Helium Core iPhone Rig: What It Was and What to Buy Now

The Helium Core was one of the nicest phone rigs of its day: a solid aluminum frame built around one specific iPhone, with lens mounts and mounting points exactly where a filmmaker wanted them. That precision is also why it's hard to recommend now.

Phone rigs face a basic trade-off. A cage made for one phone fits perfectly and keeps add-on lenses lined up, but it's useless after your next upgrade, while a universal clamp cage survives new phones at the cost of a looser fit.

Below is what the Helium Core was, why model-specific cages age fast, the universal cages that survive an upgrade, and the all-in-one kits.

While the Helium Core's a well-made aluminum rig, you should skip it today because it's limited to the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus, even though B&H still lists it as a special order. Instead, I recommend picking a universal cage like the SmallRig 2791B since it's very cheap and survives your next phone upgrade.

A model-specific cage like the NEEWER PA144 only makes sense if you need specific lens mounts, but these options age very quickly.

What the Helium Core Was

The Helium Core started as a Kickstarter by Brandon Hoe that quickly raised more than half of its funding goal within just three days of launching.

This chassis made from 6061-T6 aluminum features a 37mm threaded lens mount and seventeen holes for accessories, while it weighs only 7.5 ounces. It came in versions for the iPhone 6 and 6s and for the 6 Plus and 6s Plus, and B&H still lists the Plus model as a special order, with no user reviews.

The ProVideo Coalition covered the campaign as an iPhone cage for filmmakers. You'll find four thumbscrews to hold it together, and the frame stays small at 7.2 by 3.9 inches.

Why Model-Specific Cages Age Fast

A cage made for one phone fits precisely and keeps lens mounts lined up with the cameras, but it becomes total scrap once you decide to upgrade to a newer device.

The Beastgrip Beastcage for the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers mechanical buttons and various mounts, yet it shares the same fleeting fate as the Helium Core. You're essentially buying a piece of hardware that expires the moment Apple announces its next model.

The NEEWER PA144 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max features MagSafe and several filter backplates, but one buyer has found it too heavy to hold alone without an extra handle. Another notes that the lens plate could loosen, while sliding the phone in and out to check footage feels annoying. It's cheap enough to treat as disposable, but they lack the long-term utility of a universal clamp.

Universal Cages That Survive an Upgrade

To avoid buying a new frame every time you change phones, a universal clamp is your best bet, because it fits a wide range of hardware. The SmallRig 2791B is a very cheap option.

B&H lists it for phones 57 to 90 mm wide and Amazon says 67 to 86 mm, so measure your phone in its case. One buyer fits a Galaxy S24 Ultra in a hard case. You can move the grip around so it doesn't block the side buttons, and one buyer has said they have used the older version for three years.

From the B&H and Amazon listings, September 2026.

The NEEWER PA009 kit is another cheap choice that handles phones up to 101.5 mm wide and includes a dedicated slot for a Rode Wireless GO II transmitter. It has a 67mm filter ring for ND filters, and one buyer likes that their hands never touch the phone once recording starts, though another says it is a bit heavy.

A NEEWER PA144 buyer returned a SmallRig cage because it only takes SmallRig's magnetic filters, not standard threaded ones.

The All-in-One Kits

The SmallRig x Brandon Li kit 4596 offers a universal cage for phones between 64 and 88 mm, which includes a wireless shutter handle and an M.2 SSD enclosure for recording.

This mid-priced bundle also comes with a magnetic 67mm VND filter, but the zoom controls let two buyers down: one gave it two stars because of them, and another says they did not work on two different phones. A four-star reviewer suggested starting with the basic cage and buying add-ons later instead.

You should skip these kits if you only need a mic mount and a tripod thread, because audio quality matters more than lenses for most people. While these kits provide a lot at once, they might be overkill if you want to build your own setup slowly. Our iPhone filmmaking accessories roundup and our iPhone camera remote guide cover the parts one at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Helium Core fit a modern iPhone?

The original Helium Core was designed specifically for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus models, so it won't work with modern smartphones. You'll need to look at newer alternatives for current hardware.

What replaced the Helium Core?

You can now buy model-specific cages like the Beastcage and NEEWER PA144, or universal options like the SmallRig 2791B. These tools provide the mounting points needed for a professional video setup.

Should I get a universal or a model-specific cage?

Pick a universal cage if you plan to upgrade phones soon, but choose a specific one if you want to use lens mounts. A specific cage keeps a lens mount lined up with the phone's camera.

Can I use ND filters on a phone rig?

Yes, cages that feature a 67mm ring like the NEEWER PA009 or PA144 allow you to use standard threaded filters. This helps you control exposure in bright lighting conditions.

Is a rig better than a gimbal?

A rig is used to hold a mic and light steady, while a gimbal is meant to smooth out your movements. You'll pick one based on the specific job you're shooting.

Can I use my old phone lenses with a new cage?

Only if the new cage has the same mount. The Helium Core used a 37mm thread. The Beastcage takes M37, Moment T-bayonet and M17 lenses. The NEEWER PA144 has 17mm and Moment T-mount backplates.

Does a phone cage block MagSafe charging?

The NEEWER PA144 is listed as MagSafe compatible. On the SmallRig x Brandon Li kit, the 67mm filter system and a MagSafe mount can't be used at the same time, per SmallRig's own notice.

Is a used Helium Core worth buying?

Only if you still shoot on an iPhone 6 Plus or 6s Plus. On any other phone it won't fit, and a universal cage like the SmallRig 2791B costs far less than B&H's price for the Helium Core.