Apple Final Cut Camera 2.0 – Open Gate, Apple Log 2 and ProRes RAW, Genlock for iPhone 17 Pro

Smartphone Filmmaking

by Nino LeitnerSeptember 9^th, 2025

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Apple has announced Final Cut Camera 2.0, a major update to its professional video capture app that introduces ProRes RAW and Genlock support for iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The update also expands creative options with Center Stage front camera controls, open gate recording, Apple Log 2, and tighter integration with Final Cut Pro for Mac and iPad.

Apple is positioning the iPhone 17 Pro family as not just a smartphone with high-end cameras, but as a true professional filmmaking tool – check out our separate article on the new iPhone 17 Pro here. Final Cut Camera 2.0 is central to that push, bringing features usually reserved for dedicated cinema cameras directly to the device.

ProRes RAW recording on iPhone

With version 2.0, Final Cut Camera unlocks the first-ever ability to record ProRes RAW on a smartphone, but this will require the new iPhone 17 Pro. ProRes RAW should acquire untouched sensor data for maximum flexibility in post, while Apple’s Media Engine ensures efficient file sizes and faster exports compared to traditional RAW formats. Editors working in Final Cut Pro 11.2 or Final Cut Pro for iPad 2.3 will be able to fine-tune iPhone ProRes RAW footage with direct adjustments for exposure, white balance, tint, and demosaicing.

Genlock for professional multicam workflows

Another highlight is genlock support on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This allows users to synchronize iPhones with external cameras or other devices to a reference signal, ensuring every frame stays perfectly in sync. For professional productions, this eliminates the need for tedious frame-by-frame alignment. Apple has opened a genlock API for third-party integration, and Blackmagic Design is already supporting it with its new Camera ProDock.

Expanded creative control with open gate and Log 2

Final Cut Camera 2.0 also brings open gate recording, using the full sensor to capture a wider field of view at resolutions beyond DCI 4K. This provides flexibility for reframing, stabilization, or final aspect ratio decisions during post-production.

Additionally, Apple Log 2 recording is now supported, enabling an even wider color gamut in both ProRes and HEVC modes. Paired with LUT support in Final Cut Pro, Log 2 ensures footage retains more dynamic range and color depth, especially for high-end grading pipelines.

Center Stage front camera and timecode support

The update also adds manual adjustments for the new square-format Center Stage front camera available on the iPhone 17 lineup, letting users record in horizontal or vertical orientation without physically rotating the device. With its larger sensor and wider field of view, the new front camera broadens options for vloggers and journalists who rely on front-facing recording.

Timecode support has been expanded as well, with Time of Day, Record Run, or external input options. This ensures clips remain organized and easy to match during post-production, particularly in multicam environments.

Availability of Final Cut Camera 2.0

Final Cut Camera 2.0 will be available later this month as a free download on the App Store. The update requires iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18.6, with advanced features such as ProRes RAW and genlock exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro series.

The combination of ProRes RAW, genlock, and open gate recording makes this one of the most significant updates to mobile filmmaking tools yet. With iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is clearly pushing deeper into the professional filmmaking space.

In case you missed it, when Final Cut Camera was first released alongside Final Cut Pro for iPad 2, I tested the Live Multicam feature:

Will features like ProRes RAW and genlock finally convince professionals to integrate iPhones into their main production pipelines?