There’s an unexpected benefit to Action mode in the iPhone camera. A feature intended for taking exciting video also benefits those who can’t hold the camera still because of Parkinson’s.
A video Apple released Tuesday demonstrates the benefits, and a follow-up video explains how those with hand tremors can take advantage of Action mode.
iPhone camera Action mode helps those with Parkinson’s
Screenshot: Apple/Cult of Mac
Starting with the iPhone 14 series, the cameras in Apple handsets include Action Mode, which stabilizes video shot while the handset is in motion. A funny commercial from 2023 demonstrates the original intent, with a mom running while filming her young son’s performance in a race.
But a new video from Apple called No Frame Missed points out that Action mode also allows those who have hand tremors because of Parkinson’s to capture video with their handset.
“The simple act of filming can be challenging for people with Parkinson’s. Often they are unable to capture their own memories,” said Apple.
Apple’s video follows Brett, Bette and Ellen, who all take advantage of Action mode to capture video while holding their iPhone despite the neurodegenerative disorder. There are samples demonstrating how smooth their videos look compared to the originals captured with hand tremors.
“I’ve used cameras with stabilization, but it blows all of that out of the water,” says Brett in the video.
Watch No Frame Missed now:
How to use iPhone Action mode with hand tremors
Apple also released a short video demonstrating how to activate Action mode in the Camera application:
It’s as simple as opening the Camera app, switching to recording Video, and tapping on the small Action mode button — which looks like someone running.
The feature is an option with all the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series and iPhone 16 series models except the iPhone 16e.
