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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11ProRes RAW can consume iPhone storage quickly because it preserves image data for greater flexibility in post-production, rather than prioritizing small, ready-to-share files. Apple says ProRes files generally can be up to 30 times larger than HEVC files, but that comparison is not a ProRes RAW-specific estimate. Apple does not publish a universal iPhone ProRes RAW size-per-minute figure, so the best way to manage space is to choose the format deliberately, check compatibility and free space, and transfer clips before deleting them.
Why ProRes RAW uses more storage
ProRes is designed for professional video and post-production workflows. Apple’s general comparison is that “ProRes files are up to 30 times larger than HEVC files.” That describes ProRes overall; it is not a measured or universal file-size ratio for iPhone ProRes RAW. Apple’s ProRes support page does not give a per-minute or per-clip size table for iPhone ProRes RAW, so an exact storage estimate depends on the capture setup.
RAW describes a workflow as well as a capture choice. Apple’s technical explanation shows ProRes RAW being decoded to a Bayer image and then processed with operations such as white balance, demosaicing, color conversion, and exposure or gain adjustments. Retaining data for those choices can be useful when editing, but it does not mean every clip needs RAW processing. Apple’s ProRes RAW technical document explains that processing path.
For iPhone footage, Apple Compressor documents selectable ProRes RAW processing controls such as tint, demosaicing, and machine-learning denoising; the denoising feature requires a Mac with Apple silicon. These controls illustrate the latitude available in post-production, not a requirement that every editor use them. See the Compressor User Guide.
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Choose the capture format for the clip
Use RAW when the project genuinely benefits from RAW-oriented processing and the recording app and editing workflow support it. For routine clips where smaller files and easy sharing matter more than extensive post-production flexibility, HEVC is a more storage-conscious choice. Apple lists HEVC and H.264 as the alternatives when ProRes is off, depending on the selected format setting.
- Before recording: Decide whether the clip needs RAW processing, confirm that your chosen app supports it on your iPhone, and check the intended resolution, frame rate, and recording destination.
- For ordinary capture: Prefer HEVC when convenience and lower storage use take priority.
- For editing: Confirm that the target editor supports the footage and that the added processing flexibility serves the project.
ProRes RAW recording is available through Final Cut Camera and some third-party apps on supported iPhone models. That is separate from the built-in Camera app’s ProRes controls; do not assume the built-in Camera app records RAW. Apple’s support table covers iPhone 13 Pro through iPhone 17 Pro for ProRes eligibility, but supported RAW apps and recording options depend on the model and software. Check Apple’s current model and recording-mode table for your exact setup.
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Check ProRes eligibility and recording limits
Apple’s listed ProRes capabilities vary by model, storage destination, and mode. The following resolution and frame-rate limits apply to ProRes as documented by Apple; they should not be treated as universal ProRes RAW limits.
| ProRes recording mode | Apple-listed availability |
|---|---|
| 4K up to 30 fps | Eligible iPhone models listed on Apple’s support page |
| 4K at 60 fps | iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro with qualifying external storage |
| 4K at 120 fps | iPhone 16 Pro and 17 Pro with qualifying external storage |
| 1080p frame-rate limits | Capacity-dependent; see Apple’s model-specific table |
Availability can also depend on the recording app and whether the clip is saved to built-in or external storage. For regular ProRes capture, Apple’s setup path is Settings > Camera > Formats, then turn on Apple ProRes. In Camera’s Video mode, select an available resolution and frame rate and choose a supported ProRes option. Turning ProRes off returns recording to HEVC or H.264 according to the selected format setting. The built-in Camera controls described here do not enable ProRes RAW.
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Prevent a recording from running out of space
Apple requires at least 10 percent of device storage to be free to record ProRes. If less than five minutes of recording time is available, the Camera app may automatically free up storage when ProRes is enabled. Check available space before starting a long session rather than relying on that automatic behavior.
Record to an external drive when the iPhone and mode support it
For supported iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro models, Apple’s external ProRes recording requirements include an exFAT-formatted drive, a USB 3 cable rated for at least 10 Gbit/s, and sufficient drive write speed. Apple specifies minimum write speeds of 220 MB/s for 4K60 ProRes and 440 MB/s for 4K120 ProRes. These are ProRes compatibility thresholds, not a guarantee or file-size estimate for ProRes RAW. Password-encrypted drives are unsupported. Apple also says 4K120 recording sessions require reformatting the drive before each session for optimal performance. Confirm requirements for your exact model, app, and mode in Apple’s external recording guidance.
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Move clips off the iPhone and reclaim space safely
- Export or transfer the original first. Copy clips to an external drive, a Mac or PC, or iCloud Photos using the transfer options that suit your workflow. Confirm that the copy is accessible before removing the iPhone version.
- Delete the clip from Photos. Deleting it moves it to Recently Deleted rather than immediately reclaiming all of its space.
- Permanently delete it from Recently Deleted. Empty that album to reclaim local storage. Keep a separate copy if you may need the original for editing or archiving.
When sharing a clip with someone whose device or workflow does not support the original ProRes file, Apple’s AirDrop guidance says the shared copy may be converted to HEVC or H.264. If preserving the original format matters, transfer the original by another supported method and verify the received file.
Make a storage decision before each shoot
There is no single best format for every iPhone video. Match the choice to the project: the editing flexibility needed, app and editor compatibility, your iPhone model, resolution and frame rate, and whether the destination is built-in or external storage. For ordinary clips, HEVC can reduce storage pressure; reserve ProRes RAW for footage where its post-production options justify the larger storage demand and a more deliberate transfer workflow.
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