Both iPhone 16 Pro models will shoot 4K video at 120fps

It’s previously been reported that the iPhone 16 Pro will gain the tetraprism 5x zoom lens introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. Then, too, it’s expected that both of the new Pro models would have the same overall camera system.

A new report, however, also builds on an AppleInsider exclusive, which revealed that the two Pro models would shoot video at 120 frames per second in 3K. That was already a significant improvement over the iPhone 15 Pro range, but now 9to5mac has learned that the 120fps rate will go up to 4K.

It’s reported that Apple has been testing going further, with 8K video. However, this does not appear to be coming with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

What does appear to be coming is the ability to shoot at 120fps in ProRes 4K — when the iPhone has external storage connected. That feature will be of use to professional filmmakers, but useful for everyone will be an update to QuickTake that increases resolution from 1080p to 4K.

There is also said to be a series of other camera updates for both Pro models:

• The Capture button will work with third-party apps
• Improved Photographic Styles with better skin tones
• New Spatial Photos mode
• Automatic removal of wind noise on video
• Pausing and resuming video recording in Camera app

That last is particularly useful because at present, Apple’s Camera app can’t be paused. Filmmakers have to stop recording, then start a new one.

Alongside the video improvements, this report backs up the AppleInsider information there is to be a new image format. Apple will support the JPEG-XL format, which is used for both lossy and lossless compression.

Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, 2024.