Those planning to buy an iPhone 13 Pro for its ProRes video recording feature should be aware that the new codec only works in 1080p on 128GB models. You’ll need at least 256GB of storage to use it in 4K.
ProRes is brand-new to iPhone 13 Pro. It’s the same codec that’s widely used in the professional cinema industry, and it gives video editors greater control over their recordings during the post-production process.
iPhone 13 Pro packs ProRes video support
ProRes goes nicely with some of the other camera improvements coming with iPhone 13 Pro, like its larger sensors that let in more light, Cinematic mode, and the new Telephoto lens that now offers up to 3X optical zoom.
“iPhone is the only smartphone in the world to provide an end-to-end workflow — capture, edit, and share in Dolby Vision or ProRes,” Apple said. But if you’re buying iPhone 13 Pro for its ProRes support, be warned.
128GB models pegged back
ProRes is available only in 1080p at 30 frames-per-second on iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max handsets with 128GB of storage — the standard storage option. You’ll need to pay a little more to get at least 256GB of storage if you want to use the feature in 4K at 60fps.
Apple doesn’t tell us why, but it’s likely because the ProRes format — a little like ProRAW for photos — takes up significantly more storage than other, more compressed video formats. 128GB likely isn’t going to cut it for those shooting 4K video.
There’s one other thing to be aware of when it comes to ProRes. It’s the only new feature on Apple’s website that’s listed as “coming soon,” which suggests it won’t be available when iPhone 13 Pro makes its debut.
Like other new features added to new iPhone models in the past — including ProRAW — ProRes will likely come in a new software update later.
