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ProRes RAW is intended for workflows that benefit from processing image data after capture. If you do not need that flexibility, HEVC is a more space-conscious choice. To manage existing clips, preserve or transfer them first, then remove them from Photos and Recently Deleted if you want to reclaim local storage.
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Why ProRes RAW recordings need so much storage
ProRes is designed for professional video and post-production workflows, and its files are substantially larger than HEVC files. Apple’s published comparison says ProRes files are “up to 30 times larger than HEVC files.” That figure applies to ProRes generally; it is not a measured or universal ProRes RAW-to-HEVC ratio.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRAW is a separate capture option, not another name for ordinary ProRes. Apple describes ProRes RAW as a way to retain data close to what the camera sensor captures. In a RAW workflow, footage can be decoded to a Bayer image and processed through steps such as white balance, demosaicing, color conversion, and exposure or gain adjustments. Those choices can be useful during post-production, but they do not make RAW the right choice for every clip.
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Apple’s Compressor guide also documents controls for ProRes RAW footage shot on iPhone, including tint, demosaicing, and machine-learning denoising. The denoising feature requires a Mac with Apple silicon. These are additional editing options, not adjustments every viewer needs to make.
Apple does not state an iPhone ProRes RAW file size per minute or a universal clip-size estimate in the support material cited here. Avoid relying on a single number for planning: the needed space varies with settings and recording workflow.
Check whether your iPhone and recording app support RAW
Apple lists iPhone 13 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro models as eligible for ProRes. ProRes RAW recording is available through Final Cut Camera and some third-party apps on supported models; Apple’s documentation does not say that the built-in Camera app records RAW. The built-in Camera app’s ProRes controls and an app’s ProRes RAW support are distinct.
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- Supports recording in Apple ProRes at 4K120FPS, and Samsung Pro Video 8K 30FPS
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Available formats also depend on the model, app, selected resolution and frame rate, and whether you record to the iPhone or qualifying external storage. Apple’s published limits for ProRes include 4K up to 30 fps on eligible models; 4K60 on iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro with qualifying external storage; and 4K120 on iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro with qualifying external storage. These are ProRes limits, not a blanket promise about ProRes RAW. Check Apple’s current compatibility table for your exact setup.
For regular ProRes in the built-in Camera app, Apple’s setup path is Settings > Camera > Formats: turn on Apple ProRes, then open Camera in Video mode and select an available resolution, frame rate, and ProRes option. Turning ProRes off returns capture to HEVC or H.264, depending on the selected format setting.
Choose a format based on the clip’s purpose
| Option | When it fits | Storage and workflow consideration |
|---|---|---|
| ProRes RAW | You expect to make RAW-oriented image adjustments in a compatible post-production workflow. | Apple does not publish a universal iPhone file-size estimate. Confirm support in the recording app and editor you intend to use. |
| ProRes | You need ProRes for a professional video or post-production workflow but do not specifically need RAW capture. | Apple says ProRes files are up to 30 times larger than HEVC files; this is not a RAW-specific ratio. |
| HEVC | You want smaller, convenient files for ordinary recording and do not need ProRes capture. | Apple identifies HEVC as an alternative when ProRes is off. |
| H.264 | You prefer the format selected through the iPhone’s camera-format settings when ProRes is off. | Apple identifies H.264 as another possible alternative when ProRes is off. |
Before recording, check that the app supports the desired format, that your editor can handle the original, and that your selected resolution and frame rate work with the intended storage destination. Apple documents the available options and limits, but does not prescribe one best setting for every situation.
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- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
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- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Keep enough free space before recording
Apple says at least 10 percent of iPhone storage must be free to record ProRes. Check available space before a long session rather than assuming the phone can keep recording until storage is completely full. Apple also says that when less than five minutes of recording time is available, the Camera app may automatically free storage if ProRes is enabled.
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For a session where space is tight, choose HEVC when its smaller-file workflow meets your needs, or move existing videos off the phone before recording. ProRes RAW support depends on the recording app, so check that app’s storage and capture options rather than assuming the built-in Camera app’s settings apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Record to external storage when the setup qualifies
On supported iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro models, Apple supports external ProRes recording subject to drive and cable requirements. These published requirements concern ProRes recording and should not be treated as a separate guarantee for every ProRes RAW app or mode.
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- The drive must be formatted as exFAT; password-encrypted drives are unsupported.
- Use a USB 3 cable rated for at least 10 Gbit/s.
- Apple specifies minimum drive write speeds of 220 MB/s for 4K60 ProRes and 440 MB/s for 4K120 ProRes.
- For optimal performance, Apple says 4K120 sessions require reformatting the drive before each session.
Check compatibility for your iPhone, app, and selected recording mode before relying on a drive. The speed thresholds are requirements for the stated ProRes modes, not file-size figures.
Transfer clips, then reclaim iPhone storage
Moving a clip to another location does not by itself remove the original from Photos. First make sure the exported or transferred file is intact and accessible where you want to keep it. Apple documents export and transfer options for moving files to external storage, a Mac or PC, or iCloud Photos.
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- Choose a destination. Export or transfer the original clip to an external drive, computer, or iCloud Photos, depending on your workflow.
- Verify the copy. Open the transferred file or confirm it is available in the destination before deleting the iPhone copy.
- Delete the clip from Photos. This removes it from the main library.
- Empty Recently Deleted. Apple says you must permanently delete the video there as well to reclaim its storage.
If you share a clip through AirDrop with someone whose device does not support the original ProRes format, Apple says the shared copy may be converted to HEVC or H.264. Do not assume the recipient receives an unchanged ProRes original.
Quick Recap
Apple references
- Apple Support: About Apple ProRes on iPhone (UK English; published March 17, 2026)
- Apple Support: About Apple ProRes on iPhone (Ireland English; published March 17, 2026)
- Apple: Apple ProRes RAW technical document (May 2023)
- Apple Compressor User Guide
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