Latest Updates Boost iPhone Photo Capabilities

Your iPhone camera just got even more fun! The new iOS 11 software update for iPhone users includes some innovative features that really enhance your photo taking. These options are available on most models from the iPhone 6 to the current iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

For starters, Apple has introduced a new “high efficiency” storage format that they say will allow you to store twice as many photos. Called HEIF, it is capable of compressing images twice as efficiently as the commonly used JPEG format, without sacrificing image quality. As an example, a photo that was 1.2MB using JPEG would be around 891KB in HEIF.

Live Photos, a feature discussed earlier in our blog, is a unique way to blend your photos into short, moving images by capturing a few frames of video before and after you press the shutter button. In the latest update, it’s added even more creative options. The “Loop” feature replays the Live Photo you’ve created, adding a brief transition before each new loop begins. “Bounce” plays the video forward, then backward. And “Long Exposure” creates a blurred background, similar to what you can do with a DSLR camera. Editing Live Photos has also been made simpler, and includes options to crop, add filters, mute sound, and more.

iOS11 includes new facial recognition technology, which will make it quicker to find and sort photos by person using the “People” section of your Gallery app. Plus, once you’ve found the picture you’re looking for, there are a host of new built-in filters you can use to give your photos a distinctive look, including ‘Vivid’, ‘Dramatic’, and ‘Silvertone’ settings.

So, iPhone users, go ahead and indulge your inner shutterbug! You’ll be delighted with the creative freedom you’ll find from these latest update, not to mention the ability to take and store even more photos.

17 Thoughts on "Latest Updates Boost iPhone Photo Capabilities"

  1. Chris Oszak says

    HEIF will only be recognized on Facebook? We won’t be able to upload to a PC to edit in LR or PS.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, Chris. If you’re using a PC with Windows 10, HEIF will not be recognized as of yet, though Apple users won’t experience an issue. We appreciate you posting!

  2. Berta says

    Where do I find the setting for HEIF. I have ios 11.2.1. Did not find a setting in camera or photos

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for asking, Berta! Depending on your model of iPhone, this feature may not yet be available to you. You can still share and view HEIF files, though. If we can answer any other questions you may have, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you taking the time to post!

  3. Sandra R says

    Recently got the iPhoneSE and am still learning how to use it. However the service in my area keeps going out. This is the second time that this has happened in the last two or three months. I was happy with Consumer Cellular up until now. Will see if this happens again.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for posting, Sandra. I took a look at your account, and I see that Jeffrey, our account advisor, was able to inform you of a tower outage in your area. If you continue to experience issues, please don’t hesitate to give us a call so that we can provide you with more information. We appreciate you giving us a call, and we hope you have a great day!

  4. Diane Sheibley says

    Can I use my I phone 6

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Great question, Diane! Live Photos and some of the options mentioned here are available for iPhone 6s and later. You can still take advantage of the new filter options and the improved ability to search for photos. We appreciate you taking the time to post!

  5. Cynthia Daniels says

    Is iPhone SE capable of using the new type format?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for asking, Cynthia! The iPhone SE isn’t able to save photos in the HEIF format yet, but you can use the new filter options, and take advantage of the improved photo search capability. It really saves some time! We appreciate you posting!

  6. Shannon says

    Like it

  7. rick bertetto says

    I am new to Consumer Cellular. I live Menifee Ca. I have a LG K20 from at&t. I was told it works with Consumer Cellular. When I first used the phone it did not send data. I called and was helped. I do not recall the woman who helped me. She was stellar. I am getting a weak signal. I have looked at the map of coverage for my area, it looks good but I am only getting 1 to 2 bars ,sometimes 3. Why the weak single?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for posting, Rick. We are happy to take a look at your local coverage and see if any updates need to be sent to your device. Please give us a call at 888-345-5509 at your convenience, and we can work with you to resolve any issues you’re experiencing. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us, and we look forward to speaking with you!

  8. kathy says

    A friend was trying to improve my Gallery experience that had been fine. model Samsung Galaxy j3. Now the screen is a mess to me. Plus I am no longer able to send photos via text or receive photos. I have been playing with settings and asking others for the last 2 weeks with no help.

    • Hi Kathy, thanks for your message. I see that you called in and spoke to a customer service agent to resolve the issue with picture messaging. If there’s anything else we can assist you with please let us know, you can reach customer service at 888-345-5509 at your convenience.

  9. Marjy says

    Why do few bars in Pensacola, Fl.?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Marjy, if you need any assistance with your service in Pensacola, we’d be happy to help if you give us a call at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.