iOS 17 unlocks Cinematic video editing with third-party apps

After updating to iOS 17, users can edit Cinematic videos using third-party apps, rather than relying on Apple's software as before.

Cinematic mode, first introduced on the iPhone 13, allows for portrait-style video recording with dynamic focus, achieving effects akin to professional cameras. Until now, the only way to perform advanced edits on Cinematic videos was through Apple Photos, iMovie, or Final Cut. However, iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma are set to change that.

At WWDC 2023, Apple unveiled the Cinematic API for iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma. This feature grants developers access to editing Cinematic videos within their own apps. Users can also edit Cinematic videos using third-party apps.

Specifically, Cinematic videos will consist of two files: one for the rendered video and another containing all metadata related to blur effects, allowing for post-production editing without affecting other data. Currently, third-party photo editing apps only offer basic tasks like brightness/contrast adjustments and color filters. However, the new API enables users to delve deeper into parameters such as depth, focal point, and background blur.

The API feature is not limited to professional video editing software, meaning we can potentially edit directly within social media apps. However, only the default Camera app on the iPhone and iPhones 13 and above can record Cinematic mode videos. Besides updating to iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, third-party developers also need to update their apps with the new API to unlock Cinematic video editing capabilities.