Apple’s latest operating system brings several new improvements and one of the most important ones is better digital formats. Here’s all you need to know about the latest video and audio formats by Apple.

What is HEIF/HEVC?

HEIF stands for High-Efficiency Image Format, which shrinks the image size up to 50 percent as compared to the aging JPEG format. It relies on new compression methods, resulting in a more compressed image and higher quality as compared to a JPG file.

It relies on new compression methods, resulting in a more compressed image and higher quality as compared to a JPG file.

An HEIF file can contain multiple images and is optimized for features like dual cameras and Burst shooting modes. It stores images in 10-bit format when JPEG format uses 8 bits.

HEVC stands for High-Efficiency Video Coding and is the video equivalent of the HEIF format. It brings the same improvements while cutting the storage costs. As a result, 4K recordings that take up a lot of space will now end up consuming way less storage space.

As a result, 4K recordings that take up a lot of space will now end up consuming way less storage space.

Introduction of these formats means you will be able to take better photos and videos. This becomes even more important for users who are currently using a 32GB device as their daily driver.

Since photos and videos often take up the most space, you will be able to free up a lot of storage space after enabling this. Here’s how to enable them.

How to enable HEIF and HEVC formats in iOS 11

Step 1 Open the stock Settings app.

Step 2 Go to Camera > Formats. 

Step 3 Select the High Efficiency option. If you want to go back to using the  JPEG/H.264 formats, you can set select the “Most Compatible” option.

That’s how simple it really is! From now on, all your photos and videos will use these new formats only.

Although this has its upsides, it has one major downside as well. Since Apple is the first smartphone manufacturer to switch to this format, HEIF and HEVC only have limited compatibility at present.

If you use a Mac, this will not be an issue whatsoever. However, if you area Windows user, you might experience compatibility issues when sharing and transferring your photos and videos.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 does not have native support for both these formats.

Which format do you prefer – these new ones or the good old JPEG? Let us know in the comments section below.

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