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What HEVC is—and what it is not
HEVC stands for High Efficiency Video Coding and is also known as H.265. It is a video codec: the method used to compress and decompress video. H.264 is a separate, older codec. Apple’s AVFoundation documentation identifies HEVC as a video codec.
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HEVC is not the same thing as HEIF. HEIF is Apple’s name for a still-image format; HEVC is used for video. Apple’s guide to using HEIF or HEVC media describes the related formats and their device support.
How HEVC changes storage use
Apple says HEVC video uses less storage than H.264 video while retaining the same visual quality. That is a qualitative comparison, not a guaranteed reduction for every file. Apple’s support guidance and Compressor User Guide do not establish a universal percentage or a standard file size per minute.
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Resolution, frame rate, scene content, and encoding settings all affect a video’s size. A longer or higher-resolution recording can still take substantial space even when it uses HEVC. Apple also notes that photo and video resolution can vary with device settings and available storage in its iCloud Terms & Conditions.
Choosing a format for new iPhone or iPad recordings
On supported iPhone and iPad models, the Camera format setting determines the format used for new captures:
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- Open Settings > Camera > Formats.
- Choose High Efficiency to use HEVC for video and HEIF for photos.
- Choose Most Compatible to use H.264 for video and JPEG for photos.
The setting affects new recordings; changing it does not retroactively convert videos already in your library. High Efficiency is the space-saving choice when your devices and apps can handle HEVC. Most Compatible favors playback and transfer to older or less capable systems.
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Apple says built-in HEIF and HEVC support is available in iOS 11 and later, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS High Sierra 10.13 and later. Support also depends on the particular device, software, app, resolution, and frame rate. Some older devices have limitations; Apple identifies 1080p or lower and 60 frames per second or lower as more broadly compatible with older devices. These are compatibility guidelines, not a guarantee that every file will work in every app.
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If a recipient or editing app cannot handle HEVC, use H.264 for a new recording or make a compatible copy of an existing video. On a Mac, Apple documents two conversion routes:
- QuickTime Player: Open the video, choose File > Export As, then select Greater Compatibility (H.264) rather than Smaller File Size (HEVC).
- Finder: Select the video, open the context menu, choose Services > Encode Selected Video Files, and select an H.264 option.
Apple also notes that importing HEIF or HEVC media from an attached iPhone or iPad may convert it to JPEG or H.264. Choose Keep Originals in the import settings to avoid that conversion. Menu names can vary with macOS version.
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What happens when you share a video?
Apple says sharing through iCloud Photos preserves the media’s original format, resolution, and frame rate. Other routes, including AirDrop, Messages, or email, may provide a more compatible version—such as H.264—if the receiving device does not support HEVC. A compatible shared copy does not, by itself, mean the original in your photo library has been replaced.
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| Choice | Video format | Storage and compatibility | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Efficiency | HEVC (H.265) | Apple says it uses less storage than H.264 at the same visual quality; support varies by device and software. | When conserving space matters and your playback, editing, and sharing destinations support HEVC. |
| Most Compatible | H.264 | More compatible with older devices and apps, though Apple’s sources do not quantify a universal size difference. | When recordings need to work reliably with older equipment or software. |
There is no universally best option: decide based on the storage trade-off and the devices or apps that need to play or edit the video.
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