Cinematic Mode is supported on iPhone 13 and every newer iPhone model, plus iPhone SE (third generation). If your iPhone is older than the iPhone 13 series, it does not support Cinematic Mode in the Camera app.
If you came here asking which iPhones have Cinematic Mode, the short answer is that the list starts with iPhone 13 and runs through iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 Pro. All of those models use the A15 Bionic chip or newer, and that hardware power is what makes real‑time depth mapping and smooth focus changes possible. Updating iOS on an older phone will not add the feature because the missing piece is the chip, not the software.
Not every supported phone records the same type of Cinematic video though. iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (third generation) are limited to 1080p, while iPhone 14 and later can record Cinematic Mode in 4K. The newest Pro models add Dolby Vision, Apple Log video, and even Spatial recording. So “which iPhones have Cinematic Mode?” is only the first part of the story — video quality is the second.
In the rest of this guide you get a full compatibility table, a breakdown by iPhone generation, and a clear explanation of what changed over time. Once you confirm that your phone is on the list, you can head to CinematicMode.com for hands‑on tutorials, editing walkthroughs, and advanced tips that help you get the most out of this powerful mode.
To understand when to use Cinematic Mode versus regular Video Mode, see our detailed comparison guide.
Key Takeaways
Here is everything you need to know about which iPhones have Cinematic Mode.
- Cinematic Mode first arrived with iPhone 13 in 2021. Every iPhone 13 model supports it. If you are trying to remember which iPhones have Cinematic Mode, everything before iPhone 13 is out and everything from iPhone 13 onward is in, with one small exception.
- All iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 models support Cinematic Mode, and iPhone 17 Pro does as well. iPhone SE (third generation) also supports it, while the first and second generation SE models do not, and the budget iPhone 16e is also missing the feature.
- iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series phones do not have Cinematic Mode, and no software update can change that, because they use older A‑series chips. If you want native Cinematic Mode and you own one of those phones, you need at least an iPhone 13 — and an iPhone 14 or newer if you care about 4K output.
- Recording quality ranges from 1080p up to 4K Dolby Vision and 8K, depending on the iPhone. iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (third generation) top out at 1080p, while iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro add 4K Dolby Vision Cinematic Mode. If you plan to edit or show your videos on large screens, you should think about quality as well as basic compatibility.
Complete Cinematic Mode compatibility list for every supported iPhone model
When someone asks which iPhones have Cinematic Mode, the fastest way to answer is with a single clear table. The chart below covers every iPhone model from iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 Pro, along with all three generations of iPhone SE. Scan down the first column to find your phone, then check whether Cinematic Mode is supported and what the maximum recording quality is.
Remember that the quality listed here is for Cinematic Mode itself, not for standard video recording. Standard video often supports higher frame rates or resolutions, but this guide focuses on the portrait‑style video mode that blurs the background and lets you change focus after the fact.
| iPhone Model | Release Year | Cinematic Mode | Max Recording Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ Not Supported — iPhone 11 Series | |||
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | No | Not available |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 2019 | No | Not available |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 2019 | No | Not available |
| ❌ Not Supported — iPhone 12 Series | |||
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | No | Not available |
| iPhone 12 mini | 2020 | No | Not available |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2020 | No | Not available |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2020 | No | Not available |
| ❌ Not Supported — iPhone SE (1st & 2nd Gen) | |||
| iPhone SE (1st generation) | 2016 | No | Not available |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 2020 | No | Not available |
| ✅ Supported — iPhone 13 Series (1080p) | |||
| iPhone 13 mini | 2021 | Yes | 1080p at 30fps |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | Yes | 1080p at 30fps |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 2021 | Yes | 1080p at 30fps |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes | 1080p at 30fps |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | 2022 | Yes | 1080p at 30fps |
| ✅ Supported — iPhone 14 Series (4K) | |||
| iPhone 14 | 2022 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 2022 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 2022 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| ✅ Supported — iPhone 15 Series (4K + Log on Pro) | |||
| iPhone 15 | 2023 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 2023 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 2023 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps + Apple Log |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps + Apple Log |
| ✅ Supported — iPhone 16 Series (4K Dolby Vision on Pro) | |||
| iPhone 16 | 2024 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 2024 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 2024 | Yes | 4K Dolby Vision |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes | 4K Dolby Vision |
| iPhone 16e | 2025 | No | Not available |
| ✅ Supported — iPhone 17 Series | |||
| iPhone 17 | 2025 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 17 Air | 2025 | Yes | 4K at 24 or 30fps |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 2025 | Yes | 4K Dolby Vision |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 2025 | Yes | 4K Dolby Vision |
If you look across the table, you can see a clear dividing line. Everything from iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (third generation) upward supports Cinematic Mode, while every older iPhone — plus iPhone 16e — does not. That is because the mode depends on the A15 Bionic chip or newer and the newer camera systems, not just the version of iOS. Once you know where your phone sits, you can use CinematicMode.com to dive into guides made for that exact model and its recording limits.
