How to Use Cinematic Mode on iPhone 13

Discover Apple’s version of rack focus on your phone

By
Joshua Hawkins
Josh Hawkins
Joshua Hawkins
Freelance Technology Reporter
  • Full Sail University
Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life.
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Updated on January 11, 2022
Reviewed by
Kayla Dube
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Reviewed by Kayla Dube
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Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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What to Know

  • Open the Camera > scroll to Cinematic > tap Record.
  • You can edit the depth of field and other features while in Cinematic Mode.

This article explains how to use Cinematic Mode on your iPhone 13 and goes over the various customization options you have when shooting video in this mode.

What Is Apple's Cinematic Mode?

Apple’s Cinematic Mode is a new video feature available on the iPhone 13. When used, it allows the device user to automatically add rack focus to their videos, which basically lets you create depth of field in videos. This helps the recording appear more professional and cinematic by choosing which target the recording should focus on.

While you can decide which point you want to center on when recording the video, you can also edit the focus target after the recording has been completed. You’re also able to change up where the focus shifts, letting you quickly shift between focus targets as needed.

How Do I Get Cinematic Mode on My iPhone?

If you have an iPhone 13, you’ll be able to access Cinematic Mode directly from the camera app on your phone. If you have an iPhone 12 or earlier, then Cinematic Mode will not be available to you. If you have an iPhone 13 and are experiencing problems with the Cinematic Mode, make sure you are updated to the latest iOS version. Then, you can follow the steps below to start using Cinematic Mode.

  1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone 13.

  2. Swipe to the left on the mode selection bar until you select Cinematic.

  3. You can now record videos in Cinematic Mode. 

    Using Cinematic Mode on iPhone 13

Using Cinematic Mode

Before you start recording videos using the new Cinematic Mode, you should get used to the various controls you have at your disposal. From the recording screen, you can explore and understand several settings. Tap the button with the f symbol to open the depth of field settings. You can change this however you like. It will directly affect how blurry the background behind your focus item looks when recording (you can also change this later on during editing).

Changing depth of field settings in Cinematic Mode on iPhone 13

You can also tap the 1x button if you’re on an iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max to change between the Telephoto and Wide lenses built into your device. Also, pressing the button with the plus and minus sign will allow you to change the exposure on the recording quickly.

Does iPhone 13 Have Cinematic Mode?

Every device in the iPhone 13 family comes equipped with Cinematic Mode built directly into the camera app. The models are the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 mini, the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

While all the phones in the iPhone 13 family have Cinematic Mode, only the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will have the option to switch to the Telephoto lens before starting a recording. However, all the other models can still use the depth of field features available with the new recording mode.

FAQ
  • How do you use dark mode on iPhone iOS 13?

    To turn on dark mode, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark. Select Automatic if you want it to come on automatically, and tap Options to set a schedule for Dark Mode.

  • How do I put my iPhone 13 in recovery mode?

    To get the phone into recovery mode, you will need to connect it to a computer with a cable and open Finder or iTunes. Press and quickly release the volume up button, and then press and quickly release the volume down button. Finally, press and hold the side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

  • How do I lock my iPhone to landscape in iOS 13?

    You can lock the screen orientation so when you rotate the phone, it doesn't change. Go to Control Center > Lock Orientation. The Lock Orientation icon appears in the status bar when the screen orientation.

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