Flow Series: Apple DockKit Native Tracking

Flow Series: Apple DockKit Native Tracking

Applicable Models: Flow Pro and Flow 2 Pro

Apple DockKit native tracking is a system-built intelligent tracking technology provided by Apple for iPhone users. After pairing and connecting the gimbal with your Apple device via NFC, you can achieve tracking shooting in the native camera app and numerous third-party apps without opening the Insta360 app.

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Instructions

1. Check device compatibility

Ensure you're using an Apple device (iPhone 12 or later) running iOS 17.0 or higher.

2. Pair and connect your phone to the gimbal via NFC

Please refer to: Flow Series: NFC Pairing

3. Enable tracking

Open the iPhone's native camera app and point it at the person you want to track. Then single-tap the Trigger Button on the gimbal. The green ring light on the gimbal will light up and flash rhythmically, which means tracking is now active.

FAQ

1. What are the device model and system requirements for Apple DockKit native tracking?

• Device model: iPhone 12 or later.
• System version: iOS 17.0 or later. For a better user experience, we recommend upgrading to iOS 17.4 or higher

*The iPhone SE series and iPhone 16e do not support the DockKit feature.

2. Which third-party apps support Apple DockKit native tracking?

You can click the compatibility lists below to view iOS third-party apps that support Apple DockKit

• Insta360 Flow Pro Phone & App Compatibility List
• Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Phone & App Compatibility List

If the app you want to use is not on the list, we recommend contacting the app developer or Apple for inquiries.

3. What happens if the tracked subject is lost while using Apple DockKit native tracking?

Since specific individuals cannot be selected as the tracked subject, the gimbal will re-track the new person appearing in the frame after losing the first tracked subject.

4. Does the tracking sensitivity adjusted in the Insta360 app work for Apple DockKit?

No. This sensitivity adjustment is not currently applicable to Apple DockKit native tracking. If you want to adjust sensitivity, we recommend shooting with the Insta360 app.

5. Does the tracking light setting configured in the Insta360 app work for Apple DockKit?

Yes. You can freely turn on/off the tracking light and set its brightness in the Insta360 app, and this setting will be synced to Apple DockKit native tracking.

6. When using an iPhone with the gimbal, Apple DockKit native tracking is enabled by default — can it be set to off by default?

This feature is provided by the iOS system, and Apple currently does not offer an option to disable it by default. You can manually turn it off by tapping the Trigger Button, and the tracking light will go out. Press the Trigger Button again to re-enable tracking.

7. Does the "Front Cam Auto Tracking" switch in the Insta360 app apply to the iPhone's native camera app?

No. This setting only applies to the Insta360 app's Deep Track feature.

8. Why don't Android devices support Apple DockKit native tracking?

Apple DockKit is an automatic subject tracking technology developed by Apple and relies on the specific technical support of the iOS system. Android users can use our independently developed Deep Track technology in the Insta360 app, which supports framing and tracking people, pets, or objects, and can achieve more stable tracking effects in complex environments or during fast-moving scenarios.

9. What is the difference in tracking performance between the gimbal in the native iPhone camera app and in the Insta360 app?

The tracking technologies used by the two are different:

• iPhone's native camera app: Apple's native camera uses the system-built Apple DockKit native tracking technology, delivering a stable and smooth tracking experience. The tracking performance will vary with Apple's system updates. Systems prior to iOS 26 only support human tracking and do not allow selecting a specific tracking target. iOS 26 and later support human tracking, animal tracking, and selecting a specific tracking target.
• Insta360 app: Based on Insta360's Deep Track technology, users can freely select tracking objects. Whether it is a person, a pet, or other objects, they can be framed. In complex environments or during fast-moving scenarios, it can achieve more stable tracking effects. To obtain a better shooting effect, it is recommended that you use the Insta360 app for tracking in scenarios with a more complex environment, requiring fast movement, or a large range of movement.

Read more

Flow Series: Tracking Issues with Apple DockKit or Native Camera App