Buckle up—F1: The Movie is redefining what it means to feel the rush. In a cinematic first, Apple has released a trailer that doesn’t just show the action—it lets you feel it. The upcoming high-octane film from Apple Studios has debuted the world’s first-ever haptic movie trailer, a technological leap that pulses with the roaring energy of Formula One racing—exclusively on iPhone.
Directed by Top Gun: Maverick visionary Joseph Kosinski and co-written by Ehren Kruger, F1 stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver who returns to the grid to mentor hotshot rookie Joshua “Noah” Pearce, played by rising star Damson Idris. Set within the fictional Apex Grand Prix team, the film also features a high-profile supporting cast including Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Academy Award winner Javier Bardem.
But what’s making waves now is the trailer itself. Viewers can only experience the full effect of the trailer’s immersive sound-meets-sensation design on an iPhone running iOS 18.4 or later. Using Apple’s signature Taptic Engine, the haptic trailer lets fans physically feel every engine rev, gear shift, and heart-pounding overtake. Whether it’s the guttural growl of a starting grid or the tactile jolt as a car skims a curb, the trailer creates a first-of-its-kind sensory connection between viewer and vehicle. When Pitt’s character slides behind the wheel and fires up the engine, the phone doesn’t just play the moment—it vibrates with it. It’s a jolt of adrenaline in the palm of your hand.
Apple Unleashes A Cinematic First!
This bold rollout continues Apple’s savvy marketing strategy for F1, which has expertly aligned itself with real-world motorsport events and audiences. The film’s initial trailer dropped just ahead of the 2024 British Grand Prix, with a follow-up teasing the Australian Grand Prix. And in a crowd-pleasing moment during the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple’s Craig Federighi stunned viewers by driving an actual APXGP car on the roof of Apple Park, further blurring the lines between film, fandom, and tech innovation.
The F1 synergy doesn’t stop there. The F1 25 video game has even rolled out an APXGP car skin—black with gold accents—directly inspired by the film’s racing team. It’s yet another example of how F1: The Movie is not only delivering cinematic spectacle, but also tapping into the beating heart of Formula One culture across platforms.
While the haptic trailer is an inspired use of Apple’s in-house tech, the filmmakers are making it clear that the ultimate way to experience F1 is on the biggest screen possible. With IMAX release planned, F1 promises to be a visceral thrill ride that leaves viewers feeling like they’re inside the cockpit.
With Apple Studios, Brad Pitt, and Formula One all firing on the same cylinder, F1: The Movie is shaping up to be the summer’s most electrifying theatrical experience. The future of movie marketing is here and it vibrates. For now, start your engines — F1 hits theaters on June 27th!