-- Updated on 10 March 2025 --
AV1, also known as AOMedia Video 1, is quickly becoming one of the most promising video codecs in the streaming and digital media landscape. Developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), AV1 is an open-source, royalty-free codec designed to significantly enhance video compression efficiency, streaming quality, and overall viewing experience. As streaming services continue to dominate consumer media consumption, AV1's role is becoming increasingly critical due to its ability to deliver higher-quality video at lower bitrates compared to older codecs like HEVC (H.265) and VP9.
The widespread adoption of AV1 is driven by the industry's growing need for cost-effective, bandwidth-efficient streaming solutions. With more users accessing high-definition and 4K content on mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming boxes, AV1 compatibility has become a crucial factor influencing purchasing decisions. Device compatibility directly impacts users’ ability to enjoy optimized video quality, reduced buffering, and lower data usage, making it essential for consumers to stay informed about which devices support AV1 codec playback.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricacies of AV1 codec, highlighting its unique features and advantages. Additionally, we provide an up-to-date list of smartphones, tablets, and other consumer devices currently supporting AV1, along with insights into future device compatibility trends. By understanding these details, users can make informed choices when selecting new devices and streaming services, ensuring an enhanced viewing experience that fully leverages the advanced capabilities of AV1 technology.
Understanding AV1 Codec: What Makes It Special?
What is AV1 Codec?
AV1 is a next-generation video codec developed collaboratively by major industry players such as Google, Netflix, Amazon, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, and Mozilla under the Alliance for Open Media. Officially released in 2018, AV1 arose as a response to the limitations and licensing complexities associated with existing codecs like HEVC and VP9. Designed from the ground up to be royalty-free, AV1 aims to democratize high-quality video streaming by eliminating licensing fees, thus fostering widespread adoption across platforms and devices.
Technically speaking, AV1 employs advanced encoding techniques, including superior motion compensation, adaptive quantization, and improved entropy coding. These enhancements enable AV1 to deliver approximately 30% better compression efficiency compared to VP9 and HEVC. This means users receive higher-quality video streams at significantly lower data rates, resulting in smoother playback, reduced buffering, and less network congestion.
Benefits of AV1 for Users and Industry
For end-users, AV1 brings noticeable improvements in video quality, especially when streaming high-resolution content such as 4K and HDR videos. By compressing video data more efficiently, AV1 reduces bandwidth consumption, allowing users on limited or mobile data plans to enjoy superior streaming experiences without exceeding their data caps. Additionally, improved compression efficiency translates into faster load times and more responsive streaming sessions, making content consumption more seamless and enjoyable.
From an industry perspective, AV1's open-source, royalty-free nature significantly reduces operational costs for streaming providers and content creators. Companies no longer need to factor in expensive licensing fees associated with other codecs, enabling them to allocate resources toward enhancing infrastructure, content production, and user experience. Furthermore, widespread AV1 adoption encourages hardware manufacturers to integrate native AV1 decoding into their devices, creating a unified standard that simplifies compatibility and reduces fragmentation across the streaming ecosystem.
The industry-wide adoption of AV1 is gaining momentum rapidly, driven by support from major streaming platforms, browser developers, and hardware manufacturers. As more devices incorporate AV1 decoding capabilities and streaming providers offer AV1-encoded content, users can expect an increasingly optimized streaming experience that balances video quality, bandwidth efficiency, and affordability.
AV1 Supported Smartphones and Tablets
Android Devices Supporting AV1
Android smartphones have rapidly adopted AV1 codec support, driven by strong backing from Google and major hardware manufacturers. Google's Pixel series has been at the forefront, with Pixel 6 and newer models offering native AV1 hardware decoding. Samsung has also embraced AV1, integrating support into flagship models such as the Galaxy S21 series and newer, including Galaxy S22 and S23 devices. Xiaomi's Mi 11 and 12 series, Oppo's Find X5 Pro, and OnePlus 10 Pro are among other popular Android devices supporting AV1 playback natively.
