Unlocking the Power of Apple ProRes: Why External SSDs are Essential for iPhone Creators

The latest iPhones give users access to Apple ProRes, a professional video format once reserved for filmmakers and high-end editing suites. This opens up new creative possibilities for content creators, businesses, and students, but it also introduces new challenges, particularly around storage space and file management.

Let’s break down what ProRes actually is, why it matters, and how external storage solutions are making it easier than ever to harness its potential.

What is Apple ProRes?

Apple ProRes is a high-quality video codec designed to capture more detail, colour depth, and editing flexibility than traditional consumer formats like HEVC (H.265)

  • Higher colour fidelity: Ideal for colour correction and grading.
  • More detail preserved: Retains image quality even after multiple editing passes.
  • Professional workflow compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

In short, ProRes is built for professional-grade video production, not just casual shooting.

Why ProRes Matters

For creators, the advantages are clear:

  • Better dynamic range = stunning highlights and shadow detail.
  • Smoother editing = files that are easier for editing software to process.
  • Future-proof content = high-quality masters that hold up across platforms.

This makes ProRes invaluable for:

📱 Filmmakers and videographers shooting on iPhone.

😎 YouTubers, TikTokers, and Instagram creators chasing quality.

📃 Businesses producing polished marketing or training content.

🎥 Students learning professional video workflows.

The Catch: File Size & Storage

The downside? ProRes files are huge- in fact, up to 30 times larger than HEVC files. To put it into perspective:

  • 1 minute of 4K ProRes at 60fps can take up several GBs.
  • Even a 1TB iPhone can fill up quickly during extended shoots.
  • Constantly managing storage slows down creative workflows.

That’s where Verbatim’s Snapback SSDs come in.

Direct-to-SSD Recording

The latest model iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models) support recording ProRes video directly to an external SSD. This feature bypasses internal storage completely, allowing creators to film longer sessions without worrying about running out of space.

For professionals shooting ProRes at 4K 60fps, this capability is a game-changer.

The Solution: Verbatim’s Snapback SSD

This is where the new Verbatim Snapback SSD makes a difference.

  • MagSafe Compatible: magnetically snaps to the back of an iPhone, no messy cables.
  • Direct-to-SSD recording: works seamlessly with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models.
  • 20Gbps data transfer rates (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2): offload huge video files to your laptop in seconds.
  • Preformatted to exFAT: ensures compatibility between macOS and Windows, and supports large files without issue.

With the Snapback SSD, Apple made ProRes mobile, but Verbatim makes it practical.

Who will Benefit Most?

  • Professional filmmakers & videographers needing portable, reliable storage.
  • Content creators & influencers looking for higher-quality video.
  • Businesses & marketers capturing events, campaigns, and training materials.
  • Students & educators in media, film, and content production courses.

If video quality matters to you, ProRes plus an external SSD is the winning combination.

Apple has democratised professional video by bringing ProRes to iPhone. But to use it effectively, creators need to rethink how they handle storage. The Verbatim Snapback SSD delivers a seamless solution, giving you the freedom to shoot, edit, and share without limits.

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