Exploring Apple's Photographic Styles: A Feature Worth the Trade-Offs?

Apple’s recent updates to Photographic Styles in iOS 18 have drawn attention, especially with the new option to change styles after taking a photo. This feature has opened up creative possibilities, yet for many users, the format requirements pose a significant hurdle. The feature, available on iPhone 16 Pro Max, allows users to select different Photographic Styles beyond the Standard filter, enhancing images with diverse looks.

However, the feature is only compatible with photos saved in Apple’s High Efficiency Image Coding (HEIC) format, a change that has inconvenienced many users who are accustomed to using JPEG. JPEG remains a practical choice for immediate online sharing or publishing, making it ideal for media professionals who frequently upload images to platforms such as WordPress. HEIC files, though offering higher quality and efficiency, require additional steps for conversion and compatibility, adding complexity to workflows.

Testing the feature, users report that applying Photographic Styles transforms the overall appearance of photos, akin to using Instagram filters but with a more refined touch. Each style significantly alters the look, providing options for vivid or subdued color schemes. While these choices offer visual variety, the inability to perfect an image within one preset can be frustrating. As a result, users often find themselves making further edits in Apple’s Photos app, ultimately questioning the added value of the Photographic Styles feature.

Moreover, users note that the format change also affects video capture, switching to High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) with HEIC settings, which further complicates file handling for those needing quick, universally compatible files. This has led some to default to JPEG to maintain a smoother workflow, despite sacrificing the benefits Photographic Styles bring.

The experience reflects a divide between technical enhancement and practical use, with many choosing JPEG for simplicity. Despite appreciating the creative flexibility of Photographic Styles, the format limitations deter frequent use, favoring the straightforward, familiar approach of JPEG. Apple’s push for High Efficiency formats might benefit quality, but for many, it restricts the usability of this otherwise compelling feature.