What is HEIC and Why Does Apple Use It?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container, Apple's modern image format introduced in iOS 11 (2017). Instead of JPG, new iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. Why? HEIC compresses photos much better than JPG: the same photo takes about 50% less storage as HEIC than as JPG, and the quality is identical or better.
For Apple, this is a massive storage win. iPhone storage is expensive, and reducing file sizes means users need less iCloud storage or larger phone storage. HEIC also supports transparency (like PNG), multiple images in one file (like GIF), and HDR (high dynamic range) metadata. It is a superior format for modern photography.
The Problem: HEIC Compatibility
HEIC sounds great for Apple devices, but it is terrible for sharing. Windows does not natively support HEIC—you will need to install a codec or use third-party software. Many older Android phones cannot open HEIC files. Websites and email systems often reject HEIC because the server software does not recognize the format. Some printers, photo labs, and cloud storage services do not accept HEIC either.
This creates constant friction: you take a photo on your iPhone, try to share it with a friend on Android or Windows, and the recipient cannot open it. You are forced to convert the photo before sharing. Apple's bet on HEIC has created a compatibility mess that persists years later.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG
On iPhone: use the built-in Photos app. Open Settings > Photos, then scroll down to "Upload to iCloud Photos" and toggle it on. iCloud will automatically convert HEIC to JPG if needed when you download. Alternatively, take a screenshot of the photo (which forces iPhone to create a JPG version), or use a third-party app like Image Converter.
On Mac: Open the photo in Preview (which displays HEIC natively), then File > Export and choose JPG format. On Windows: Use a free online converter like CloudConvert or download third-party software like XnConvert. Once converted to JPG, you can share the photo anywhere.
Stopping iPhone from Saving Photos as HEIC
If you do not want to convert photos constantly, change your iPhone settings to save as JPG. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select "Most Compatible" (JPG) instead of "High Efficiency" (HEIC). Your photos will then save as JPG, which is compatible everywhere. The downside is larger file sizes and slightly more iCloud storage used.
Alternatively, if you have a recent iPhone 12 or newer, you can use ProRes or ProRes RAW formats for video, which are professional-grade and even larger, but offer maximum flexibility for editing. Most users do not need this.
HEIC vs JPG: Quality and File Size
At the same quality setting, HEIC files are about 50% smaller than JPG. A photo that is 5 MB as JPG might be 2.5 MB as HEIC. Both are visually identical on screen. JPG is the universal choice: supported everywhere, understood by everyone, no compatibility worries. HEIC is superior technically but practically inferior due to compatibility issues. For sharing, always use JPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Windows open HEIC files?
HEIC is Apple's proprietary format. Windows was not designed to support it. You need to install the HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store or use a third-party converter to view HEIC files on Windows.
How do I stop my iPhone from saving photos as HEIC?
Open Settings > Camera > Formats and select "Most Compatible." Your iPhone will save new photos as JPG instead of HEIC. Existing HEIC photos will remain HEIC unless you convert them.
Is HEIC better quality than JPG?
Not visually. At the same quality setting, HEIC and JPG are visually identical. HEIC just uses more efficient compression, resulting in smaller files. JPG is the universal standard and recommended for sharing.
Converting HEIC Photos for Use
- JPG to PDF — Convert HEIC photos to JPG, then combine into a PDF.
- Compress PDF — Reduce file size after converting.