The Future of Image Formats: AV1, JPEG XL, and Beyond

Image format evolution continues. AVIF is emerging. JPEG XL promises better compression than AVIF. AV1 video codec drives AVIF progress. Understanding the timeline helps you plan.

AVIF Today

AVIF (AV1 Image Format) is 2024's breakthrough. Supported in Chrome, Firefox, Safari 16+, Edge. Compression beats JPEG by 30–50%. Still behind WebP in universality but rapidly gaining.

JPEG XL: The Next Big Thing

JPEG XL promises better compression than AVIF, faster encoding, and lossless-to-lossy transitions. Still not standardized in browsers. Expect Chrome support 2025–2026.

VVC (Versatile Video Codec)

Successor to HEVC. AV1 is free; VVC has licensing complexity. AV1 momentum gives AVIF the edge over VVC-based formats.

HEIC Evolution

HEIC (using HEVC codec) is Apple's format. Not standardized for web. AVIF (using AV1 codec) is the open-source alternative. Expect HEIC to fade as AVIF dominates.

Timeline

2024: AVIF mainstream. 2025–2026: JPEG XL browser support. 2027+: JPEG XL adoption. WebP and JPEG remain backup formats indefinitely.

Browser Support Pattern

Chrome leads new format adoption. Safari and Firefox follow. Internet Explorer is gone (finally), so new formats land faster than before.

Practical Implications

Start with AVIF now. Add JPEG XL in 2025–2026 as support grows. Always provide fallbacks. WebP and JPEG remain safe choices until 2030+.

Format Fatigue

Three competing formats (WebP, AVIF, JPEG XL) is messy. Eventually one wins and the web stabilizes. Until then, serve multiple formats with fallbacks.

Stay Ahead

Adopt AVIF now for future-proofing. Monitor JPEG XL progress. Build workflows that handle multiple formats. QuickConvert supports all formats, current and emerging.