iPhone Cinematic Mode is one of the most accessible tools for professional-looking video — but only if you know how to grade it. Out of camera, it looks flat and underexposed. That's not a problem; it's the point.

Here's everything you need to know.

Understanding Apple Log

On iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and later models, you can shoot in Apple Log — a logarithmic gamma curve designed to retain highlight and shadow detail in high-contrast scenes.

Older Cinematic Mode (iPhone 13 and 14) shoots in a slightly different, less extreme flat profile. The grading approach is similar, but the LUT variants differ.

How to enable Apple Log:

  1. Open Camera app → swipe to Video
  2. Tap the LOG indicator in the top-right corner
  3. It toggles between Standard and Apple Log
  4. Note: requires ProRes video recording (requires iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max)

The Grading Workflow

The approach is nearly identical to grading S-Log3:

  1. Apply a primary balance — correct exposure and white balance before anything else
  2. Apply your LUT on a separate node/layer
  3. Make any secondary adjustments after the LUT (skin tone, sky, selective colour)

The key difference from Sony/Canon: iPhone Apple Log has a narrower dynamic range than a professional camera shooting S-Log3. Don't try to push the grade as hard — you'll see noise and banding faster.

DaVinci Resolve is the best option for grading iPhone footage. It handles ProRes natively, the node system is flexible, and the built-in tools for skin tone work are excellent.

Premiere Pro works well. Use Lumetri Colour and apply the LUT in the Creative section, not the Input LUT.

Final Cut Pro has native support for Apple Log and includes built-in LUT options. You can import third-party .cube files via the Custom LUT effect in the inspector.

CapCut Desktop (not mobile) supports .cube LUT import. It's a good option if you're editing content for social media and want a simpler workflow.

Choosing the Right Folder

Most LUT packs ship with two versions — LOG and Standard (STD):

  • Shot in Apple Log (iPhone 15 Pro and later) → use a LUT from the LOG folder
  • Shot in standard colour (older iPhones, or Log not enabled) → use a LUT from the STD folder

Don't use a LOG LUT on Rec.709 footage. The gamma curves are different and the result will look heavily washed out.

The Cinema Pack includes both LOG and STD versions — 9 creative looks in each.

Grading for Cinematic Mode Depth of Field

One Cinematic Mode-specific consideration: the depth-of-field data is stored as metadata, not baked into the clip. This means you can adjust, reframe, or remove the focus rack in Final Cut Pro or on iPhone after shooting.

For colour grading, treat Cinematic Mode footage the same as standard video footage. The depth of field adjustment doesn't affect the colour information.

Common Mistakes

Applying the LUT to standard Rec.709 footage — if your iPhone wasn't in Log mode, you don't need a log LUT. Use the STD folder instead.

Over-grading — iPhone footage, even in ProRes, has limits. A subtle grade looks better than an aggressive one. Let the Cinematic Mode work for you, don't fight it.

Ignoring noise — iPhone sensors are small. If you shot in low light, noise will become visible faster than on a larger-sensor camera when you push the shadows. Keep your shadows lifted rather than pulled down to black.