To fully benefit from AV1 streaming, Android users typically require Android 10 or newer versions, as these OS updates introduced native codec support and optimized playback capabilities. Manufacturers continue to roll out firmware updates enhancing AV1 compatibility, ensuring even mid-range and budget devices gradually gain access. Looking ahead, we anticipate broader AV1 adoption across Android device segments, driven by chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek integrating AV1 hardware decoding into their latest processors, such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Dimensity 9200 chipsets.
Apple iOS and iPadOS AV1 Support Status
Currently, Apple has not officially integrated AV1 codec support into iOS or iPadOS devices. Apple's proprietary video codec strategy historically favors HEVC (H.265), which aligns closely with their hardware optimization and ecosystem integration. However, industry pressure and the growing popularity of AV1 among streaming platforms may influence Apple's stance in the near future.
Although official timelines remain unclear, industry analysts speculate that Apple may introduce AV1 decoding capabilities in future hardware generations, possibly starting from the iPhone 16 or newer models. Until then, iOS users seeking AV1 playback must rely on third-party apps or browsers with software-based decoding, which may result in higher battery consumption and reduced performance compared to hardware decoding solutions.
Tablet Compatibility Across Major Brands
In the tablet market, AV1 codec support is steadily increasing, particularly among Android-based tablets. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and newer models offer native AV1 decoding, providing users with enhanced streaming quality and reduced buffering during video playback. Lenovo's premium tablets, such as the Tab P12 Pro and Yoga Tab 13, also support AV1 codec playback, benefiting users who regularly stream high-resolution videos.
Amazon Fire tablets represent a more budget-oriented segment, yet recent models like the Fire HD 10 (2023 edition) have begun incorporating AV1 playback support, enabling users to enjoy improved streaming experiences without significantly increasing device costs. Other tablet manufacturers, including Xiaomi and Huawei, have similarly recognized the importance of AV1 compatibility, integrating native decoding capabilities into their recent tablet releases.
As the tablet market continues to evolve, we expect AV1 codec support to become a standard feature across all price segments. This widespread adoption will enable tablet users to fully leverage AV1's advanced compression and streaming capabilities, resulting in better viewing experiences, lower data consumption, and greater overall satisfaction with their multimedia consumption.
AV1 Compatibility in Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Smart TVs Supporting AV1
When it comes to AV1 compatibility, smart TV manufacturers have increasingly jumped aboard the AV1 bandwagon, recognizing its efficiency and potential. Let's dive into a comprehensive overview of the major brands currently supporting AV1:
LG has been proactive in adopting AV1, particularly in its newer OLED and QNED series. Models like the LG C2, G2, and the latest OLED evo series natively support AV1 decoding, delivering crisp streaming quality and efficient bandwidth usage. Samsung, another heavyweight in the TV industry, has incorporated AV1 support in its latest QLED and Neo QLED series, notably models such as the QN90B and QN95B. Samsung's 2023 lineup further emphasizes AV1 compatibility, ensuring smoother streaming experiences.
Sony's recent Bravia XR series also includes AV1 decoding capabilities, especially in models like the XR-A95K and XR-X95K. TCL, recognized for value-driven yet feature-rich TVs, has integrated AV1 support in its recent 6-Series and 8-Series TVs, making high-quality streaming accessible at competitive price points. Hisense, too, has embraced AV1 in its latest U8H and U9H models, enhancing streaming performance significantly. Panasonic, known for its exceptional image processing, has included AV1 support in its flagship OLED models, particularly the JZ2000 and LZ2000 series, ensuring seamless playback of AV1-encoded content.
Firmware updates play a crucial role in AV1 compatibility. Some older models might gain AV1 support through software updates, but this varies significantly by manufacturer and model. It's important to regularly check firmware updates from your TV manufacturer to ensure optimal AV1 playback. Occasionally, users might encounter compatibility issues, such as stuttering or buffering, typically due to hardware limitations or outdated firmware. Ensuring your TV is updated to the latest firmware generally resolves most AV1 playback issues.
