Why the iPhone 15 Pro's AV1 Hardware Decoding is a Game Changer

Apple's recent announcement of the iPhone 15 Pro has left the tech community abuzz with excitement. Among the features that stand out, the AV1 hardware decoding capability is set to leave a significant footprint in the multimedia landscape. But what is AV1 and why does its inclusion in the iPhone 15 Pro matter? Let's delve deeper into this technological marvel.

What is AV1?

AV1 is an open, royalty-free video coding format that promises efficient compression without compromising video quality. It's seen as the successor to H.265 (HEVC), providing around 30% better compression. This results in smaller file sizes and smoother streaming experiences, especially vital in today's age of 4K and 8K videos.

Impact of AV1 Hardware Decoding in the iPhone 15 Pro

1. Enhanced Streaming Experience: The primary advantage of AV1 lies in its ability to stream high-quality videos with less data. For iPhone 15 Pro users, this translates to smoother video playback, fewer buffering issues, and a generally enhanced multimedia experience.
2. Adoption Boost for AV1: With Apple, one of the industry giants, embracing AV1, other manufacturers might be encouraged to follow suit. Apple's move could catalyze the broader adoption of the AV1 format, pushing it closer to becoming an industry standard.
3. Cost Savings for Service Providers: Video streaming platforms can significantly reduce their bandwidth costs by adopting AV1. With a significant portion of their audience (iPhone 15 Pro users) now able to natively decode AV1, platforms might hasten their migration to this more efficient codec.
4. Battery Efficiency: Hardware decoding is more power-efficient than software decoding. With the iPhone 15 Pro's AV1 hardware decoding capabilities, users can expect better battery life during video playback, providing a more seamless experience.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: The AV1 Differentiator

It's crucial to note that only the iPhone 15 Pro boasts this AV1 hardware decoding capability. This feature is intricately tied to the A17 Pro chip, exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro model. In contrast, the standard iPhone 15 does not support AV1 hardware decoding. This distinction further positions the 'Pro' model as a cutting-edge device catered to those keen on unparalleled multimedia experiences.

In Conclusion

The inclusion of AV1 hardware decoding in the iPhone 15 Pro is not just another tech-spec addition. It's a nod to the future of streaming experiences, a potential cost-saving mechanism for service providers, and a signal for other manufacturers to acknowledge and integrate this technology. As streaming and multimedia become more central to our daily lives, Apple's move with the iPhone 15 Pro showcases its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier

Independent streaming and iOS engineer

Last modified: January 7th, 2025