Ultra HDR

Last updated
Ultra HDR
Developer Google
Initial release4 October 2023;2 years ago (2023-10-04)
Stable release
1.1 / October 25, 2024;12 months ago (2024-10-25)
Website developer.android.com/media/platform/hdr-image-format

Ultra HDR is an image format that encodes a gain map into the metadata of a JPEG image. This allows for compatible decoders to decode and display a high dynamic range (HDR) image while maintaining backwards compatibility with incompatible decoders and SDR panels. This format was first deployed on the Android 14 operating system, with display support later being added to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, [1] Safari, [2] and multiple other macOS and iOS applications. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Ultra HDR uses an encoding scheme developed by Adobe. [6] Samsung brands Ultra HDR as Super HDR. [7] A similar standard for gain map based HDR with backwards compatible SDR support for any image file type, including JPEG, is ISO 21496-1. ISO 21496-1 is branded by Apple as Adaptive HDR. [8] As of Android 15, the Ultra HDR and ISO 21496-1 over JPEG formats are encoded simultaneously for HDR compatibility across Android and Apple devices. [6] [9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Benz, Greg (2023-09-26). ""Gain maps" make HDR look great on any screen - Greg Benz Photography". gregbenzphotography.com. Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  2. ↑ Benz, Greg (2025-06-12). "Apple Safari now supports HDR photography! - Greg Benz Photography" . Retrieved 2025-11-08.
  3. ↑ "HDR photo editing with machine learning". Google Research. Google. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  4. ↑ Rahman, Mishaal (2023-10-09). "Hands-on with Ultra HDR in Android 14: The future of photography". Android Police. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  5. ↑ "Ultra HDR Image Format v1.1 | Android media". Android Developers. Retrieved 2025-07-01.
  6. 1 2 3 Rahman, Mishaal (2024-10-29). "Google and Apple are making HDR photos work better on Android and iOS". Android Authority. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  7. ↑ Romero, Andrew (2024-04-02). "Samsung's Super HDR is not coming to older Galaxy devices". 9to5Google. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  8. ↑ Benz, Greg (2024-09-27). "What do Apple's latest updates mean for HDR photography?". Greg Benz Photography. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  9. ↑ "Ultra HDR Image Format v1.1 | ISO 21496-1 Compatibility". Android Developers. 2024-10-25. Retrieved 2025-11-07.
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