How can an iPhone generate a 3gp video file?

She sent it as an attachment to a text message - an MMS?

Is your friend's cellular service with Verizon?

It is Verizon that is changing the file type when a video is sent as an MMS through their network along with reducing the quality.

Does the same occur when a video is sent as an iMessage?

MMS and iMesssge are not the same - completely separate.

You said it was sent as an MMS previously and no iMessage, so which is it?

Doubtful that Apple is changing the file type and reducing the quality when sent via iMessage which is similar to exchanging email, but Verizon can and does when sent via MMS over their CDMA network.

Result 1

• I own an iPhone5S (AT&T customer)
• I received an emailed video attachment from another iPhone owner (Sprint customer)
• File Type Received = 3GP file (...not MOV)
• Quality of the File Received = Extremely blurry

Result 2

• I own an iPhone5S (AT&T customer)
• I sent an emailed video attachment to another iPhone owner (AT&T customer)
• File Type Received: MOV file
• Quality of the File Received = Clear and Sharp

I hope this helps someone to troubleshoot their issue. It seems as though the carrier makes a difference, as noted in the other posts. There is some type of file compression or conversion being done at the carrier level.

For those looking to export and send a HIGH QUALITY iPhone video to someone (...for a project or something), perhaps a workaround would be...

1. Download video from iPhone to an iMac or Macbook
2. Email video from iMac or Macbook as an email attachment.

truapple wrote:

Result 1

• I own an iPhone5S (AT&T customer)
• I received an emailed video attachment from another iPhone owner (Sprint customer)
• File Type Received = 3GP file (...not MOV)
• Quality of the File Received = Extremely blurry

It was sent as MMS, not iMessage.

Sprint converted it.

I wonder if it makes a difference if the SENDER (iPhone user), sends video file over a WIFI NETWORK rather than a CELLULAR NETWORK? 😐

SMS/MMS are not sent via wifi.

iMessages can be sent via ifi or cell and the format will not be changed.

And just because they are connected to wifi, does not mean it was not sent as MMS over cell.

In Messages at the bottom in the text box, it will say iMessage, if they and you both have iMessage enabled.

MMS can be exchange over a carrier's cellular network only.

iMessages can be exchanged via an available wi-fi network or cellular internet network the same as email.

So, what's a workaround to...

1. Send a video captured on an iPhone via email, AND
2. Ensure the receipent receives a clear MOV file, rather than a 3GP file?

Make sure the sender and you both have iMessage enabled.