Seamless Storage and Stunning Video: What USB-C Brings to the Latest iPhones

Seamless Storage and Stunning Video: What USB-C Brings to the Latest iPhones

Since Apple launched the iPhone 15 in 2023, and with every version thereafter, the iPhone has wielded a set of dramatic new superpowers. These extra abilities stem from the seemingly smallest of updates, but one that has made one of the largest impacts to the usability and functionality of iPhone technology in recent years. What small change could possibly have such an impact you ask? The answer is simple. The adoption of the USB-C port.

The advantages encompass simpler cable management, faster charging, using the iPhone as a portable battery, and most importantly, the ability to connect to external storage devices. The addition of the USB-C port allows the iPhone to utilise portable memory to quickly, easily and cheaply offload data and ramp up memory capacity. Plus, if you are lucky enough to own a Pro or Pro Max version, the USB-C port supports ProRes recording direct to the external device.

Connecting to external devices isn’t a one-way street either. For content creators, USB-C transforms the iPhone into a versatile tool, enabling the use of memory card readers to quickly access files from other devices.

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External Storage for Your iPhone (Series 15 and after)

A must-have for those looking to expand their iPhone’s storage is an external SSD. Compact, high-speed and refreshingly simple to use, they are perfect for anyone dealing with maxed-out internal storage. By connecting the SSD via a compatible cable, you can effortlessly transfer files—whether photos, videos, music, or documents—back and forth. Need to free up some space? Just offload large files or entire libraries onto the external drive. With this setup, the iPhone’s storage capacity feels virtually limitless.
The Integral SlimXpress and SlimXpress Pro portable SSDs are ideal for this purpose. With pocket-sized designs they allow users to offload files on the go without breaking stride.
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For those with more modest storage needs, Type-C flash drives provide another viable option. Integral’s 360-C Dual offers convenient and portable storage for day-to-day requirements. Featuring both Type-C and Type-A interfaces compatibility is assured across a wide array of devices, making it a great choice for multitaskers managing multiple gadgets. For influencers and content creators who rely on an array of digital devices to craft their content, Integral’s range of USB-C card readers is a game-changer; opening the door to a powerful, portable workflow, turning your iPhone into a hub for on-the-go computing like never before.
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Capture ProRes Files Directly to External Storage

Once you’ve got your storage sorted, you can start recording video in ProRes quality direct to your new digital memory device. The advanced capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models accommodate this feature providing seamless access to expanded storage, ideal for professional creators. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

1. Turn on ProRes Recording:

  • Navigate to Settings > Camera > Formats on your iPhone.
  • Under Video Capture, toggle on Apple ProRes to activate the feature.

2. Start Recording in ProRes:

  • Tap the Apple ProRes icon in the Camera App to switch to ProRes mode.

3. Ensure Proper Formatting: Your external storage device must be formatted using exFAT. Note that password-encrypted drives are not compatible with this feature.

4. Choose the Right Cable: To maintain optimal recording speeds, use a USB 3 cable rated at a minimum of 10 Gbps.

5. Verify Write Speeds: For smooth recording, your storage device must support:

  • At least 220 MB/s for 4K60 ProRes.
  • At least 440 MB/s for 4K120 ProRes.

If your device falls short of these speeds, you may encounter a “Slow Recording Speed” warning.

6. Format and Manage Files with Ease: Use the Files app on your iPhone to format your external storage device and manage your ProRes footage. For optimal performance, reformat the drive before starting a 4K120 ProRes recording session.

7. Switch Back to Internal Storage if Needed: To save ProRes files directly on your iPhone, simply disconnect the external storage device. 

Click here for more information on Apple ProRes Recording.

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