Instagram has long supported HDR (high dynamic range) video uploading and viewing on iPhone 12 and newer models. Recently, in partnership with Samsung, Meta introduced a new “Super HDR” feature for the Galaxy S24 series, enabling users to upload and view native HDR photos. Surprisingly, the same feature has quietly been added to eligible iPhones.
According to a report by Greg Benz Photography, unlike the Android version, you don’t need the latest iPhone to upload and view HDR photos on Instagram. If you own an iPhone 12 or newer model, you’re able to upload or view HDR photos on the platform.
An HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo is essentially a photo with a broader range of tonal values. Typically, a photo is classified as HDR when it’s captured with 12 or more stops of dynamic range. In comparison to a standard photo, an HDR image appears brighter and more vivid. When viewed on a smartphone, an HDR photo stands out with its vibrant appearance compared to the rest of the user interface.
Modern iPhones can capture HDR images in both JPEG and HEIC formats. Likewise, if you have a MacBook with an M1 or newer processor, you can view these pictures in HDR.
However, it’s important to note that any modifications made to an image captured on an iPhone will convert it to a standard dynamic range (SDR) image. This includes applying filters. The image must be captured directly from the phone’s camera app to retain HDR properties. We verified this feature on an iPhone 15, and it performed as anticipated.
