Saving multiple jpegs is still an absolute disaster !

I have a script/actions which open a batch of JPEG files, read metadata and add it as text layers, format those layers, save a layered PSD, and use Save for Web to export a finished JPEG. Photoshop has a lot of tools for batch processing, have you tried recording an action or Image Processor?

The usual suspects...

Image Processor:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/processing-batch-files.html#convert_files_with_the_image_processor

Image Processor with PNG from the late Mike Hale:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/how-to-save-in-other-formats-automate-scripts-question-cs6/m-p/13269066

https://www.ps-scripts.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=10225&p=54270

Image Processor Pro:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/ps-scripts/files/Image%20Processor%20Pro/v3_2%20betas/

Picture Processor:

https://github.com/Paul-Riggott/PS-Scripts/blob/master/Picture%20Processor.jsx

Raw Image Converter:

https://github.com/SetTrend/Raw-Image-Converter

Batch Multi Save:

https://www.marspremedia.com/software/photoshop/batch-multi-save

Since Apple removed the APIs that enabled direct saving a copy to jpeg, you need to use Save A Copy, which splits out a copy from the original PSD.

To save a file directly to jpeg, it needs to be flat, 8 bit, no transparency or alpha channels. That's just the jpeg specification.

All changes in Photoshop's save protocol in later versions are caused by Apple removing these APIs, forcing Adobe to come up with workarounds.