Apple iOS 11 Photo and Video Formats May Cut Storage Use In Half

For heavy iPhone and iPad users who are frustrated with dwindling storage space, Apple’s soon-to-be-released iOS 11 operating system will come with very efficient compression technology.

In the recent WWDC 2017 Conference, Apple announced two new file formats will be introduced with the new iOS11 - High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) for photos, and HEVC (H.265) for both videos and images, and HEIF file format for images. Apple claims these new formats can reduce photo and video file size (presumably to save on memory) without losing quality.

High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) codec is not new. It has been used by Netflix, Amazon and Apple. The former used it for non-mobile devices while Apple used it for Facetime since 2015 to save on bandwidth.

9to5Mac's Greg Barbosa had access to a beta version of iOS 11 and did some tests on the quality of the image files taken with the new format :

"In testing I went out at night and took a photo and video of the New York City skyline. The outputted JPG image weighed in at 2 MB, while the HEIC image came in at 1.2 MB. Similarly, the h.264 encoded video was 61.2 MB, while the h.265 (HEVC) video was 33 MB."

Below is a photo from Greg to illustrate the new file format :

The iOS 11 beta is currently available for developers. It is scheduled to be released to the public through Apple’s Beta Software Program later this month and will be installed on the new iPhones and iPads later this Autumn.

WWDC 2017 - Apple announced HomePod speaker, iOS 11, iMac Pro & 10.7-inch iPad Pro

Apple’s announced new iMacs and iMac Pro with enhanced processors and memory power. In addition, a new iMac Pro with a 5K screen and a price of $4,999 debuted. The entry level 4K iMac and MacBook Pro are now both priced at $1,299.

For many iPhone users, the preview of iOS 11 is most anticipated, with its many innovative features for mobile photography. Artificial Intelligence is the central theme of the many improvements in the Photos and Camera apps. The new operating system, iOS 11 adds interesting effects like long exposure blur, intelligent loops, and bounce sequences.

In addition to the added functions, the Photos app’s Memories section will also play videos in portrait and landscapes modes by recognizing your subject and focusing on them. Photos will also be categorized into more sections under Memories, thanks to the advanced AI features. As expected, the new iPhone 7S Plus will come with Image Stabilization, True Tone flash, HDR option and 'bokeh' effect on some shots.

Two new file formats will be introduced with the new iOS11 - High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) for photos, and HEVC (H.265) for videos. Apple claims these new formats can reduce photo and video file size (presumably to save on memory) without losing quality. The new iOS 11 will debut this Autumn with the new iPhones.

HomePod speaker 

Apple's latest sound product, the 7-inch high speaker called the HomePod, is designed to rival the Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers. 

It is powered by the A8 chip that tailors the sound based on the shape and size of the room and responds to commands via Siri. 

10.5-inch iPad Pro

A 10.5-inch iPad Pro is joining the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch versions. The new operating system, iOS 11 will make the tablet work more like an Apple computer. 

watchOS 4 and TV OS 

Apple has announced macOS High Sierra for its computers. The new software comes with a refined, faster Safari that blocks videos from playing automatically and stops websites from tracking users. It is compatible with virtual reality for the first time and features tweaks to Mail, Photos and file storage.

It has also unveiled new software for the Watch called watchOS 4, which includes a Siri face that can offer personalized advice through the day. Amazon Prime Video will be featured on Apple TV later this year.