In a groundbreaking move for live sports broadcasting, Apple is set to incorporate footage captured by its latest iPhone 17 Pro into the upcoming Friday Night Baseball game. This initiative marks the first time professional live sports coverage will feature content shot using smartphone technology.
The game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park will serve as the debut for this innovative approach. Apple plans to deploy four iPhone 17 Pro devices strategically throughout the stadium to capture unique perspectives of the action. These devices will be positioned in the home dugout, atop the iconic Green Monster in left field, and as a mobile roaming camera to provide dynamic, on-the-ground shots.
To ensure professional-grade footage, Apple is utilizing the Blackmagic Camera app in conjunction with the newly announced Blackmagic Camera ProDock. This setup allows for high-quality video capture and seamless integration into the live broadcast. The production team will have the capability to remotely control various camera settings, including exposure, white balance, and zoom, ensuring optimal image quality throughout the game.
Viewers will be able to identify footage captured by the iPhone 17 Pro through a Shot on iPhone overlay that will appear in the corner of the stream during these segments. This transparency highlights Apple’s confidence in the capabilities of its smartphone technology to deliver professional-level content.
This initiative is part of Apple’s ongoing partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to enhance the viewing experience through technological innovation. Previous enhancements have included the use of drone shots, helmet cameras, and high-resolution megalodon cameras to provide fans with immersive and unique perspectives of the game.
The integration of iPhone 17 Pro footage into the Friday Night Baseball broadcast not only showcases the advanced capabilities of Apple’s latest smartphone but also signifies a potential shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting. By leveraging widely available consumer technology, broadcasters may find new opportunities to capture and present live events in more dynamic and cost-effective ways.
Fans can tune in to this historic broadcast at 7:10 pm Eastern Time via the Apple TV app, accessible with an active Apple TV+ subscription. This game marks the final double-header of the 2025 season, offering viewers a unique blend of traditional broadcasting techniques and cutting-edge technology.