Does iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 have Cinematic Mode?
Every model in the iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series has Cinematic Mode built into the Camera app, and iPhone 17 Pro does as well. There are real differences in resolution and advanced features though, so the answer to “which iPhones have Cinematic Mode?” is more than a simple yes or no. This section walks through each generation so you can see what you gain if you move up from one series to the next.
iPhone 13 series — where it all started
If you have any iPhone 13 model, then yes, you already have Cinematic Mode. The feature launched with iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max in late 2021, and all four phones share the same core feature set. That means automatic subject detection, smooth focus changes as people move, and the ability to tap and change focus later inside the Photos app.
The main limit for the iPhone 13 family is resolution. Cinematic Mode on these phones records only in 1080p at 30 frames per second, so you do not get 4K here. The Pro models add better lenses and more storage options, but they do not add extra Cinematic Mode settings. If you are happy with 1080p for social media and home viewing, iPhone 13 works well; if you care about 4K, you should look at iPhone 14 or newer.
iPhone 14 series — the 4K upgrade
The iPhone 14 lineup is where Cinematic Mode makes its big leap. All four phones — iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max — can record Cinematic video in 4K at both 24 and 30 frames per second. That 4K support answers “which iPhones have Cinematic Mode?” in a way that matters to serious creators, because 4K holds up far better on large screens and in editing.
You also get better edge detection compared with the first generation on iPhone 13, thanks to refinements in the A15 Bionic chip in the base models and the newer A16 Bionic in the Pro phones. The Pro models add stronger camera hardware and more advanced video options, but in day‑to‑day use the Cinematic Mode controls look very similar across all four phones. If you want the lowest‑cost way to shoot 4K Cinematic Mode, the standard iPhone 14 is the entry point.
iPhone 15 series — Log video and smarter detection
The iPhone 15 family keeps the 4K Cinematic Mode options and builds on them. Every model — iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — records Cinematic video in 4K at 24 or 30 frames per second, so you do not lose any quality by picking a non‑Pro phone. What changes is how far you can push the footage in post‑production, especially if you care about color grading.
On iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple adds support for Apple Log video. iPhone 15 Pro and newer also support Spatial Video recording. See our complete guide on how to use iPhone spatial video.
This lets you record in a flatter color profile that keeps more detail in shadows and highlights, so you have more room to grade in apps like Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve. The A17 Pro chip in those phones also gives cleaner depth maps and more accurate edges around hair and fine details, which you will notice as fewer blur glitches around complex subjects. CinematicMode.com has step‑by‑step guides that show you how to shoot in Apple Log and then color grade your Cinematic clips like a pro.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Series — Camera Control and beyond
With the iPhone 16 lineup, Cinematic Mode gets better hardware controls instead of just more pixels. All four models — iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max — include a new Camera Control button on the right side of the phone. You can use this button to start and stop recording and to adjust settings without jabbing at the screen, which feels much more natural when you are filming people.
The Pro models go further on image quality. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max can record Cinematic Mode in 4K Dolby Vision, which gives richer color and better highlight control on supported displays. These Pro models also support Spatial Video. Learn how to shoot iPhone spatial video for better 3D footage.
Then iPhone 17 Pro adds support for 4K Dolby Vision Cinematic Mode and Spatial video recording, so you can create clips that look great on Apple Vision Pro and other Spatial devices. At this point, when someone asks which iPhones have Cinematic Mode at the very highest level, the honest answer is that iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro sit at the top of the stack.
Does iPhone 11 or 12 have Cinematic Mode?
If you use an iPhone 11 or any iPhone 12 model, the answer is no. None of the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 series phones have Cinematic Mode in the Camera app, and there is no way to add it through a software update. That can feel confusing, because those phones still get modern versions of iOS, but the missing piece is the chip and camera hardware, not the software.
iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip, and iPhone 12 runs on the A14 Bionic chip. Both chips are very fast for everyday use, yet they do not have the Neural Engine performance needed to build a clean depth map for every single video frame and move focus in a smart way. Cinematic Mode needs the A15 Bionic chip at minimum, which is why it first appeared on iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (third generation).
