Does AV1 need a successor right now? At least as of some years ago SVT-AV1 was stronger than x265 on both software encoding speed and quality/bitrate[1], and a successor would reset the timer on getting hardware decoders rolled out.
It looks like VVC (H.266) will be significantly better compared to HVEC and AV1.
But due to the patent issues it'll bound to have, I suspect common usage will practically be nonexistent, just like HVEC.
> I suspect common usage will practically be nonexistent, just like HVEC
HEVC is used in all TV broadcast station. FaceTime and other Cameras, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and many other large streaming services outside US. The only one that doesn't have any usage of HEVC is Youtube.