Apple has introduced a novel feature that allows users to record spatial videos directly from their iPhones, specifically starting with the iPhone 15 Pro models. This capability can be activated within the Settings app by navigating to Camera → Formats, where users will find an option to enable spatial video recording. Upon activation, a new button appears in the Video section of the Camera app, dedicated to spatial video recording, which captures footage in 1080p at a smooth 30 frames per second. Apple emphasizes the necessity for the iPhone to be held in landscape mode and to be stabilized to achieve optimal recording results. Notably, for individuals who will own the future Vision Pro, this feature is expected to be enabled by default.
Spatial videos, when viewed on the iPhone, present as standard 2D videos without any additional depth effects. However, the true potential of these videos is unveiled when they are experienced through Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset, set to launch in early 2024 in the United States. Despite the Vision Pro not being released yet, Apple has provided selected press members an opportunity to create spatial videos using the iPhone 15 Pro and to view these recordings through the headset. Currently, Apple restricts the press from sharing visual content of the Vision Pro, limiting public insights to written descriptions only.
Joanna Stern from The Wall Street Journal described her experience with the technology, noting the impressive 3D effect of spatial videos when viewed through the Vision Pro headset. In her demonstration, she captured a sushi chef at work, and upon playback, the sushi and chopsticks appeared to pop out of the screen, creating a striking foreground effect against the backdrop. Stern's account underlines the potential of spatial videos to forge a new level of intimacy and realism, far surpassing traditional 2D imagery.
Jacob Krol of TheStreet highlighted the simplicity and intuitiveness of recording spatial videos, likening the process to using other modes on the iPhone 15 Pro. His account detailed capturing a sushi chef's craft, praising the iPhone's ability to smoothly transition focus between the subject and the background, enhancing the depth effect of the spatial video.
Scott Stein from CNET was also impressed by the quality and realism of the 3D videos, though he acknowledged the high price point of the Vision Pro might limit its accessibility. He also noted the upcoming support for spatial video editing in Final Cut Pro, hinting at the expanding ecosystem for this innovative video format.
The spatial video recording feature was made available to developers and public beta testers with the release of the second beta of iOS 17.2, marking a significant step forward in Apple's integration of advanced video capabilities into its ecosystem.