For those looking to purchase a new TV with robust AV1 compatibility, we recommend considering models from LG's OLED evo lineup, Samsung's Neo QLED series, or Sony's Bravia XR series. These TVs not only offer excellent AV1 support but also deliver superior picture quality, future-proofing your entertainment setup.
Streaming Boxes and Dongles with AV1 Support
Streaming boxes and dongles are essential companions for many users, especially those who haven't upgraded their TVs recently. AV1 support is becoming increasingly prevalent in this space as well.
Google's Chromecast with Google TV has been a frontrunner in AV1 support, providing seamless playback of AV1-encoded content right out of the box. However, older Chromecast models may lack the necessary hardware decoding capabilities, limiting AV1 compatibility. Roku, another popular streaming device brand, has integrated AV1 support into its latest Roku Ultra and Roku Streaming Stick 4K models, providing efficient streaming experiences and improved video quality.
Amazon's Fire TV lineup has also embraced AV1, particularly in recent models like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen). These devices offer hardware decoding for AV1, ensuring smooth playback even at higher resolutions. Nvidia Shield TV, renowned among enthusiasts for its powerful hardware, fully supports AV1 decoding, delivering excellent performance and minimal buffering, especially beneficial for 4K HDR content.
Apple TV remains an outlier in AV1 support. As of now, the Apple TV 4K does not officially support AV1 decoding, relying instead on HEVC and other codecs. Users hoping for AV1 compatibility on Apple TV will need to wait for potential future updates or hardware revisions from Apple.
For optimal AV1 streaming, ensure your streaming device supports hardware decoding for AV1. Additionally, always keep your device firmware updated, as manufacturers frequently release software enhancements that improve AV1 playback performance. Lastly, use high-speed HDMI cables and reliable internet connections to maximize the benefits of AV1's efficient compression, delivering smooth, buffer-free streaming.
AV1 Support in Computers and Laptops
Windows PC and Laptop AV1 Compatibility
Windows users have a robust ecosystem for AV1 playback, benefiting from extensive hardware and software support. To achieve smooth AV1 playback on Windows PCs and laptops, certain hardware requirements must be met.
On the hardware front, AV1 decoding is supported by recent GPUs from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia. Intel's 11th-generation processors (Tiger Lake) and newer feature built-in AV1 decoding, significantly reducing CPU load during playback. For AMD users, RDNA 2-based GPUs (such as Radeon RX 6000 series) and later models offer native AV1 decoding. Nvidia's RTX 30-series GPUs and newer also support hardware AV1 decoding, providing smooth playback even at high resolutions.
Software-wise, Windows 11 natively supports AV1 decoding within its built-in media applications, simplifying playback. For users on Windows 10 or those preferring third-party software, popular browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox fully support AV1 playback. Additionally, media players such as VLC, MPC-HC, and PotPlayer provide excellent AV1 codec support, ensuring smooth and efficient playback.
For the best AV1 playback experience, we recommend ensuring your GPU drivers are up-to-date. Using hardware-accelerated decoding settings in media players and browsers further enhances performance, reducing CPU strain and delivering a smoother viewing experience.
MacOS and AV1 Codec Compatibility
MacOS users currently face mixed AV1 support, as Apple has yet to fully embrace the codec in its hardware lineup. Both Apple Silicon-based Macs (M1 and M2 chips) and Intel-based Macs lack dedicated hardware decoding for AV1. Consequently, AV1 playback relies on software decoding, placing additional load on the CPU.
Despite this limitation, Mac users can still enjoy AV1 content smoothly using optimized software solutions. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox offer efficient AV1 playback through software decoding. VLC and IINA, popular Mac media players, also support AV1 playback effectively, ensuring minimal buffering and high-quality streaming.
Until Apple incorporates hardware AV1 decoding into future Mac devices, users should ensure their software applications remain updated to benefit from continuous performance optimizations. Additionally, using Macs with more powerful processors, such as the M2 Pro or M2 Max, significantly improves the AV1 software decoding experience, minimizing playback issues.
