I tried out iPhone 17 Dual Capture — here's what it can and can't do

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

During the iPhone Air presentation of Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event, the company formally introduced its new Dual Capture feature. The demonstration showed off the iPhone Air recording video with its front and rear cameras all simultaneously.

While this might be perceived as a new feature, this ability to record video using two cameras on an iPhone is nothing really new, as Apple introduced an API with iOS 13 called multi-capture. Plus, many of the best Android phones have long offered a similar feature.

The only difference with Dual Capture versus multi-capture is that it’s now available natively through the iPhone camera app, whereas multi-capture was accessible through third-party apps like DoubleTake by FilmMic Pro.

I got to try out Dual Capture during my hands-on time, and even though it’s pretty obvious what it does, there’s actually a few things it can’t do. Here’s what I found out about Dual Capture.

It’s not just exclusive to the iPhone Air

Apple might’ve shown off its new Dual Capture feature during the iPhone Air segment of the event, but it’s actually available on the rest of the new iPhones. Meaning, you’ll be able to use it on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max — along with the iPhone 17.

It’s hard to say if this will remain exclusive to these models for now, but it could be tied to the A19 chip and how much processing power is needed to record from two cameras simultaneously. Not to mention, the writing speeds to stitch the two clips together into one.

You can switch rear cameras while recording

iPhone 17 Pro cameras close up. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Once you start recording, you’ll be able to switch between the rear cameras — which I think is helpful to get the right framing. The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max will benefit the most from this, as the two have the ability to switch from their 48MP main cameras, to either the 48MP ultrawide for a wider capture or the 48MP telephoto to get closer.

You’re locked into one layout

Gif animation showing iPhone Air Dual Capture. — (Image credit: Apple)

You access Dual Capture by either performing a swipe up gesture from the carousel at the bottom of the app, or by tapping the icon on the top right corner. Unlike some of the Android phones that offer dual-recording functionality, Dual Capture on iPhone locks you into one layout.

Meaning, the majority of the video is dedicated to the rear camera — while a small window shows the feed from the new Center Stage front camera. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to switch the feeds, nor can you change out the layout. For example, Samsung’s Dual Rec feature in some of its phones, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 7, lets you switch to a split view to show both feeds evenly in the frame.

One file in 4K or 1080p resolution

With Dual Capture, you’ll have the option to record the footage in either 1080p or 4K resolution at 24 or 30 fps. I’d recommend shooting in 4K 30fps just for the extra utility to editing the video later on. While recording in Dual Capture, you’ll also have the ability to move around the smaller video feed from the selfie camera, which will be saved showing the movement of the frame. This is helpful because the preview window might be blocking something you want to capture.

My only complaint with Dual Capture is that it only produces one single video file, whereas Samsung’s version with Dual Rec gives you the option to save them as individual files — albeit, they’re in 1080p resolution.

Bottom Line

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Apple has already proven to me how its iPhones have become more video camera-centric than ever before, and this new Dual Capture feature only strengthens that. I just wish it came out way sooner because of how Android phones had this feature for ages now. Plus, it can be perfected in a number of ways to make it even more powerful.

For example, it would be great if it could be available as a ProRes video recording wherein it could save separate video files at full resolution from the two cameras. The videographer in me would also love to see this taken one step further, by giving it the ability to capture video from all four cameras simultaneously. There’s room for improvement, but I’m looking forward to testing out this feature more.

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John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

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