Calabi Labs · Guide · 2026-05-27
How to add iphone 16 pro max metadata to a video
How to Add iPhone 16 Pro Max Metadata to a Video
The Direct Answer
iPhone 16 Pro Max records video with embedded metadata automatically — frame rate, resolution, color space, and device info are baked into the file. To add or modify custom metadata (location data, credits, copyright, descriptive tags), you have three practical paths:
- Use Calabi (fastest, no technical skill)
- Use Apple Photos or Files (basic, built-in)
- Use a professional tool like FFmpeg (most control)
Method 1: Calabi (Recommended)
Calabi is purpose-built for this. It gives you a clean interface to inspect and edit video metadata including iPhone-specific fields.
Steps:
- Go to calabilabs.com
- Upload your iPhone 16 Pro Max video
- Navigate to the metadata panel
- Add or edit fields: GPS location, title, description, author, copyright, creation date
- Re-export the file — metadata stays embedded
Works with HEVC, ProRes, and all iPhone 16 Pro Max codec formats.
Method 2: Apple Photos (Built-in)
iPhone 16 Pro Max videos captured on-device already carry metadata. You can add to it via Apple Photos on Mac or iCloud:
- Open Apple Photos on your Mac
- Import your video
- Right-click the video → Get Info
- Add a Title, Description, or Keywords
- This data is stored in the Photos library database (not always embedded in the file itself for sharing)
For true metadata embedding in the video file, use Method 1 or 3.
Method 3: FFmpeg (Command Line)
For full control over every metadata field on any platform:
```bash
Add custom metadata to your video
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -metadata title="My Video Title" \ -metadata author="Your Name" \ -metadata copyright="© 2025 Your Name" \ -metadata location="City, Country" \ -metadata description="Video description here" \ -c:v copy -c:a copy output_with_metadata.mp4 ```
Key iPhone 16 Pro Max metadata fields to know:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
make | Apple |
model | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
creation_time | When recorded |
com.apple.quicktime.make | Device manufacturer |
com.apple.quicktime.model | Full device name |
com.apple.quicktime.location.ISO6709 | GPS coordinates |
To view existing metadata:
``bash ffprobe -v quiet -print_format json -show_format -show_streams input.mp4 ``
iPhone 16 Pro Max Specifics
Your iPhone 16 Pro Max records in HEVC (H.265) or ProRes depending on settings. Metadata support:
- ProRes footage carries extensive professional metadata — ideal for post-production workflows
- HEVC is compressed but still supports standard EXIF and QuickTime metadata fields
- Spatial Video (recorded in Vision Pro context) has additional 3D spatial metadata
- Cinematic Mode files include focus and depth metadata
Which Method Should You Use?
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Quick, no-tech metadata editing | Calabi |
| Basic title/description only | Apple Photos |
| Batch editing many files | FFmpeg |
| Professional post-production | Calabi + FFmpeg combo |
| iPhone-specific fields preserved | Keep original file + re-export via Calabi |
Common Issues
- Metadata lost on export: Some sharing platforms strip metadata. Re-embed using Calabi or FFmpeg before uploading.
- GPS data privacy: iPhone 16 Pro Max embeds GPS by default. Disable in Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Camera if you want to prevent this.
- Not visible in Windows: Windows Explorer metadata panes don't read all QuickTime fields. Use a dedicated tool.
Try Calabi free at calabilabs.com — 3 cleans, no card.