Apple Releases First Shot On iPhone 16 Pro Project, The Weeknd’s Music Video

Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab

The Weeknd made Apple history with his new Dancing in the Flames music video, shot entirely on the freshly unveiled iPhone 16 Pro.

First teased briefly at the tech giant’s flagship Glowtime event, the video was created in-house by Apple, and was directed by Anton Tammi and shot by cinematographer Erik Henriksson. The project took full advantage of the iPhone 16 Pro’s new 4K 120fps recording, which allows for incredibly smooth and cinematic slow-motion shots.

According to the behind-the-scenes footage, this feature gave the team the creative freedom to slow down footage in post-production, helping to create the moody, atmospheric vibe The Weeknd is known for.

The music video showcases a signature blend of neon lights, dreamlike sequences, and retro-meets-modern aesthetics. These visuals were enhanced by the iPhone 16 Pro’s advanced 48MP Fusion and Ultra Wide cameras, which allowed the filmmakers to capture detailed shots and experiment with color using Apple’s ProRes Log in post-production.

Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab

Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro offers a range of professional-grade features that make it stand out as a legitimate tool for filmmakers. The 48MP Fusion camera’s quad-pixel sensor enables smooth 4K 120fps recording, while the Ultra Wide lens brings a new level of detail to macro shots and wide-angle perspectives. The inclusion of Apple ProRes Log provides greater flexibility for color grading, making the phone a powerful option for serious filmmakers. Additionally, the new Camera Control feature gives users granular access to settings, enhancing ease and precision while shooting.

Both Henriksson and Chen praised the iPhone 16 Pro’s potential, with Henriksson stating, “You stop thinking about it just being an iPhone and you treat it like a normal camera.” Chen added that the new Photographic Styles feature allows for on-the-fly adjustments, making it easier for creatives to capture the perfect shot.

Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab

Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab

[via Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab, images courtesy]