Apple’s latest iOS 18 update has introduced an unexpected issue for photography enthusiasts using newer iPhone models. Users are reporting that the Quick Action feature, which previously allowed for seamless conversion of 48-megapixel ProRAW images to high-efficiency image formats (HEIF), is now producing significantly downsized results.

Several iPhone users noticed this bug and shared their findings on Reddit, Apple support forums, and other popular forums. This bug affects devices capable of capturing 48 MP ProRAW images, including the iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and 16 Pro series. When attempting to convert these high-resolution files using the Quick Action menu, users are finding that the resulting HEIF images are only 12 megapixels – a quarter of the original resolution.

One user on Reddit claimed: “The Quick Action unfortunately now is shrinking all images down to 12MP on iOS18, iPadOS18 and macOS15.” This suggests the problem extends beyond iPhones to other Apple devices running the latest operating systems.

The issue appears to stem from incorrect metadata being applied to the ProRAW images when they’re saved from the Photos app to a folder for batch conversion. While the dimensions display correctly within the Photos app, the conversion process seems to reference inaccurate information, resulting in the downsized output.

This bug is particularly frustrating for photographers who rely on the Quick Action feature for efficient workflow management. The ability to batch convert high-resolution ProRAW files to more storage-friendly HEIF format without losing quality was a valued feature for many.

Interestingly, this isn’t the only ProRAW-related issue users have encountered with iOS 18. Some iPhone 12 Pro users have reported problems capturing RAW photos after the update, with images appearing corrupted or failing to load entirely.

As news of these issues spreads, photography enthusiasts are exploring workarounds. Some users suggest using third-party apps like Halide, Firstlight, or ProCamera for capturing and converting high-resolution images. However, these solutions may not be ideal for those accustomed to the convenience of Apple’s native tools.

Apple has yet to officially acknowledge the ProRAW conversion issue, but it’s possible that we’ll see a fix for the issue soon. As usual, we’ll keep track of the situation and will update the article if and when there’s something worth sharing.

Dwayne Cubbins
253 Posts

For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.

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