Yes, you can change shutter speed on iPhone, but the method depends on which model you own and which app you use
The built-in Camera app on newer iPhones lets you slow down your shutter speed to capture motion blur and light trails, but only in specific shooting modes. Older iPhones and the standard Photo mode do not expose shutter speed controls. If you want full manual control over shutter speed, you will need to use a third-party camera app — the iPhone does not offer this in its native camera.
The easiest way to slow your shutter speed on a recent iPhone is through the Long Exposure mode in the Photos app after you shoot, or by using Night mode, Portrait mode, or video recording, each of which changes how long the sensor collects light. For true manual shutter speed adjustment before you shoot, third-party apps like Halide, ProCamera, or Moment give you a shutter speed slider.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 11 and newer models can create long-exposure effects by holding down the shutter button in Live Photo mode, then swiping up to Long Exposure after the shot.
- Night mode automatically extends shutter speed in low light, and you cannot adjust it manually in the built-in Camera app.
- Third-party camera apps like Halide and ProCamera offer a shutter speed slider for manual control before you take the photo.
- Video recording on any iPhone lets you control exposure and frame rate, which affects how motion appears, but not shutter speed directly.
- Older iPhones (iPhone XS and earlier) do not have Long Exposure in the native Camera app.
How to use Long Exposure on iPhone 11 and newer
Open the Camera app and switch to Live Photo mode — you will see a concentric circle icon at the top of the screen. Hold down the shutter button to record a Live Photo, which captures about three seconds of motion before and after you tap. Do not release the button early.
After you take the shot, open the photo in your library and swipe up from the bottom of the screen. You will see a row of effect options: Live, Loop, Bounce, and Long Exposure. Tap Long Exposure. The app will blend the frames together, creating the effect of a slow shutter speed — moving water becomes silky, car headlights become light trails, and crowds blur into motion.
This works on iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer. The effect is applied after you shoot, so you cannot preview it before you press the shutter button. If the result does not look right, go back to the original Live Photo and try again.
Night mode and how it changes exposure time
When you open the Camera app in dim light, Night mode turns on automatically on iPhone 11 and newer. You will see a moon icon and a number showing the exposure time in seconds — this is how long the sensor collects light. The longer the exposure, the brighter the image.
You cannot manually set the shutter speed in Night mode. Instead, the iPhone chooses the exposure time based on how dark it is. If you want a shorter exposure (less light collection), you can slide your finger down on the screen to reduce the exposure value, which tells the phone to use a faster shutter speed. Slide up to increase it. This is not direct shutter speed control — you are adjusting the target brightness, and the phone decides the shutter speed to match.
Night mode works on iPhone 11 and newer in the standard Camera app. Older models do not have this feature.
Using third-party apps for manual shutter speed control
If you want a shutter speed slider that you can adjust before you take the photo, you need to leave the built-in Camera app. Apps like Halide, ProCamera, and Moment are available on the App Store and give you manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus.
In Halide, open the app and tap the settings icon. You will see a shutter speed option — tap it and slide to choose a speed from a fraction of a second (like 1/1000) to several seconds. Slower speeds let in more light and create motion blur. Faster speeds freeze motion. Frame the shot, then tap the shutter button. The app saves the image to your Photos library.
ProCamera and Moment work similarly, though the interface differs. All three apps cost money — Halide is a one-time purchase, while ProCamera and Moment use subscription models. Each app also lets you shoot in RAW format, which gives you more control over the image when you edit it later.
Video recording and frame rate versus shutter speed
When you record video on any iPhone, you can change the frame rate — the number of frames captured per second. This affects how motion looks, though it is not the same as changing shutter speed. Open the Camera app, switch to Video mode, and look for a frame rate option in the top right corner (usually showing 1080p 60fps or similar). Tap it and choose a lower frame rate like 24fps or 30fps.
Lower frame rates make motion appear more cinematic and smooth. Higher frame rates (60fps or 120fps) make motion appear more detailed and are better for slow-motion playback. This is different from shutter speed — you are controlling how many still images the phone captures per second, not how long each frame's sensor stays open.
The iPhone automatically adjusts shutter speed during video recording based on the frame rate and available light. You cannot manually set it.
Why your iPhone model matters
Long Exposure in the native Camera app is only available on iPhone 11 and newer. If you own an iPhone XS, XR, X, or earlier, you cannot use this feature in the built-in app. You can still use third-party apps on older models, though some features may not work on very old hardware.
Night mode is also limited to iPhone 11 and newer. Portrait mode, which uses a longer exposure in low light to gather more detail, is available on iPhones with dual cameras (iPhone 7 Plus and newer), but you cannot adjust the shutter speed manually.
Common reasons the shutter speed controls do not appear
If you are looking for shutter speed options and cannot find them, check that you are in the right mode. Long Exposure only works in Live Photo mode, and only after you take the shot. Night mode only appears when the light is low enough that the iPhone detects it needs extra exposure time. If you are in standard Photo mode in bright daylight, neither option will show.
If you are using a third-party app and the shutter speed slider is grayed out or missing, your iPhone model may not support manual shutter speed control in that app. Check the app's system requirements in the App Store listing. Some older iPhones cannot use all features in newer camera apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Long Exposure on an iPhone XS or older?
No, Long Exposure in the native Camera app only works on iPhone 11 and newer. If you own an older model, you can use third-party apps like Halide or ProCamera to create similar effects, though the method is different.
Does slowing down the shutter speed make photos brighter?
Yes. A slower shutter speed means the sensor collects light for a longer time, so the image becomes brighter. In very bright conditions, a slow shutter speed can overexpose the photo. This is why long-exposure photography is usually done in low light or with a neutral density filter.
What is the slowest shutter speed available on iPhone?
In the built-in Camera app, Long Exposure blends about three seconds of motion. Third-party apps vary — Halide allows shutter speeds up to 30 seconds or longer, depending on your iPhone model and available light.
Can I adjust shutter speed while recording video?
No. The iPhone automatically adjusts shutter speed during video recording based on the frame rate and lighting. You can change the frame rate before you start recording, which affects how motion looks, but you cannot manually set shutter speed.
Do I need a special lens or attachment to change shutter speed?
No. Shutter speed is controlled by the camera app and the iPhone's processor, not by a physical lens. All iPhones with the feature can change shutter speed through the app alone.