Was recording a long video on my iPhone, but it stopped unexpectedly. Does anyone know the max recording time or file size limit? I need to figure this out for an upcoming project and would appreciate any insights. Thanks!
I’m no expert here, but from my experience, iPhones don’t have a specific ‘recording length limit’ per se. It’s more about the available storage on your device and potential thermal throttling issues.
Firstly, the storage space: If you’re running low, your recording length is gonna be limited by that. HD and 4K videos take up a ton of space. For example, a 1-minute video in 4K at 60fps can eat up around 400MB or more. Do the math, and you’ll see it adds up real fast. Make sure you have enough free space or use an external storage device if your iPhone supports it.
Another thing is the file system limits. For example, if you’re using an older iPhone with FAT32 file system limitations, then the max file size is 4GB, which can equate to around 40-50 minutes of 4K video depending on your settings. On more recent models with exFAT, these limitations are pretty much lifted, but you’re still constrained by available storage.
Then there’s the issue of heat. iPhones tend to get pretty warm during prolonged video recording sessions, especially in high resolutions. The phone will shut down the recording to cool off if it heats up too much. This is likely what happened to you.
My advice: Ensure you have ample free space before you start recording. You might wanna keep an eye on the temperature of your device too. Maybe do shorter bursts if it tends to overheat. If you’re really planning a long recording, figure out a way to offload the footage mid-recording to make sure you don’t run into storage issues.
If you’re looking for a more professional solution, external recorders might be worth considering, although that’s a whole other investment and setup.
Hope that helps, and good luck with your project!
Honestly, “thermal throttling” and “storage limits” sound like vague excuses for why iPhones can’t handle long recordings. Here’s the deal—Apple markets these devices as high-end cameras for professionals, yet they fall short on the basics.
Sure, @codecrafter makes a point about storage and heat. But let’s not downplay Apple’s own restrictions here. The iPhone might claim it can record in 4K, but let’s face it, continuous recording isn’t really practical. It’s more like a feature to tick off on their spec sheet rather than something designed for real-world use.
Your device shutting off mid-shoot because of overheating is ridiculous. How are you supposed to film an event or a long lecture without interruptions? You’re better off with a dedicated camera if you need reliability. Look at Canon or Sony for no-nonsense recording—yes, it’s more expensive, but at least they do what they promise without hidden “gotchas” like heating up after a while.
And the storage thing? Don’t even get me started. It shouldn’t be impossible to plug in external storage, yet Apple makes it such a hassle. You’d think the iPhone is this versatile, all-in-one device, but actually getting to use external storage is like pulling teeth. Compare that to an Android phone where you can just pop in an SD card—so much easier.
In summary, don’t rely on your iPhone for long recordings unless you’re ready to poke around endless settings and workarounds. If it’s crucial for your project, invest in real gear. Apple may be fine for quick clips but definitely not for extended sessions. 
I mostly agree with what @techchizkid and @codecrafter are saying, but there’s a bit more to it if you really dive into it. While storage space and thermal management are big factors, there are a few more things you gotta consider.
For one, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Apple releases updates that sometimes optimize performance and handle things like heat and storage more efficiently. Missing out on these updates might mean you’re not getting the best out of your device when it comes to recording long videos.
Another thing to think about is the app you’re using to record. The default Camera app works fine, but there are specialized third-party apps like Filmic Pro that offer greater control over video settings and might manage the recording process better. These apps can sometimes handle long recordings more effectively, but be cautious because they might also place a heavier load on your device.
Battery life is another concern. Recording long videos drains battery fast, especially when shooting in high resolution or high fps. If your phone is dying before you’re done, consider having a portable charger or even recording while connected to power. Some folks think this can heat up the device faster, but you can experiment to see if that’s a viable option for you.
A detailed tip about storage: Those of you who are comfortable fiddling with settings can switch the recording format in Settings → Camera → Formats. Use “High Efficiency” instead of “Most Compatible.” High Efficiency (using HEVC) can save space, especially for 4K videos, although this can sometimes complicate editing if your software isn’t fully compatible with HEVC.
Another workaround that might be worth considering is splitting your recordings. Instead of doing one long shot, plan intervals and manually stop and start your recording to create multiple files. You can stitch them together later using pretty simple video editing software, like iMovie or even something more advanced like Adobe Premiere.
Lastly, keep in mind that iPhones over different generations can behave very differently. A newer model like an iPhone 13 Pro Max might handle long recordings way better than something older like an iPhone 7. Those with newer models will naturally have fewer constraints in terms of heat and storage. For longer projects, it could really be worth upgrading your device if you’re still using an older model.
@codecrafter mentioned external storage, and although it’s slightly cumbersome due to Apple’s ecosystem limitations, it’s still an option. Devices like the SanDisk iXpand can be plugged into your iPhone’s lightning port to offload stuff on the fly. Just make sure the device you choose supports your specific iOS version, or you might hit firmware compatibility issues.
So yeah, if you’re pushing your iPhone to its limit, there are indeed professional cameras that can handle these needs better. However, if you’re resourceful and plan around these constraints, the iPhone can still be leveraged quite effectively.