Linux Systems and AV1 Playback
Linux users benefit from robust community-driven support for AV1 playback. Popular distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux fully support AV1 playback through open-source software solutions.
Media players such as VLC, MPV, and Kodi offer excellent AV1 decoding capabilities, ensuring smooth playback on Linux systems. Browsers like Firefox and Chrome also provide native AV1 support, further simplifying streaming experiences.
For optimal AV1 playback on Linux, we recommend using an updated distribution with recent kernel versions, ensuring improved hardware acceleration support. Additionally, installing the latest GPU drivers—whether open-source or proprietary—enhances playback efficiency. Configuring your media player to utilize hardware acceleration (VA-API or VDPAU) further reduces CPU load, resulting in smoother streaming performance.
AV1 Codec Support in Gaming Consoles
PlayStation AV1 Compatibility
As of now, Sony's PlayStation consoles—including both PS5 and PS4—do not officially support AV1 decoding. Currently, the consoles primarily rely on H.264 and HEVC codecs for video playback. However, given AV1's growing popularity and efficiency, it's reasonable to anticipate potential future firmware updates from Sony that might introduce AV1 decoding capabilities.
Sony has not yet made official announcements regarding AV1 support, but given the technological trends and industry adoption, we remain hopeful. Users should regularly monitor firmware update notes and official PlayStation communications for any announcements related to AV1 compatibility.
Xbox Consoles and AV1 Codec
Microsoft has been proactive in adopting AV1 support on its gaming consoles. Xbox Series X and Series S consoles currently support AV1 decoding, enabling efficient streaming of high-quality content directly through the consoles' media apps. This native support ensures smoother playback, reduced buffering, and enhanced streaming experiences.
In contrast, older Xbox One consoles do not officially support AV1 decoding due to hardware limitations. Microsoft continues to actively develop and update the Xbox platform, and future software improvements may optimize AV1 playback further on Series consoles. Users should ensure their consoles remain updated to benefit fully from Microsoft's ongoing AV1 developments.
Nintendo Switch AV1 Support
Currently, Nintendo Switch doesn't support the AV1 codec natively. This limitation arises primarily due to hardware constraints, as the console's existing chipset wasn't designed with AV1 decoding capabilities in mind. Given the rising popularity and efficiency benefits of AV1, many Switch users wonder if Nintendo might address this gap through firmware updates or future hardware revisions. While firmware updates can sometimes enhance video playback compatibility, AV1 decoding typically requires dedicated hardware acceleration to run smoothly, making a software-only solution unlikely for the current Switch models.
However, looking ahead, future iterations of the Nintendo Switch or successor consoles might integrate hardware optimized for AV1 decoding, aligning with industry trends toward efficient streaming and playback. Until such developments materialize, users seeking AV1 compatibility must rely on alternative solutions. One practical workaround involves transcoding AV1 content into codecs supported by the Switch, such as H.264 or VP9, using third-party software. Another option includes streaming AV1 content from another device, such as a smartphone or PC, and using HDMI adapters or casting solutions to display the content on the Switch's screen. Although these methods aren't as seamless as native support, they provide viable temporary solutions for users eager to access AV1 content on their consoles.
AV1 Support in Web Browsers and Online Streaming Platforms
Browser Compatibility with AV1 Codec
Major browsers have progressively embraced AV1 codec support, significantly enhancing streaming experiences. Google Chrome, being an early adopter, fully supports AV1 playback across desktop and mobile platforms. Firefox and Microsoft Edge have similarly integrated AV1 decoding capabilities, making high-quality streaming accessible to a broader audience. However, Apple's Safari browser currently lags behind, lacking native AV1 support as of now, primarily due to Apple's preference for HEVC and its own ecosystem priorities.
To optimize AV1 streaming, users should ensure their browser versions remain updated, as continuous improvements and optimizations are regularly rolled out. In Chrome and Edge, users can enable AV1 decoding explicitly through experimental flags accessible via the browser's advanced settings. Although default settings typically suffice, tweaking these configurations can sometimes yield smoother playback, especially on devices with limited hardware acceleration capabilities. Additionally, ensuring hardware drivers—particularly GPU drivers—are up-to-date can significantly enhance AV1 playback performance, minimizing buffering and playback issues.
