iOS 26 adds HDR format for screenshots and screen recordings, offering richer color and dynamic range over standard SDR.
Apple’s iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 is rolling out small but solid improvements—one of them being the option to capture screenshots and screen recordings in HDR format, giving visuals a serious upgrade.
With iOS 26, users now get to pick between HDR and SDR (Most Compatible) under a new Format setting for screen captures.
As seen in the image above, HDR captures use HEIF for screenshots and HEVC HDR10 for screen recordings, making visuals punchier and more color-rich—especially on compatible displays. SDR, on the other hand, uses PNG and plain HEVC, making it easier to share across devices.
Reddit user u/Zestyclose-Dot-7039 highlighted this discovery, and others like u/Candid-Ad473 praised Apple’s move toward giving creators and power users better control.
It’s a niche but much-needed update—perfect for those who care about color accuracy and quality when sharing iPhone visuals. iOS 26 continues to refine the user experience quietly but meaningfully.
