Back in 2012, the first iteration of Cycloramic launched, using the vibration motor in the iPhone 5 to capture hands-free 360 degree video. When balanced on a flat surface, the vibration motor allowed the phone to spin on its own, a capability that also worked for the iPhone 5s, as it shared the same design as the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 6, however, has rounded edges that prevent the Cycloramic app from working in the same way -- it's no longer possible to balance the phone on its edge, allowing it to spin freely. The Cycloramic team has come up with an innovative solution to enable 360 hands-free panoramic video on the iPhone 6, however, utilizing the power adapter that the two phones ship with.


As demonstrated in the above video, when the iPhone 6 is placed between the prongs of the power adapter that it ships with, the vibration motor is strong enough to spin it around, capturing 360 degree panoramic videos in landscape mode.

Just put your iPhone 6 on top of your power adapter on a smooth and level surface (granite, marble or wood desk) and it will automatically rotates 360 degrees using the phone's internal vibration motor. As it rotates, the phone takes multiple photos, instantaneously stitches them together, and generates a panoramic photo viewable in our immersive viewer.

The hands-free video mode is limited to the iPhone 6, unfortunately, and does not work with the larger-screened iPhone 6 Plus. Other app features, including a guided panorama mode and photo editing tools work with other devices, including the iPhone 6 Plus.

Cycloramic for iPhone 6 can be downloaded from the App Store for $1.99. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

davidsdiego Avatar
148 months ago
I always wondered how they were going to solve this problem. I guess they were thinking inside the box.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleP59 Avatar
148 months ago
Once again, Apple's non-American customers miss a feature.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dhuang Avatar
148 months ago
I have to say, that's pretty smart and creative. Unfortunately that does only work with the American adapters.

Once again, Apple's non-American customers miss a feature.

I'm one of the developers of Cycloramic. It will work on Type A, C, G power adapters (these are the ones we have gotten our hands on so far).
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
148 months ago
While it's a neat idea, most people take panoramic photos in an outdoor setting where access to smooth and large enough surface on suitable height is extremely limited.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gaximus Avatar
148 months ago
I'm one of the developers of Cycloramic. It will work on Type A, C, G power adapters (these are the ones we have gotten our hands on so far).

What about the people that bought the original version of the software that now have to buy the version. What a rip off. I already paid for it once. Now you split the software for different phone versions. Would I have to buy it again next year when the 6S comes out. You could make even more money if you made a different versions for the verizon, att, and t-mobile. That way if some one wanted to switch carriers then you could get them again.

I'll wait til a knock off version of your software comes along and give them my money.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rdlink Avatar
148 months ago
Once again, Apple's non-American customers miss a feature.

That's what you get for not living in America! USA FTW!!

Just kidding. But seriously, can't really peg this on Apple.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...