For the final double-header of the 2025 Friday Night Baseball season, Apple is introducing an innovative twist by incorporating the iPhone 17 Pro into the broadcast. Tonight, during the game between the Tigers and the Red Sox at Boston’s Fenway Park, four iPhones will be used alongside professional cameras to capture unique perspectives. This marks a global first for a live sports broadcast.
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Filmed with (4) iPhone 17 Pros
For this special occasion, Cupertino is deploying four iPhone 17 Pros, strategically positioned in the local team’s dugout, atop the legendary Green Monster, and at two other fixed points within the stadium. Additionally, one iPhone will be mounted on a wireless rig for dynamic moving shots.
Whenever a shot from these devices is used, an Shot on iPhone overlay will appear on the screen. These clips will enhance the standard broadcast without replacing the traditional cameras.
Apple has decided to leverage publicly available tools to make the experience seem authentic. The teams will use the Blackmagic Camera app and the new Blackmagic Camera ProDock, facilitating live video feed handling.
The production has undergone secretive testing in recent months: exposure, white balance, and zoom can be remotely adjusted, while the four iPhones will operate continuously throughout the game.
A Showcase for the iPhone 17 Pro
This initiative demonstrates Apple’s intention to showcase the durability and versatility of the iPhone 17 Pro as a professional tool. Already featured in Shot on iPhone campaigns and short films, the device is now stepping into the highly demanding arena of live sports broadcasting, where reliability and smooth operation are crucial.
This isn’t the first time Cupertino has introduced technical innovations in its MLB productions. Previous surprises included stadium drone shots, helmet-mounted cameras, and the use of megalodon
for dramatic slow-motion replays. The iPhone adds to this impressive list.
Tune in for the First Pitch
The clash between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox kicks off at 7:10 PM (Eastern Time). It will be available at no extra cost to Apple TV+ subscribers through the Apple TV app.
This real-world test might pave the way for broader use of the iPhone in professional broadcasting—a chance for Cupertino to prove that its smartphone is not just a consumer tool, but also a camera ready for the professional scene.