How to Grade Apple Log on iPhone 16 Pro & 15 Pro (Best 2026 LUTs & Workflow)

When Apple introduced 10-bit ProRes Log recording on the iPhone 15 Pro and continued refining it on the iPhone 16 Pro, mobile filmmaking underwent a massive transformation. For the first time, smartphones can capture up to 12 stops of genuine dynamic range with flat log gamma—allowing filmmakers to grade iPhone footage alongside RED, ARRI, and Sony cinema cameras.

However, straight out of camera, Apple Log footage looks desaturated, milky, and grey. If you apply a standard Rec.709 creative LUT directly onto raw Apple Log, your footage will look muddy with crushed shadows. In this guide, you will learn the exact industry workflow to transform Apple Log into breathtaking, filmic video using DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and professional 3D LUTs.

Understanding Apple Log & Apple E-Gamut

Unlike standard Rec.709 video, which bakes in contrast and saturation, Apple Log uses a logarithmic tonal curve that preserves highlights and shadow detail in high-contrast shooting conditions (such as bright daylight or sunset backlighting).

Key technical specifications of Apple Log footage:

• Chroma Subsampling: 10-bit 4:2:2 ProRes (HQ, 422, LT, or Proxy).
• Color Gamut: Apple E-Gamut (a wide color space wider than DCI-P3 and approaching Rec.2020).
• Gamma Curve: Apple Log (custom logarithmic transfer function designed by Apple).

Step-by-Step Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is the premier tool for grading Apple Log due to its native color management engine.

Method A: Using Color Space Transform (CST)

1. Import your iPhone 16 Pro ProRes Log clips onto the timeline.
2. Create a 3-node serial tree in the Color page:
   • Node 1 (Balance & Exposure): Adjust Lift/Gamma/Gain and White Balance.
   • Node 2 (Creative LUT / Look): Apply your creative film stock emulation.
   • Node 3 (Color Space Transform): Place the CST plugin on this node or use it as an input transform.
3. In the CST plugin settings, configure:
   • Input Color Space: Apple E-Gamut
   • Input Gamma: Apple Log
   • Output Color Space: Rec.709
   • Output Gamma: Gamma 2.4
   • Tone Mapping: DaVinci (handles highlight roll-off gracefully)

Method B: Using Dedicated Apple Log Conversion LUTs

If you prefer a streamlined, drag-and-drop LUT workflow, explore our specialized iPhone 16 Pro to ARRI Alexa PowerGrade and LUTs. This pack transforms the iPhone sensor profile directly into the legendary color response and soft highlight roll-off of the ARRI Alexa 35.

Grading Apple Log in Adobe Premiere Pro

If you edit in Adobe Premiere Pro (2026 / 2025):

1. Select your clip and open the Lumetri Color panel.
2. Under Basic Correction > Input LUT, select the official Apple Log to Rec.709 conversion LUT.
3. Navigate to the Creative tab to apply your stylistic aesthetic (such as our 35mm Film Emulation LUTs).
4. Adjust the Intensity slider between 60% - 80% for a natural, organic film look.

Apple Log Exposure & Camera Settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Apple Log footage look noisy in low light?

Small smartphone sensors have high pixel density. When shooting Apple Log in low light, underexposed shadows reveal digital sensor noise. Always light your scenes properly, keep ISO at base levels, and apply light temporal noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve Studio.

Can I edit Apple Log on my iPad or CapCut?

Yes! CapCut and DaVinci Resolve for iPad both support Apple Log. You can import .cube LUTs into CapCut Desktop and mobile to grade on the go. Also check our sister marketplace LUTsMarket.com for additional multi-platform preset packs.

Ready to jumpstart your mobile color grading? Download our Free Starter Pack of 4 Cinematic LUTs and begin transforming your iPhone footage today.