AOMedia has released AVIF v1.2.0, updating the AV1 Image File Format specification. The key new feature is support for sample transforms, which allows encoding images with higher bit depths like 16-bit, even if the underlying AV1 codec doesn't natively support it. Files remain backward-compatible, decoding down to 12-bit precision for older software.

This enhancement is a boon for professional photographers and digital artists working with high-fidelity imagery. It enables greater quality and flexibility without bloating file sizes. For example, encoding a 16-bit PNG can yield a 10% file size savings while preserving all image data, making it practical for HDR workflows and archival storage.

The update also refines conformance rules and clarifies metadata mapping, ensuring better consistency across the ecosystem. Developers can now create standard-compliant files more easily. AOMedia encourages testing the new features via the libavif library and welcomes community feedback to shape the format's future in the open media landscape.