You still have ways to get a film‑style look on iPhone 11 or 12 if you are willing to work a little harder. Third‑party camera apps can give you full manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus so you can pick settings that feel more like movie footage. Editing apps can add blur and color grading after you shoot, and framing, lighting, and careful camera moves will always help your video stand out.
If you are on iPhone 12 and you want true Cinematic Mode, upgrading to at least an iPhone 13 is the first step, and iPhone 14 is better if you care about 4K. CinematicMode.com has guides that show you both how to mimic the effect on older phones and how to use the real thing when you move to a supported iPhone.
Why Is Cinematic Mode Not Available on Older iPhones?
If your iPhone is not on the supported list, there is one reason: the chip. Cinematic Mode is not a software feature that Apple can add to older phones through an iOS update. It requires specific hardware that older iPhones simply do not have.
Here is exactly what Cinematic Mode needs to run:
- A15 Bionic chip or newer — This is the minimum requirement. The A15 has a powerful enough Neural Engine to analyse every single video frame in real time and calculate which parts of the image should be in focus and which should be blurred.
- A dual or triple rear camera system — Cinematic Mode uses multiple lenses and LiDAR (on Pro models) to build an accurate depth map of the scene. A single-camera setup like the iPhone 16e cannot do this reliably, which is why that model is excluded despite being newer.
- Dedicated video processing pipeline — The chip needs to handle depth mapping, subject tracking, automatic focus pulls, and Dolby Vision encoding all at the same time without dropping frames.
Why iPhone 11 and 12 Don’t Qualify
iPhone 11 uses the A13 Bionic chip. iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic. Both are fast chips for everyday tasks, but their Neural Engine cores are not powerful enough to run real-time depth mapping at video frame rates. No iOS update can change the chip inside your phone, so Cinematic Mode will never come to these models.
Why iPhone 16e Doesn’t Qualify
iPhone 16e is a special case. It has the A16 Bionic chip — which is fast enough — but Apple gave it only a single rear camera. Cinematic Mode’s depth-of-field blur depends on multiple cameras working together. With only one lens, the phone cannot build the same quality depth map, so Apple left Cinematic Mode out of the 16e entirely. If you want Cinematic Mode at the lowest 2025 price point, the standard iPhone 16 is the model to buy.
What changed in Cinematic Mode with each new iPhone generation
Now that you know which iPhones have Cinematic Mode, it helps to see how the feature improved over time. Each new generation added something meaningful, from higher resolution to better controls and pro‑level formats. Thinking of it as a timeline makes it easier to decide whether your current phone is enough or if a newer model would give you tools you would actually use.
iPhone 13 is the starting point. It brought Cinematic Mode to the iPhone line with 1080p recording at 30 frames per second and automatic subject detection that could pull focus between faces and objects. You could also tap to set and lock focus while recording, then change focus points and adjust blur strength later inside the Photos app. The effect looked impressive at the time, but many creators wished for 4K.
iPhone 14 delivered that wish. With this generation Apple added 4K Cinematic recording at both 24 and 30 frames per second across the whole lineup. That change made a huge difference if you edit your work, crop into a shot, or watch on a large screen, since there is far more detail in each frame. Edge detection around hair and complex shapes also improved, which meant fewer visible blur errors around fine details.
iPhone 15 Pro focused on pro workflows instead of raw resolution. It kept 4K at 24 and 30 frames per second but added Apple Log recording in Cinematic Mode on the Pro and Pro Max models. Log keeps more dynamic range so you can push colors much harder in apps like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve without breaking the image. At the same time, the A17 Pro chip sharpened up depth maps again so focus transitions felt even cleaner.
iPhone 16 put a big emphasis on how you control the camera. The Camera Control button on all iPhone 16 models lets you press a hardware control to launch the camera, start a Cinematic clip, or change settings without touching the screen. On iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max you also get 4K Dolby Vision Cinematic Mode, which pairs the shallow depth‑of‑field effect with high‑dynamic‑range color. Then iPhone 17 Pro moves into new space with Spatial recording, pointing toward a future where Cinematic Mode is part of full‑scale mobile filmmaking rather than a simple blur effect.
Here is a quick summary of the progression in table form.
| Generation | Key Cinematic Mode Change |
|---|---|
| iPhone 13 series | First version — 1080p at 30fps, automatic subject detection |
| iPhone 14 series | 4K at 24 and 30fps across the whole lineup |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Apple Log support and improved depth mapping |
| iPhone 16 series | Camera Control button + 4K Dolby Vision on Pro models |
| iPhone 17 series | 4K Dolby Vision on Pro models with enhanced processing |
If you want deeper dives into any of these jumps, CinematicMode.com has separate guides for each generation with real‑world examples and recommended settings.
