How to Take Raw Images on iPhone: Can I Shoot Raw with My iPhone?

If you’re looking for a quick answer — yes, you can take RAW photos on an iPhone.

Apple’s camera system supports Apple ProRAW photos, allowing you to shoot uncompressed, high-quality RAW files directly in the stock camera app.

All you need to do is enable the feature under Settings → Camera → Formats → Apple ProRAW → Defaults ON.

Then open the Camera app, tap the RAW icon at the top of the screen, and start shooting professional-grade images right from your phone.

I use an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and what continues to impress me is how Apple has merged the feel of a DSLR workflow with a smartphone interface. You can now shoot, edit, and export from one device — no compromise, no shortcuts.

Setting Up Apple ProRAW

To turn on ProRAW, start in Settings and scroll until you find Camera. Tap it to open the control options.

Next, select Formats. This menu determines how your photos are recorded — either as smaller, compressed files or full-resolution RAW images.

Now toggle on Apple ProRAW. Below that, you’ll see an option to make it your Default. I suggest turning this on so every new image automatically captures in ProRAW format.

That’s the complete setup path: Settings → Camera → Formats → Defaults. Once active, you’ll see the RAW button appear in your Camera app’s toolbar. When it’s lit, you’re recording Apple ProRAW photos — not compressed JPEGs.

What Makes Apple ProRAW Different

Apple ProRAW combines the flexibility of traditional RAW files with Apple’s signature iPhone image processing — including Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night Mode.

It’s the bridge between computational photography and manual control, allowing you to fine-tune exposure, white balance, and contrast while still benefiting from Apple’s advanced processing.

The ProRAW format retains every bit of sensor data, giving you more control over how you develop the final image. You’ll notice richer details, smoother tonal transitions, and more accurate colours, even in complex lighting situations.

Can You Take RAW Images on an iPhone?

Yes — and not just on the latest models. iPhones from the 12 Pro onward can capture RAW photos through Apple ProRAW.

If you’re using an earlier model, apps like Lightroom Mobile, Halide, or ProCamera can still shoot true RAW images using your phone’s camera sensor.

Whether you’re a casual user or a photographer looking for travel flexibility, Apple ProRAW photos deliver a professional workflow on a device that fits in your pocket.

Why You Should Shoot RAW Photos

Shooting RAW photos is about creative freedom. A RAW capture holds all the details your camera sensor sees — every tone, colour, and texture — without compression.

You can make major adjustments to exposure or white balance later, without sacrificing quality.

JPEGs, by contrast, flatten your data and make creative recovery harder. When accuracy matters, or you want to experiment with style and tone, RAW images give you the control to shape your vision.

Editing and Processing RAW Files

Once you capture Apple ProRAW photos, open them in the Photos app or Lightroom Mobile. Both allow deep edits on the ProRAW format, letting you fine-tune brightness, colour temperature, and exposure.

I often start editing directly on my iPhone, then move to my Mac or iPad to refine the edited version before print. It’s the same workflow I use for my professional gallery work — just simplified and mobile.

Fog has a way of testing every exposure decision you make — soft light, low contrast, and a moving atmosphere. I share how to approach it in my guide: How to Take Photos in Fog

Managing Storage and File Size

A note for anyone new to ProRAW: these files are large. Each ProRAW file can be up to ten times the size of a JPEG, because it stores additional information like highlight and shadow data.

The best way to manage your storage is to download regularly using AirDrop, iCloud Photos, or a USB connection to your Mac. This workflow keeps your phone light while preserving your archive of high-quality RAW images.

Shooting Tips for Apple ProRAW

1. Tap to focus before you press the shutter button — it locks sharpness and exposure.
2. Keep white balance consistent across multiple shots for easy colour correction.
3. Use the wide lens for clean detail; the ultra wide for atmosphere and space.
4. Experiment with shutter speed when capturing motion — small adjustments make big differences.
5. In Night Mode, RAW files retain realistic tones without overprocessing.

RAW gives you the data — but composition gives you impact. Learn how to frame your shots with intent in Rules of Composition in Photography

Converting RAW to JPEG

After editing, you can easily turn a RAW image into a shareable file.

In the Photos app, tap Share → Save as JPEG, and your phone will export a compressed version without overwriting the original ProRAW file.

If you’re working in Lightroom Mobile, export your edited shot as a JPEG or HEIC file. The app handles processing while keeping your RAW file safe for future re-edits.

Is It Worth Taking RAW Photos on an iPhone?

Absolutely. The Apple ProRAW format gives your iPhone the kind of flexibility photographers once reserved for high-end cameras.

It’s not about replacing professional gear — it’s about expanding what’s possible in the moment.

When I’m traveling or scouting locations, I often rely solely on ProRAW. The results are real, detailed, and ready to develop.

For anyone serious about photography, shooting RAW on iPhone isn’t just worth it — it’s essential.

Lightroom Mobile is a fantastic companion for enhancing your RAW photos — it gives you the same precision and creative control I rely on in my studio, right from your phone. If you want to dive deeper into editing techniques, explore my full library of Lightroom how-to guides here: Lightroom Articles.