“Official” spatial video recording on iPhone not only with Apple apps

Apple wants to make it easier to create 3D content for its Vision Pro mixed reality headset. After collaborations with Canon and Blackmagic Design, which will bring to market their own lenses or even entire cameras that are primarily aimed at professionals, spatial video will soon become easier to record on the iPhone. There will also be a chance for external apps.

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One API for all

Technically speaking, it was already possible to shoot spatial videos with other apps as the format itself is open. However, it lacked easy access to shooting from both the required lenses at the same time. With iOS 18, Apple now provides a suitable API that uses the existing camera framework. The company has shared it in the framework A presentation at the WWDC developer conference with last week.

However, the prerequisite for recording is that the user has at least an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, since there the cameras are arranged correctly. This is not the case with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, and older iPhones are also not supported for spatial video recording. However, with the upcoming iPhone 16, it is possible that Apple will equip all new models with the changed lens arrangement.

Vision Pro is coming

With the new API, all camera app developers will have access to the spatial video feature. The first developers are already showing interest. Apps can then write the appropriate format to the iPhone, which can then be transferred to the Vision Pro via photo synchronization, iCloud file transfer or AirDrop.

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Apart from the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, currently only the Vision Pro can be used to create spatial videos. However, there are also the first 3D cameras like the Insta360 X4, which can take panoramic shots on the Vision Pro. But for that you need External software like Moon Player. The Vision Pro will be available in Germany from July 12, having previously been available for purchase only in the USA. The headset costs just under 4,000 euros in the smallest version with 256 GB of flash memory.

(B.Sc.)