Does iPhone Support AV1? How to Play AV1 on iPhone

Video codecs like AV1 are revolutionizing streaming with superior compression and quality. But does your iPhone support AV1? In this article, we will explore whether the AV1 codec is supported on Apple devices, identify which AV1 iPhone models are compatible, and provide practical methods for playing AV1 content. We also introduce a permanent solution to convert AV1 to H.264 for any iPhone model. Whether you're an AV1 iPhone enthusiast or exploring AV1 iOS capabilities, read on for a comprehensive guide.

Part 1: Does iPhone Support AV1?

Apple introduced software-based AV1 iOS support starting with iOS 15, enabling iPhones to decode AV1 videos via apps like Safari and Apple TV+. However, hardware acceleration-critical for efficient playback-is limited to newer models with advanced chips (e.g., A17 Pro). While older iPhones can decode AV1, performance may vary.

Part 2: Which iPhones Have AV1 Support?

Apple's AV1 iPhone compatibility spans devices running iOS 15 or later. While software decoding works across these models, hardware acceleration ensures smoother playback on newer hardware.

Devices Supporting AV1:

iPhone 6s and later models (including iPhone SE 1st gen, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8)
iPhone X series (iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max)
iPhone 11 series (iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max)
iPhone 12 series (iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max)
iPhone 13 series (iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max)
iPhone 14 series and iPhone 15 series

(All devices must run iOS 15 or later to enable full AV1 iOS support.)

Part 3: How to Play AV1 on iPhones?

Playing AV1 content on your iPhone has never been easier thanks to native support in iOS. With AV1 iOS compatibility, users can stream and play AV1-encoded videos directly, without needing additional hardware or software.

Native Apps: Use Safari, Apple TV+, or QuickTime to stream AV1 videos.

Streaming Services: Platforms like YouTube and Netflix use AV1 for 4K/HDR content on compatible iPhones.

Additionally, Apple has optimized hardware acceleration for AV1 decoding on several systems, lowering CPU use and battery consumption during video playback. These improvements underscore Apple's strong backing of the AV1 codec, promising a seamless experience for every AV1 iPhone user.

Part 4: Convert AV1 to H.264 to Play on Any iPhone Model

For older iPhone models that may not natively support AV1, converting AV1 files to H.264 offers a permanent and efficient solution. HitPaw Univd emerges as a robust video converter and subtitle embedding tool that makes the transition effortless. With its user-friendly interface and powerful conversion capabilities, HitPaw Univd allows you to convert AV1 content into a universally compatible format, ensuring that every iPhone, regardless of its model, can play your favorite videos seamlessly.

Convert AV1 to H.264 effortlessly.
Batch process multiple files simultaneously.
Maintain 4K video quality post-conversion.
Adjust bitrate and resolution for optimal output.
Fast conversion speeds with GPU acceleration.
User-friendly interface for all skill levels.

Step 1:Install HitPaw Univd on your computer after downloading, then start the software. Launch the software and navigate to the "Converter" tab. Click on the "Add Video" button to import the movie you want to convert.
Step 2:Tap on the "Convert All to" button and choose the Video format. Click the edit icon to open the format preferences window where you can choose the video codec to H.264.
Step 3:After selecting the video format, click the "Convert All" icon to start the conversion. Once completed, access the converted videos from the Converted tab.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone AV1

Q1. Does the iPhone 15 Pro have AV1?

A1. Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro supports hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding via iOS 15+.

Q2. Is AV1 better than h265?

A2. AV1 offers improved compression and quality but H.265 is widely supported and less resource-heavy, though real-world benefits depend on specific use cases.

Q3. Does Apple TV 4K support AV1?

A3. Yes, Apple TV 4K supports AV1 on tvOS 14 or later for enhanced video streaming.

Q4. Does Apple M1/M2 support AV1?

A4. No. Apple didn't incorporate AV1 hardware decoding support until the M3 processor. While Apple's new Silicon chips, M1 and M2, have garnered widespread acclaim for their efficiency, they notably lack support for AV1 hardware decoding.

Conclusion

The evolution of video codecs has made the future of streaming brighter with iPhone AV1 support. While newer iPhones like the 15 Pro excel with AV1 iPhone hardware support, older models can still enjoy AV1 content through software or conversion. Tools like HitPaw Univd bridge compatibility gaps, ensuring seamless playback across all devices. Stay ahead in the streaming era by mastering AV1 iOS capabilities

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