In a groundbreaking update with iOS 17.2, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users can now unlock a revolutionary feature – spatial video capture. This innovative capability allows users to immortalize life’s precious moments in three dimensions, creating a new realm of immersive memories. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, expressed excitement about this leap forward, emphasizing that spatial videos, coupled with the exceptional camera systems on these devices, redefine what’s possible in smartphone videography.
Enabling Spatial Video Capture
The new spatial video capture feature can be activated in the Settings menu, allowing users to harness the power of the advanced camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. These devices boast the most robust camera systems ever developed by Apple, promising the best video quality on any smartphone. Spatial videos are recorded in 1080p at 30 frames per second in standard dynamic range, utilizing advanced computational videography techniques and efficient HEVC compression to deliver stunning spatial memories in a compact file size.
Capturing Moments in Three Dimensions
Capturing spatial videos on the iPhone is as seamless as recording regular videos. In Video mode within the Camera app, users simply rotate their iPhone to landscape orientation, tap the spatial video icon, and hit record. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max simultaneously record video using both the advanced Main and Ultra Wide cameras. The field of view from the Ultra Wide camera is intelligently scaled to match that of the Main camera, creating a unified video file that encapsulates the essence of the moment.
For optimal results, users are advised to maintain a steady hand and ensure balanced lighting conditions while recording spatial videos. This ensures that the captured memories are not only immersive but also visually stunning.
Viewing and Sharing Spatial Videos
Spatial videos, although recorded in three dimensions, appear as regular 2D videos on iPhone and other devices. Users can watch and share these videos just like any other video using apps like Messages. The Photos app introduces a new Spatial album to organize all spatial videos, ensuring easy access to these immersive memories. Thanks to iCloud syncing, spatial videos seamlessly move across users’ devices, offering a cohesive experience.
The Real Magic: Apple Vision Pro Integration
Spatial videos truly come to life on Apple Vision Pro, offering users an unparalleled viewing experience. Utilizing iCloud, users can access their entire library in the Photos app, where videos can be played back in a window or expanded into an immersive view. Apple Vision Pro allows users to relive each moment at life-size scale, showcasing brilliant colors and spectacular details. Whether it’s a celebration with friends or a special family gathering, the immersive quality of spatial videos transports users back to those cherished moments.
Excitingly, spatial video capture on the iPhone arrives ahead of the debut of Apple Vision Pro. This means that iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max users can immediately start capturing and curating spatial videos with family and friends, eagerly anticipating the day they can enjoy these immersive memories on the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro platform. The integration of spatial video capture and Apple Vision Pro promises to redefine the way users experience and share their most cherished moments.