Just an idea-
Smallrig should release a cheeseplate that mounts to the iPhone 16 and 17 pro cages; pro max models also. Couple of trade offs but I think the compromise is decent-
Alright so boom, there’s no real “clean” way in my opinion to mount external power on you’re mobile cube rig using the Smallrig platform as it stands-
the best looking way I thought to do is using an arcs Swiss plate on the volume button sides mounting points, then their QR vertical mount plate. After that, mount the QR ARCA plate to the Np-f battery adapter plate that has type c, put the usb hub in the cold shoe on top (power button side) and you still have the h-lock and 1/4 20 to mount a handle or monitor.
At the end you should be left with an iPhone rig that had external power, can accept lenses and filters, had expansion for type c lav mic and ssd storage though MagSafe on the back (17 only if using filters) and can be broken down fairly easily now I will say, I haven’t bought none of this lol but I plan to and that’s how it should fit in my head but this is more of a stationary rig.
I wanna be able to use both h-lock side handles for stable shooting and doing it this way, I loose out on that because it’s covered by the battery plate contraption so boom-
A cheese plate for the back of the phone that just about covers the mag safe area that has nato rail to shroud that connection on the sides. I say nato rail cause it’s pretty common and you can use all type of accessories that will be on a secure connection. The cheese plate would let you mount the battery to the back or even use a bigger let’s say, core snap battery? With the nato rail on top (power button side of shooting landscape) you could mount sum like the Kondor blue type c hub with a nato to arri and have access to the coldshoe on the unit, plus the coldshoe on the cage, might be a tight fit mounting something there tho-
I love the idea of a iPhone rig that is easy to set up, 2-3 pieces, any scenario, modular set it and forget it, pop it out it’s still a phone. Just an idea
Excuse my drawing skills also and rambling also-