Photo-sharing services may resize or compress images, which can make details less clear when a recipient zooms in or prints a picture. The source outlines several alternatives for people who want to preserve more of an image’s quality.
According to the source, Apple’s iOS 27 Shared Albums can store newly added photos and videos in their original formats at full resolution. The change applies to new items, including additions to upgraded older albums; it does not restore the original quality of media uploaded before an album was upgraded. New items count toward the album owner’s iCloud storage, including contributions from other participants. The source also notes that content saved from a Shared Album may not retain every piece of information in the original file.
For Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, the source points to Quick Share, which can transfer files directly rather than sending them through a messaging service that might recompress them. It says Quick Share can also use QR codes when a receiving device is not readily available. Google says some supported Android phones can connect with compatible Apple devices through AirDrop, provided the Apple device’s AirDrop setting is set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.”
The source cautions that preserving full resolution can require more storage, particularly for video. Whether that matters depends on how the recipient will use the file: a compressed copy may be adequate for viewing on a phone, while an original may be preferable for printing, cropping or later editing. The article’s device and operating-system details are attributed to the source and Apple or Google; users should check current compatibility and settings before relying on a particular transfer method.
