Raw, Genlock, and Open Gate: Apple Brings Pro Features to iPhone With Final Cut Camera 2.0

Apple has announced Final Cut Camera 2.0, a major update to its free iOS video app. The release enables ProRes raw recording and genlock on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expands manual controls for the new Center Stage front camera across the latest iPhone family, and tightens integration with Live Multicam in Final Cut Pro for iPad.

Apple positions Final Cut Camera as a way to unlock pro-style controls using the iPhone’s native camera hardware. Version 2.0 pushes further into professional workflows with raw capture, sensor-level open gate recording for flexible reframing, and timecode options aimed at multi-camera shoots and post-production.

What’s New

• ProRes raw on iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max: The iPhone 17 Pro models are described as the first smartphones that can record ProRes raw, writing sensor data for greater latitude in grading and finishing.

• Open gate recording: Uses the full sensor to record at resolutions beyond DCI 4K, enabling reframing, stabilization, and aspect-ratio decisions in post without a quality hit.

• Genlock support: Syncs iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to an external reference so each frame aligns across cameras. A genlock API is available; Blackmagic Design’s Camera ProDock is already using it.

• Center Stage front camera controls: New manual adjustments for the Center Stage front camera let users capture horizontal or vertical video without rotating the phone. The front camera moves to a larger, square sensor with higher resolution on iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

• Live Multicam integration: Designed for seamless handoff to Live Multicam in Final Cut Pro for iPad.

• Apple Log 2: Option to record Apple Log 2 in ProRes or HEVC on iPhone 17 Pro; a Log 2 LUT is available in Final Cut Pro for iPad and Mac for consistent monitoring and grading.

• Timecode options: Time of Day, Record Run, and external timecode modes for precise clip identification in post.

• Telephoto capture update: Support for video with the new 200mm Telephoto camera in ProRes up to 4K 60 fps on iPhone 17 Pro.

• Forthcoming Final Cut Pro controls: Upcoming Final Cut Pro 11.2 (Mac) and Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.3 will add per-clip controls for iPhone ProRes raw: exposure, color temperature, tint, and demosaicing.

Key Specs and Requirements

• ProRes raw recording (iPhone 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max)

• Open gate recording using full sensor

• Genlock support with third-party API access

• Manual controls for the new Center Stage front camera

• Live Multicam integration with Final Cut Pro for iPad

• Apple Log 2 recording in ProRes or HEVC (iPhone 17 Pro)

• Log 2 LUT support in Final Cut Pro for iPad and Mac

• Timecode modes: Time of Day, Record Run, external timecode

• Telephoto support: 200mm ProRes up to 4K 60 fps (iPhone 17 Pro)

• Availability: Free download/update on the App Store later this month

• Compatibility: iPhone Xs or later on iOS 18.6 or later (some features require iOS 26 or iPhone 17 Pro)

Conclusion

ProRes raw and genlock bring iPhone workflows closer to traditional cinema cameras. Raw capture raises the ceiling for grading, white balance correction, and noise management, while genlock and proper timecode shrink the pain of multi-cam sync. Open gate recording gives editors extra pixels for reframing and stabilization without sacrificing detail. For mobile and on-set teams, the combination of Live Multicam on iPad and tighter LUT/Log support should streamline monitoring and dailies.

For video, Final Cut Camera 2.0 is a practical upgrade for documentary shooters, live event teams, and social-first creators who need flexible post options and tight multi-cam sync. Raw plus open gate provides room to adjust composition and color later, and Apple Log 2 with LUTs makes it easier to match looks across devices. Genlock and timecode are the standout workflow features for larger productions that mix phones with dedicated cameras.

The front-camera changes enable controlled, orientation-locked recording for interviews, vlogs, and remote appearances without physically rotating the phone. The 200mm Telephoto support expands coverage options for stage events and sports where reach matters.

Final Cut Camera 2.0 turns recent iPhones, especially the iPhone 17 Pro line, into more capable acquisition tools. Raw recording, genlock, open gate, and structured timecode move mobile capture further into professional territory, while the front-camera controls and Live Multicam keep it approachable for creators who need speed and consistency.