Official Launch Film for Apple iPhone 16 Pro
I had the opportunity to create the original score for the iPhone 16 Pro launch film—a piece called Wingspan, crafted to move in lockstep with the story of Apple’s most powerful iPhone yet. The process was a deeply collaborative one, working closely with Apple creatives to shape a score that feels seamlessly woven into the film.
Grateful to the Apple music team for the trust—this was easily one of my favorite projects to date.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the composition process:
Storytelling
Wingspan unfolds in four musical chapters, each reflecting a shift in the film’s arc — from anticipation to action, intimacy to impact. Like a sonic screenplay, the score evolves in real time with the story’s momentum.
Chapter 1: Ascent
Swelling chords, analog textures and arpeggios create a sense of lift, elegance, and anticipation as we begin to meet the new iPhone.
Chapter 2: Precision in Motion
Driving modern drums and a distorted 808 bassline set the pace, with stuttering string lines introducing the main melodic hook. The music now reflects the speed, control, and clarity of the A18 Pro chip.
Chapter 3: Innovation
A live string quartet, led by Avery Bright, joins layered vocals to bring warmth and emotional resonance — underscoring the human-facing features of the device
Chapter 4: Impact
Cinematic percussion, stomps, and orchestral effects heighten the final chase sequence. The original motif returns, bringing the piece full circle with an energetic, heroic close.
Music-Only Cut of the iPhone 16 Pro Launch Film
Feathers of Wingspan
There are some hidden elements and ear candy in Wingspan some of which were even recorded with the iPhone and Shure MV88 microphone.
Isolated Strings
Isolated String Quartet led by Avery Bright
Clock Percussion
Field recordings of my father's clock collection, then manipulated in Ableton Live.
Arpeggio Intelligence
Colorful arpeggios from analog synthesizers and chopped samples add a sense of playful energy and forward motion.
Running Drums
Cinematic drums and percussion blend with stomps and sound design elements to heighten tension and drive momentum.
Percussion
Live percussion runs throughout the piece, later reshaped in Ableton to blend human feel with machine precision.
Little voice
Recorded my daughter's voice in a large industrial space, then processed with effects
Marble Impact
To underscore the glass ceiling crash, I built a sonic ramp using layered textures and a marble impact recording for a sharp, physical hit.
Certain visual assets are the property of Apple Inc. and are presented here solely for reference purposes. The musical composition is © Dan Mufson. This edit has been modified to omit voice-over and sound design elements for the sole purpose of educational and portfolio demonstration. No commercial use is intended.