This is how Apple created a custom iPhone camera to shoot F1 movie

Indian Express

25-06-2025

If you have ever watched a Formula One race, you may have seen clips showing the angle from behind the cockpit, capturing the top or side of the driver's helmet. Traditionally, onboard cameras fitted in the car are used primarily for broadcast and record at lower resolutions using specific colour spaces and codecs. However, to film certain sequences for the long-anticipated F1 movie, Apple's engineering team replaced the broadcast module with a camera built using iPhone components.
The idea to use a custom iPhone instead of regular broadcast cameras was to capture authentic, high-quality point-of-view footage from inside Formula One cars without disrupting the vehicles' performance. This aligned with the vision set by director Joseph Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda. They wanted footage that went beyond traditional broadcast quality, which is typically low-resolution and optimised for live TV. That's when Apple's engineering team stepped in and designed a custom module that looks identical to a standard F1 broadcast camera but is built using components from an iPhone.
In a Wired report that detailed the custom iPhone camera used to film sequences in the F1 movie, Apple created a special module that looks virtually identical to a standard broadcast camera. However, inside, it's essentially an iPhone camera system, featuring an A-series chip, an iPhone battery, and a neutral density filter to control exposure. The camera module reportedly ran iOS—the same operating system that powers the iPhone—but had to be customized specifically for this use case. While Apple hasn't disclosed full specifications, the camera system appears to match the 48-megapixel setup found in the iPhone 15 Pro.
But Apple went far beyond just swapping parts. The team ensured the custom iPhone camera met all requirements and adhered to strict conditions to match the car's specifications. In fact, Apple had to ensure the camera module could withstand extreme shock, vibrations, and heat.
Footage was recorded using Apple's ProRes codec in a log format, capturing flat, low-contrast visuals ideal for extensive post-production color grading. The module lacked wireless connectivity, so Apple developed a custom iPad app to control the system via USB-C. This allowed the production team to adjust the frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and exposure gain, as well as start and stop recording.
YouTuber Bobby Tonelli has also shared a detailed look at the custom iPhone camera. Here's the video.
Apple is going all-in on the F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously helmed the box office smash Top Gun: Maverick. Apple has also developed a haptic trailer exclusively for iPhones, leveraging the smartphone's Taptic Engine to let viewers 'feel the action' in the palm of their hands. The movie is receiving a full theatrical release, including an IMAX rollout. Apple also featured the film prominently at its recent WWDC event and held a special screening for attendees at the Steve Jobs Theater.
F1: The Movie marks Apple's first attempt at producing a big-budget summer blockbuster for theaters. Cupertino has been bullish on its Apple TV+ streaming service over the past few years, expanding its original catalogue and delivering several hit shows, including Severance, Slow Horses, and The Studio.
F1: The Movie, an Apple Original, releases worldwide on June 27 including India.