How to Capture HDR Screenshots on Your iPhone with iOS 26 and Latest Features

How to Capture HDR Screenshots on Your iPhone with iOS 26 and Latest Features

Exploring iOS 26: Enhanced Screenshot Features

The recent rollout of iOS 26 marks a significant upgrade from previous versions, particularly in the realm of screenshot functionality. This update not only introduces a more sophisticated screenshot editor but also integrates a striking Liquid Glass design, alongside enhancements to the Photos app, Compact mode in Safari, and fresh wallpapers.

Customizing Your Screenshot Experience

One of the most notable enhancements in iOS 26 is the revamped screenshot capture method, which now features neatly rounded corners, departing from the traditional rectangular format observed in iOS 18.

How to Enable HDR Screenshots

Among the standout additions to the screenshot tools is the ability to capture images in HDR (High Dynamic Range).This feature, designed to enrich the visual quality of screenshots, can be activated through a dedicated Screen Capture settings page. To enable HDR screenshots, follow these simple steps:

Take HDR screenshots on iOS 26
  1. Access the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 26.
  2. Navigate to General > Screen Capture.
  3. Choose the HDR option located under the Format section.
  4. Simultaneously press the Home button and the Volume Up button to capture your screenshot.

Once enabled, any screenshot taken will showcase a full range of dynamic colors and be saved in the HEIF format, preserving the intricate details of HDR content. Conversely, SDR screenshots remain compatible, saving in PNG format. You can verify whether a screenshot was captured in HDR by swiping up on the image within the Photos app to access its details.

iOS 26 screenshot tool

Screen Recording in HDR

In addition to taking HDR screenshots, iOS 26 extends this capability to screen recordings. Files captured in HDR are saved in the HEVC HDR10 format, while those recorded in SDR are stored in HEVC. You can utilize the same straightforward steps as before to initiate screen recordings, which are easily accessible via the Control Center.

Maximizing Screenshot Options

Beyond capturing images, iOS 26 enhances your screenshot experience with various customization options located in the Screen Capture settings. Here are some features to consider:

Enable Full-Screen Previews

By activating the “Full-Screen Previews”option on the Screen Capture page, your screenshots will appear in an expansive view, superseding the brief thumbnail that typically appears in the lower corner. This larger interface makes it easier to edit or annotate screenshots before sharing them via different applications. Alternatively, you can keep this setting off and access full previews by tapping on the temporary thumbnail after taking a screenshot.

iOS 26 screenshot tool

Controlling CarPlay Screenshot Functionality

A welcome improvement in iOS 26 is the adjustment of how screenshots are handled during CarPlay use. Previously, users found that automatically captured screenshots cluttered their devices during normal operation. With the update, Apple has introduced a manual toggle to control when CarPlay screenshots are taken, addressing feedback from users seeking more control over their devices.

CarPlay with iOS 26

Leveraging Visual Intelligence in Screenshots

Another notable feature included in the updated screenshot tool is Visual Intelligence, available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. This allows users to select objects within a screenshot and discover related content across compatible applications, enhancing the utility of every screenshot taken.

Availability and Considerations

The new screenshot features introduced in iOS 26 are currently accessible through the developer beta program for eligible iPhones. Apple is expected to present the first public beta next month. If you decide to explore the developer beta, keep in mind that stability may vary in early builds, so ensure your data is backed up before proceeding.

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