How to use Cinematic Mode on your iPhone
Once you know which iPhones have Cinematic Mode and you confirm that yours is on the list, the next step is actually using it. The good news is that Apple hides the hard work behind a very simple interface, so you can get started in a few minutes and get better each time you shoot.
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone and look at the mode names near the shutter button, such as Photo and Video. Swipe across that strip until you see Cinematic, then stop when it is centered and highlighted. You are now in the right mode for portrait‑style video with background blur.
- Before you hit record, tap the small f icon on‑screen to open the depth slider and pick how strong you want the blur to look. A lower f‑number gives more blur and a very shallow depth of field, while a higher number keeps more of the scene in focus. Take a moment to frame your subject a few feet in front of the background for the best effect.
- Press the red Record button, or press either Volume button, to start recording. As you shoot, watch for yellow and gray boxes that show which subject the phone is tracking. If the wrong person is in focus, tap the gray box on the subject you care about and it will switch to yellow and pull focus to them.
- If you want focus to stay fixed at one distance, touch and hold on the subject on‑screen until you see that focus and exposure are locked. This lock keeps new people from stealing focus when they walk through the frame, which is useful for interviews or any scene where you want one person to stay sharp. On iPhone 16 and newer, you can also use the Camera Control button on the side of the phone to start and stop recording without touching the screen, which helps you avoid shaking the shot.
- After you finish recording, open the Photos app and tap your clip, then tap Edit. You can adjust the blur strength again with the f slider, tap on different people or objects to change which subject is in focus at any point in the timeline, and even turn the Cinematic effect off and on to compare. None of these edits are permanent, so you can keep coming back and trying new focus choices until the story feels right.
If you want to go past the basics, CinematicMode.com has guides like “10 Cinematic Mode tricks Apple never officially shared” that show clever focus pulls, framing ideas, and editing workflows that most people never discover on their own.
Conclusion
This guide has covered every detail on which iPhones have Cinematic Mode so you can make a confident decision.
When someone asks which iPhones have Cinematic Mode, the answer is clear. Every iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 model supports it, as does iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone SE (third generation), while older phones — plus iPhone 16e — do not. That support line follows the A15 Bionic chip and newer, not the iOS version, so no update can give an iPhone 11 or 12 this mode.
The feature itself has grown fast. It began at 1080p on iPhone 13, jumped to 4K on iPhone 14, gained Apple Log on iPhone 15 Pro, picked up a Camera Control button and 4K Dolby Vision on iPhone 16 Pro, and moved into Spatial recording on iPhone 17 Pro. Once you know where your phone fits on that ladder, you can decide whether to stick with what you have or plan an upgrade.
If your phone is on the supported list and you want to go further than simple blur, visit CinematicMode.com. You will find model‑specific tips, editing tutorials, and clear explanations that help you turn this smart feature into real storytelling power.
FAQs
Does iPhone 12 have Cinematic Mode?
iPhone 12 does not have Cinematic Mode. That is true for every phone in the iPhone 12 family, including iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. These phones run on the A14 Bionic chip, which does not have enough Neural Engine performance for real‑time depth maps at video frame rates. No iOS update can change that, so if you want native Cinematic Mode you need at least an iPhone 13, and an iPhone 14 or newer if 4K video matters to you.
Does iPhone 11 have Cinematic Mode?
iPhone 11 does not support Cinematic Mode either. It uses the A13 Bionic chip, which is two generations behind the A15 chip that first enabled this feature. No app can fully copy the native mode, although you can use third‑party tools and careful shooting techniques to get a similar shallow depth‑of‑field look. CinematicMode.com has guides that walk through those options for people who want a film‑style feel without upgrading right away.
Which is the oldest iPhone with Cinematic Mode?
The oldest iPhones with Cinematic Mode are the iPhone 13 models released in 2021. That includes iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, and all of them record Cinematic video in 1080p at 30 frames per second. iPhone SE (third generation), released in 2022, also supports Cinematic Mode because it shares the A15 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 13 family.
Does iPhone 16e have Cinematic Mode?
iPhone 16e does not have Cinematic Mode, even though it is a newer phone. Apple designed the 16e as a lower‑cost model and made hardware trade‑offs, such as using a simpler single rear camera system. That camera setup and the pared‑back processing path mean it cannot run the same depth‑aware video pipeline as the main iPhone 16 line. If you want Cinematic Mode at the lowest price point in this generation, the standard iPhone 16 is the model to look at.