iPhone ProRes Recording Time Calculator
Estimate iPhone ProRes recording time, storage required, remaining space, model compatibility, and external-drive write-speed requirements.
Last updated: August 2026
PRORES STORAGE PLAN
Codec comparison at this resolution and frame rate
| Codec | Estimated GB/min | Estimated GB/hour | Time with effective storage |
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Results are storage-planning estimates, not guaranteed recording limits. Actual file size and continuous recording time can vary by model, app, codec settings, scene, software, storage performance, temperature, and battery. HEVC, H.264, ProRes RAW, editing storage, and export storage are excluded.
Why ProRes files are large
ProRes preserves substantially more image information than ordinary compressed phone-video formats, so it uses much more storage. The displayed rates are editable planning estimates, not a guarantee of a final file size.
Internal and external recording
Apple requires at least 10% free device storage for ProRes. Direct external recording requires a supported USB-C Pro model; iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro models do not support it. The calculator applies Apple’s 4K60 and 4K120 external-mode limits.
Important limitation
Results are storage-planning estimates, not guaranteed recording limits. Actual file size and continuous recording time can vary by model, app, codec settings, scene, software, storage performance, temperature, and battery. HEVC, H.264, ProRes RAW, editing, and export storage are outside this tool.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 128GB limited?
Apple’s table limits 128GB built-in storage to 1080p at 25 or 30 fps for ProRes.
What drive speed is needed?
Apple specifies at least 220 MB/s for 4K60 and 440 MB/s for 4K120, along with a USB 3 cable rated at least 10 Gbit/s.
Can I edit the estimate?
Yes. Use any measured or planned GB-per-minute value.