Apple (iPhone) EXIF Data Guide
Everything you need to know about EXIF metadata from Apple (iPhone) cameras — including brand-specific MakerNote fields, popular models, and privacy considerations.
About Apple (iPhone)
Apple revolutionized mobile photography when the iPhone launched in 2007. Today, the iPhone is the most widely used camera in the world, generating more photos than any other device. Apple has consistently pushed computational photography forward with features like Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, Night Mode, Photographic Styles, and the Photonic Engine.
The iPhone is the world's most popular camera by volume of photos taken. Apple's tight hardware-software integration enables advanced computational photography that often rivals or exceeds traditional cameras in challenging conditions. The iPhone's camera improvements are a major driver of annual upgrade cycles.
Common EXIF Fields in Apple (iPhone) Photos
These are the standard EXIF fields you will find in photos taken with Apple (iPhone) cameras:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Device manufacturer | Apple |
| Model | Device model | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| LensModel | Camera module used | iPhone 15 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78 |
| Software | iOS version | 17.4.1 |
| LensMake | Lens manufacturer | Apple |
| FocalLengthIn35mmFilm | 35mm equivalent focal length | 24 |
Apple (iPhone)-Specific MakerNote Fields
Beyond standard EXIF data, Apple (iPhone) cameras embed proprietary metadata in the MakerNote section. These fields are unique to Apple (iPhone) and contain additional technical details about how the photo was captured:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| AccelerationVector | Device orientation/tilt at capture | -0.954, -0.078, -0.215 |
| HDRImageType | Type of HDR processing applied | HDR Image |
| BurstUUID | Unique identifier linking photos in a burst | A1B2C3D4-E5F6-... |
| ContentIdentifier | Unique content ID for Live Photo video pairing | 12345ABC-DEF6-... |
| ImageUniqueID | Unique identifier for the image | a1b2c3d4e5f6 |
| RunTime | Time since device boot when photo was taken | 123456789000000 |
| LivePhotoVideoIndex | Frame index in Live Photo | 0 |
Popular Apple (iPhone) Camera Models
These are the most common Apple (iPhone) cameras you will encounter when viewing EXIF data:
| Model | Type | Megapixels | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Smartphone | 48 MP | 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Smartphone | 48 MP | 2023 |
| iPhone 15 | Smartphone | 48 MP | 2023 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Smartphone | 48 MP | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 | Smartphone | 12 MP | 2022 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | Smartphone | 12 MP | 2021 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Smartphone | 12 MP | 2022 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Smartphone | 48 MP | 2024 |
Tips for Reading Apple (iPhone) EXIF Data
- 1.iPhone EXIF includes the full LensModel string with focal length and aperture, clearly showing which camera module was used.
- 2.Apple embeds the iOS version in the Software field, making it easy to determine the operating system at the time of capture.
- 3.The AccelerationVector in Apple MakerNote data reveals the exact tilt and orientation of the phone when the photo was taken.
- 4.Live Photos include a ContentIdentifier that links the still image to its companion video file.
- 5.iPhone photos embed GPS coordinates by default. Disable in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Camera.
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Try the Photo Metadata ViewerFrequently Asked Questions
What EXIF data does the iPhone store?
iPhones store extensive EXIF data including GPS coordinates, date/time, camera module used (wide, ultrawide, telephoto), iOS version, focal length, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and Apple-specific data like HDR processing type, acceleration vector, Live Photo identifiers, and burst UUIDs.
How do I stop my iPhone from saving location in photos?
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Camera and select 'Never'. This prevents GPS coordinates from being embedded in future photos. To remove location from existing photos, use the Photos app's share sheet and toggle off Location before sharing.
What is Apple ProRAW?
Apple ProRAW is a DNG-based raw format available on iPhone Pro models. It combines computational photography processing (Smart HDR, Deep Fusion) with the flexibility of a raw file. ProRAW files are about 25 MB each and contain the same EXIF metadata as standard iPhone photos plus additional raw-specific fields.
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