Support for the WebM video format on Apple’s mobile operating system enables the playback of media encoded with the open, royalty-free codec on iPhones and iPads. It represents the ability to view content that is compressed using VP8, VP9, or AV1 codecs within the WebM container on iOS devices. As an example, a video encoded in VP9 and packaged in a WebM file can be viewed on an iPhone if the device possesses or has access to a compatible decoder.
The significance of enabling this capability lies in increased accessibility to a wider range of video content and promoting open web standards. Its benefit is seen in the potential for reduced licensing fees associated with proprietary codecs, leading to more cost-effective video distribution. Historically, support for various codecs has been fragmented across different platforms; widespread adoption of WebM on iOS contributes to a more unified viewing experience.