Popular Streaming Platforms Supporting AV1
Streaming giants have actively embraced AV1, recognizing its potential for bandwidth savings and improved streaming quality. YouTube, for instance, has fully adopted AV1, delivering higher-resolution videos at lower bitrates, thus benefiting users with limited bandwidth connections. Netflix has also begun rolling out AV1 streams, initially targeting mobile users to deliver superior visual quality without increasing data consumption significantly.
Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ have shown interest in AV1, conducting internal tests and gradually integrating the codec into their streaming pipelines. Users streaming AV1 content typically experience noticeable improvements in video clarity and reduced buffering, even on constrained networks. Additionally, AV1's efficiency translates to lower data usage, making it particularly advantageous for users on mobile networks or those with limited internet plans. Overall, the adoption of AV1 by major platforms signals a broader industry shift toward more efficient and user-friendly streaming technologies.
Challenges and Future Trends in AV1 Adoption
Technical and Industry Challenges
Despite its clear advantages, AV1 faces several hurdles that slow widespread adoption. Hardware limitations remain a primary barrier, as older devices lack dedicated AV1 decoding hardware, resulting in higher CPU usage and reduced battery life when decoding via software. This issue necessitates hardware upgrades, which typically follow lengthy product cycles, delaying broader AV1 adoption among consumers.
Licensing and patent considerations also complicate AV1's implementation. Although AV1 is royalty-free, patent uncertainties and potential legal challenges from competing codec providers create hesitation among hardware manufacturers and streaming providers. Moreover, industry resistance persists, particularly from organizations heavily invested in competing codecs such as HEVC or VVC. These competing standards have established ecosystems, making it challenging for AV1 to quickly displace entrenched technologies without significant industry coordination and cooperation.
Future Prospects of AV1 Codec
Looking forward, AV1's prospects appear promising, driven by growing industry support and technological advancements. Major chipset manufacturers have begun integrating AV1 decoding capabilities into new hardware designs, including smartphones, TVs, and set-top boxes. This trend indicates that upcoming devices will increasingly support AV1 natively, significantly easing adoption barriers.
Furthermore, ongoing codec optimizations and improved encoding tools continue to enhance AV1's efficiency and performance, making it even more attractive to streaming platforms aiming to deliver high-quality content at lower bitrates. Industry analysts predict accelerated AV1 adoption over the next few years, particularly as streaming services seek cost-effective solutions to manage increasing bandwidth demands. Innovations such as real-time AV1 encoding for live streaming and cloud-based AV1 transcoding services will further solidify AV1's position as a leading codec in the streaming industry.
The Importance of AV1 Compatibility Moving Forward
As streaming media consumption continues to surge globally, efficient video codecs like AV1 become increasingly vital. AV1's ability to deliver superior video quality at significantly lower bitrates directly addresses the growing challenges of bandwidth constraints, network congestion, and rising content resolutions. For consumers, this translates into smoother streaming experiences, reduced buffering, and lower data usage, especially beneficial for mobile users and those in regions with limited internet infrastructure.
Industry professionals must proactively prepare for AV1 adoption by updating hardware roadmaps, investing in AV1-compatible infrastructure, and training personnel on AV1 encoding and optimization techniques. Content creators and streaming platforms that adopt AV1 early can gain competitive advantages, offering higher-quality streaming experiences to their audiences at reduced operational costs.
Ultimately, AV1 compatibility represents a strategic investment for both consumers and industry stakeholders. Embracing AV1 positions organizations to capitalize on evolving consumer expectations, technological advancements, and the broader industry's inevitable shift toward more efficient, high-quality streaming standards.
Further Readings and Online Resources
- It’s The Year of AV1. 2023, That Is.
- What is AV1 Codec? What phones support AV1 hardware decoding?
