Understanding Video Formats Used by Apple Devices: h.264, HEVC, and ProRes

Apple has a diverse range of devices that produce video content, from iPhones to iPads and Macs. Each device uses specific video formats to ensure the best possible quality and compatibility. In this article, we will discuss the video formats used by Apple devices, focusing on h.264, HEVC, and ProRes.

The Standard Format for iPhones and iPads: h.264 and HEVC

All modern Apple iPhones and iPads default to recording videos in the international standard h.264 and HEVC formats. h.264, also known as MPEG-4 Part 10, is the go-to format for most smartphones, tablets, and desktop personal computers. These computers can play back h.264 and HEVC natively, making video sharing and playback seamless across devices.

Why Use HEVC Format?

HEVC, or High Efficiency Video Coding, is an advanced format that offers better compression efficiency compared to h.264. This means that HEVC can deliver superior video quality at a lower file size, which is ideal for storage and streaming. Modern Macs and Windows PCs can play back HEVC without additional plugins or software, making it a preferred choice for high-quality video recordings.

ProRes: A Professional Video Format

For users who require professional-grade video quality, Apple offers the ProRes format. Newer iPhone models can record video in ProRes, which is specifically designed for professional video editing software like Final Cut Pro. ProRes is renowned for its high-quality video with minimal artifacts, making it an ideal choice for content creators, filmmakers, and professionals who need top-notch visual fidelity.

What is ProRes?

ProRes is a professional video format developed by Apple, originally for use with professional video editing software. It was later made available for consumer-level devices to cater to the needs of the burgeoning content creation market. The format supports a wide range of compression levels and resolutions, ensuring that users can record and edit high-quality videos without noticeable quality loss.

Recording Formats on Apple Devices

The video format used by Apple devices varies slightly depending on the device being used. Here’s a breakdown of the recording formats:

iPhone/iPad

.mov (QuickTime Format): iPhones and iPads use the .mov format, also known as QuickTime format, which is supported by modern Macs and some Windows PCs. The phone records using the HEVC High Efficiency Video Codec, which may not be supported by older devices without paid plugins. HEVC: Apple iPhones and iPads default to recording in HEVC for the best quality and compression efficiency.

Mac

.mov: On a Mac, the video format will be .mov, which is natively supported by Macs and can also be played on some Windows PCs.

Recording Settings and Compatibility

Recording in HEVC may result in better quality but might not be supported on all devices. If you need to ensure compatibility across a wider range of devices, you can switch to the 'Most Compatible' option in the settings. This will disable 4K 60p video, but 4K 30p will still be available. This allows you to balance the quality of your video with the need for wide compatibility.

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding the video formats used by Apple devices is crucial for content creators and professional videographers. By using h.264, HEVC, or ProRes, you can ensure that your videos are both high quality and compatible with a wide range of devices. Whether you're recording with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, knowing your options will help you make the best choices for your content needs.