Apple’s ‘Step Into the Light’ Diwali Film, Shot Entirely on iPhone 18 Pro, Pairs Raw Mango’s Textiles With Low-Light Cinematography
Directed by Sanjay Garg at Tijara Fort in Rajasthan, the Shot on iPhone film moves from darkness into light through dance
Apple has launched ‘Step Into the Light’, a new Shot on iPhone film made for Diwali in collaboration with Raw Mango, the contemporary Indian fashion brand known for its innovations, sharp cultural commentary and considered takes on Indian textiles. The film was shot entirely on iPhone 18 Pro and directed by Raw Mango founder Sanjay Garg. It is set at Tijara Fort, a restored 19th-century royal palace in Rajasthan, and shows how India looks during the festival of light.
The Story Behind Step Into the Light
The film is built around the refrain of a folk interpretation of Anu Malik’s popular 1990s song “roop suhana lagta hai” (“this form looks beautiful”), according to Apple. It celebrates light on the year’s darkest night and uses dance to follow the move from darkness into light, where people step out in their most vibrant and beautiful form.
For Garg, the festival carries personal weight.
Raw Mango and Its Textiles
Raw Mango was started in 2008 by textile designer Sanjay Garg, and it works at the meeting point of textile and culture through saris, garments, experiences, spaces and objects. Step Into the Light arrives as the label moves onto the global stage, following its first international runway show at London Fashion Week earlier this year.
The film’s wardrobe draws on textile traditions from across the subcontinent, in hues chosen to harmonise with the colours of the iPhone 18 Pro.
Textiles in the Film’s Wardrobe
How iPhone 18 Pro Shot Step Into the Light
Because light sits at the centre of Diwali, the team shot the film in low light on purpose, to show off what Apple calls the most advanced camera it has built. The 48MP Fusion Main camera on iPhone 18 Pro is the first on an iPhone to offer variable aperture. Six laser-cut blades adjust by themselves to suit depth of field and lighting, and a new sensor adds to the low-light gains. Apple says the camera widens the aperture to ƒ/1.48 when a scene needs it.
Smart focus tracking helped on set. The Big Dance Centre troupe performed tightly synchronised choreography that mixes traditional and contemporary moves, and the camera had to hold each chosen dancer sharp as they moved around the frame.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced at Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event on 9 September 2026 and reached customers from 18 September. Apple has described the variable aperture and improved low-light shooting as headline camera changes this year.
Where to Watch Step Into the Light
Step Into the Light debuted on 4 November on Apple’s global Instagram account and on Apple India’s YouTube channel, ahead of Diwali. A behind-the-scenes film on Instagram Stories shows Garg working on set with iPhone 18 Pro. More on the phone is on Apple’s site: apple.com/in/iphone-18-pro.
Step Into the Light: Credits
| Role | Credit |
|---|---|
| Agency | TBWA\Media Arts Lab (India) |
| Creators | Raw Mango |
| Director | Sanjay Garg |
| Production Company | April Studios |
| Post-Production | Raw Mango and Heckler |
| Editing | Anupam Sarkar |
| Director of Photography | Janamejaya Daroz |
Quick Answers
What is ‘Step Into the Light’?
A Shot on iPhone film for Diwali, made with Raw Mango, shot entirely on iPhone 18 Pro and directed by Sanjay Garg at Tijara Fort in Rajasthan.
Where can I watch Step Into the Light?
On Apple’s global Instagram and Apple India’s YouTube channel, where it debuted on 4 November. A behind-the-scenes film is on Instagram Stories.
Which iPhone 18 Pro features does it showcase?
The 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, better low-light performance and smart focus tracking.
Who made it?
TBWA\Media Arts Lab (India), with Raw Mango as creators, April Studios for production, and Raw Mango and Heckler for post-production.
