitoring footage more reliable, even in harsh sunlight.

Individually, these are system-wide improvements that make the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max faster, cooler, and more efficient. But together, they elevate the devices into one of the most advanced and capable camera systems Apple has ever created, demonstrating that performance and imaging upgrades are closely intertwined.

iPhone 17 Series and Beastgrip Gear

We’re confident that the new iPhone 17 Series will be compatible with Beastgrip gear, based on the size, shape, and camera specifications of the new devices. That means you’ll be able to use the Beastgrip Pro rig, Beastclamp, lenses, DOF Adapter MK3, filters, and accessories right away.

As always, we’ll do our own tests to see exactly how they perform with our gear, and share the results in upcoming videos and blog updates. Stay tuned.

New Beastcages for iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max

We’re also excited to announce that brand-new Beastcages are already in development for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Precision-machined for a flawless fit, these cages deliver the rock-solid stability and versatility filmmakers need to capture cinematic shots with confidence.

We expect the iPhone 17 Beastcages to be available late December to early January 2026. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for our exclusive email list to be the first to know when they become available.

What’s Next

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max mark a major leap forward for mobile creators. With professional camera features, support for professional recording formats, and system-wide upgrades that directly benefit filmmaking, these devices are the most capable iPhones for creators to date.

We’ll be back soon with hands-on tests, sample footage, and deeper insights once the devices land in our studio. Stay tuned—exciting things are just getting started for mobile cinematography.