Why Do Photos and Videos on Apple Devices Take Up More Storage Than Before?

Many users have noticed that photos and videos taken on their Apple devices are taking up significantly more storage space than they used to, even when taken at the same resolution. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explains how Apple's advancements in image and video compression technologies can actually help save storage.

Capturing the Quality and Reducing the File Size

Contrary to what some may believe, photos and videos on Apple devices do not inherently take up more storage. Instead, they benefit from significant advancements in image and video compression standards. Apple has transitioned to the HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) for still images. HEIC is an international standard that officially replaces JPEG, offering better compression and maintaining image quality.

HEIC creates images that are smaller in file size while retaining the same quality. This has led Apple to adopt HEIC as the default format for storing photos. Additionally, Apple has also introduced Apple ProRAW, a new file format for professional-grade photography, which can result in larger file sizes, but the trade-off is unparalleled image quality.

Understanding the Variance in Storage Usage

There are instances where photos and videos might indeed take up more storage space, but these are often due to user preferences or specific file types. If you have manually changed the default setting from HEIC to another format, such as JPEG or Apple ProRAW, you will see a difference in file size.

Comparing File Sizes

JPEGs are a more compressed format and can be anywhere from 40% to 50% smaller than HEIC files. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prioritize storage space. However, HEIC files can range from 20 to 24 times smaller compared to RAW files, which provide the highest image quality but at the cost of larger file sizes.

For example, if you were to take a photo in RAW format on a high-end camera, the resulting file could be significantly larger than an equivalent HEIC or JPEG file. As technology advances, camera sensors can capture more detail and resolution, which can also contribute to larger file sizes.

Tackling Storage Management on Apple Devices

Managing storage on Apple devices requires a balanced approach. Here are some tips to help you efficiently use your device's storage without compromising on image quality:

Set Default Formats: Stick with HEIC as the default format for photos to ensure optimal storage usage. Use ProRAW Wisely: Opt for Apple ProRAW only when you need the highest possible image quality for professional work. Optimize Storage Settings: Adjust your device settings to limit the storage usage of older photos and videos with lower quality. Delete Unnecessary Files: Periodically review your media library and delete any files that are no longer useful or are duplicates. Use External Storage: Utilize external storage devices, like an iCloud subscription or an external hard drive, to offload data that does not need to be stored on your device.

Conclusion

Capturing high-quality photos and videos on Apple devices with modern compression standards can actually help save storage space. While it's true that certain file types or settings can lead to larger storage usage, the advancements in HEIC and video processing chips mean that you can have your cake and eat it too: high-quality content without excessive storage consumption.