Can I edit the focus point after recording in Cinematic Mode?

Yes. One of Cinematic Mode's key features is that you can change the focus point and adjust the depth-of-field blur intensity after recording. Open the video in the Photos app, tap Edit, and tap on any subject to shift focus. You can also adjust the f-stop (aperture) slider to control how blurry the background appears.

What Is Cinematic Mode? Definition & Guide

Q: Which iPhones support Cinematic Mode?

Cinematic Mode was introduced with iPhone 13 in 2021. It is available on iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, and all subsequent iPhone models. iPhone 14 Pro and later support Cinematic Mode at 4K 30fps and 4K 24fps. Earlier models record Cinematic Mode at 1080p 30fps.

Q: How much storage does Cinematic Mode video use?

Cinematic Mode videos use more storage than standard video because they record depth data alongside the video. A one-minute Cinematic Mode video at 1080p 30fps uses approximately 170-200 MB. At 4K 30fps (iPhone 14 Pro and later), a one-minute clip can use 350-400 MB. The extra depth data adds roughly 40-50% more file size compared to standard video.

By Jack Smith, iOS Developer at DB Labs · Updated March 8, 2026

Cinematic Mode is an iPhone video recording feature introduced with iPhone 13 that adds a professional-looking depth-of-field blur (bokeh) to your videos. It automatically shifts focus between subjects as they move, simulating the rack focus technique used in filmmaking. Focus and blur can be adjusted after recording.

How Cinematic Mode Works

Cinematic Mode uses the iPhone's dual-camera system and LiDAR sensor (on Pro models) to capture real-time depth information while recording video. The Neural Engine analyzes this depth data to separate the subject from the background and apply a synthetic blur to out-of-focus areas, creating the shallow depth-of-field look that traditionally required expensive cinema lenses.

The mode also uses predictive algorithms to anticipate focus changes. When a subject turns away from the camera, focus automatically shifts to another subject looking toward the camera. When a new person enters the frame, focus transitions smoothly to them. These automatic focus pulls mimic the techniques of professional focus pullers on film sets.

Storage Impact

Cinematic Mode videos consume significantly more storage than standard video because they include embedded depth map data for every frame. This depth data is what allows you to change the focus point and blur intensity after recording, but it comes at a storage cost:

1080p 30fps (iPhone 13) — Approximately 170-200 MB per minute
4K 24fps (iPhone 14 Pro+) — Approximately 300-350 MB per minute
4K 30fps (iPhone 14 Pro+) — Approximately 350-400 MB per minute

Compared to standard video at the same resolution, Cinematic Mode adds roughly 40 to 50 percent more file size due to the depth data. Users who record frequently in Cinematic Mode should be mindful of their storage, especially on 128 GB iPhones.

Editing Cinematic Mode Video

One of Cinematic Mode's most powerful features is post-capture editing. In the Photos app, you can tap Edit on any Cinematic Mode video and then:

Change focus points — Tap on any subject to shift focus to them at that moment in the timeline.
Adjust blur intensity — Use the aperture (f-stop) slider to make the background blur stronger or weaker.
Remove focus transitions — Delete automatic focus changes that do not look right.

These edits are non-destructive. You can always revert to the original recording. The same editing capabilities are available in iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and other professional video editors that support Cinematic Mode metadata.

Tips for Managing Cinematic Mode Storage

If you enjoy Cinematic Mode but are concerned about storage, consider recording at 1080p instead of 4K when maximum resolution is not needed. You can also periodically review your Cinematic Mode clips and delete takes you will not use, as failed attempts still consume the same storage as final clips. Transferring completed videos to a computer or cloud backup can also free up significant iPhone space.

Related Terms

Deep Fusion — Multi-frame processing for still photos
Apple ProRAW — Professional photo format with computational data
HEIC — Efficient image format used for iPhone photos

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPhones support Cinematic Mode?

Cinematic Mode was introduced with iPhone 13 in 2021 and is available on all subsequent models. iPhone 14 Pro and later support 4K recording in Cinematic Mode; earlier models record at 1080p.

How much storage does Cinematic Mode video use?

A one-minute Cinematic Mode video at 1080p uses about 170-200 MB. At 4K 30fps, expect 350-400 MB per minute. The extra depth data adds roughly 40-50% more file size compared to standard video.

Can I edit the focus point after recording?

Yes. Open the video in Photos, tap Edit, and tap on any subject to shift focus. You can also adjust the blur intensity with the aperture slider. All edits are non-destructive.

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