Apple Built a Custom Camera With iPhone Parts for 'F1: The Movie'

Apple developed a custom camera system using iPhone components to capture high-speed footage from Formula 1 cars for its upcoming feature film "F1: The Movie". The project involved replacing standard F1 broadcast cameras with a bespoke module engineered around an iPhone camera sensor and powered by an A-series chip. Filmmakers wanted to capture authentic driver-perspective racing footage using real Formula 1 vehicles, but traditional cameras couldn't meet the visual standards required for film production. Apple's engineering team designed a new camera system that could meet the technical requirements of Formula 1 and modern filmmaking needs. The module uses the 48-megapixel image sensor from the iPhone 15 Pro, paired with an A-series processor, and can capture high-resolution video in ProRes Log format. Apple integrated a physical neutral density filter into the lens system, enabling better exposure control in variable lighting conditions. The module runs a custom iOS with firmware built specifically for this use-case, which informed new features introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple developed an iPad app to serve as a wired control interface for the camera, allowing filmmakers to adjust recording parameters and extract footage. The module was tested for resistance to shock, heat, and vibration, exceeding the durability specifications of standard F1 broadcast equipment. The project pushed the boundaries of camera technology, resulting in new features being introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro.