Apple has added more professional video features for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Blackmagic is the first to release a dock to add new ports to connect the phones to industry equipment.

One key element of the iPhone 17 Pro Max launch was the addition of Genlock, which Greg Joswiak said "enables super-precise video synchronization."

"Whether using multiple cameras or on-screen graphics, Genlock allows you to quickly and easily get the most out of your video for accurate and professional-looking transitions without hours of manual frame-by-frame alignment," he continued. "When using an array of cameras, Genlock enables advanced filmmaking tools and techniques like time splicing or bullet time, which allows filmmakers to change the audience perspective while freezing time."

Joswiak gave a shout-out to Blackmagic during the launch, saying specifically that "genlock is supported via the new Blackmagic Camera ProDock and we have APIs available for others as well."

The Blackmagic dock has now been released and is available both from Blackmagic resellers for $295, or from the Apple Store for $299.95.

"iPhone has become an incredibly powerful tool for filmmaking and with new features like genlock, the possibilities continue to expand," Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO, said in a statement. "The new Blackmagic Camera ProDock brings even more flexibility by adding the professional connections filmmakers expect from a cinema camera to iPhone."

"When used with Blackmagic Camera, customers also get digital film camera controls," continued Petty, "making it the perfect device for multicam and virtual productions."

According to Blackmagic, its new dock:

  • Adds professional camera connections to iPhone.
  • Supports the Blackmagic Camera app on iPhone.
  • Supports genlock on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to perfectly synchronize multiple cameras for multi-cam production.
  • Synchronizes cameras and LED walls for flicker free virtual production with iPhone.
  • External timecode input for syncing multiple iPhone recordings when editing.
  • Includes USB-C expansion ports for accessories and external flash disks.
  • Locking 12V DC input powers ProDock, iPhone and all USB-C accessories.
  • Includes HDMI output, for connecting to monitors and displays.
  • Includes 3.5mm stereo audio output for monitoring using headphones.
  • Includes 3.5mm stereo input for external camera mics or wireless mics.
  • Includes 1/4-20 pin lock mounting points on top and bottom for easy rigging.
Black device with multiple ports including USB, HDMI, audio, and power connections, labeled as Blackmagic Design.

The new Blackmagic Camera ProDock — image credit: Blackmagic

"We're thrilled to bring these advanced filmmaking tools to iPhone, making them more affordable and approachable," concluded Joswiak, who also noted that the whole Apple Event was shot on iPhone 17 Pro.