Support for Apple's ProRes video compression format is one of the most important new features that the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have to offer. But the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second in ProRes requires a device with at least 256GB.
At the iPhone 13 Pro launch on Tuesday, Apple highlighted ProRes codec processing, describing the technology as a "pro" feature available only on the most expensive devices. ProRes offers high color fidelity and image quality with a relatively low storage requirement—an ideal combination for mobile filmmaking. The codec is also widely used in existing post-production workflows and can be exported to programs like Final Cut Pro. According to the specifications of the iPhone 13 Pro, ProRes in 4K at 30 frames per second is limited to the 256GB, 512GB and 1TB models. The 128GB variant of the device can record ProRes at 30fps, but at a significantly reduced resolution of 1080p.
iPhone 13 Pro: ProRes will not be available at launch
Although Apple has not explained this limitation, it can be assumed that the 128 GB variant does not offer the necessary data transfer speeds to keep up with the creation of 4K videos. Incidentally, the ProRes feature will not be available when the iPhone 13 series is introduced. According to Apple, the function will be activated via a software update. Accordingly, the whole thing will behave in the same way as with ProRaw, Deep Fusion and Portrait mode. In addition to ProRes, the iPhone 13 Pro offers a number of camera hardware and software improvements such as optical image stabilization of the new 3x telephoto lens, a new ultra-wide-angle module with macro function, a new cinematic mode, a night mode for all cameras and more. (Image: Apple)
