Why Are My iPhone Photos HEIC? How to Change to JPG

Why Does My iPhone Save Photos as HEIC?

Starting with iOS 11 in 2017, Apple switched the default photo format from JPG to HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container). This wasn't an arbitrary decision—Apple made the change to help iPhone users save significant storage space while maintaining excellent image quality.

HEIC is based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard and uses modern compression technology derived from the H.265 video codec. The result is photos that are 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPG files with no visible quality difference.

What Is HEIC Format?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It's a file format that can store one or more images using HEIF compression. Apple chose HEIC as their implementation of the broader HEIF standard.

Key technical features of HEIC include:

• Advanced compression: Uses the HEVC (H.265) codec for superior compression
• 16-bit color depth: Supports wider color gamuts than JPG's 8-bit
• Transparency support: Can store alpha channels like PNG
• Multiple images: A single HEIC file can contain image sequences (burst photos, Live Photos)
• Embedded metadata: Stores depth maps, thumbnails, and editing history

Benefits of HEIC Format

1. Smaller File Sizes

The most significant advantage is storage efficiency. HEIC files are typically 40-50% smaller than JPG at the same visual quality. This means you can store twice as many photos in the same amount of space.

2. Better Image Quality

At comparable file sizes, HEIC produces sharper images with fewer compression artifacts. The format handles gradients, fine details, and areas of similar color better than JPG.

3. Advanced Features

HEIC supports features that JPG cannot provide, including transparency, 16-bit color depth, and the ability to store multiple images in a single file. This makes it ideal for Live Photos and burst mode shots.

4. Non-Destructive Edits

When you edit a HEIC photo in the iOS Photos app, the original data is preserved. You can always revert to the original, and edits are stored as instructions rather than permanently altering the image data.

Problems with HEIC Format

Despite its technical advantages, HEIC causes real-world problems for many users:

Windows Compatibility

Windows doesn't natively display HEIC files. You need to install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, and even then, some applications still won't recognize the format. Many Windows users receive HEIC files from iPhone users and simply can't open them.

Web Upload Limitations

Many websites and web applications don't accept HEIC uploads. This includes some social media platforms, job application portals, government websites, and online forms. You'll often see error messages like "Invalid file format" or "Please upload a JPG or PNG file."

Software Compatibility

While Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom now support HEIC, many other applications don't. This includes older versions of popular software, many free image editors, and numerous specialized tools.

Sharing Complications

When you share photos with friends or family who use Android phones or Windows computers, they may not be able to view your HEIC files. This creates an unnecessary barrier to simple photo sharing.

Printing Services

Most photo printing services—both online and in retail stores—expect JPG files. You'll need to convert HEIC photos before uploading them for printing.

How to Change iPhone Camera to JPG

If you want your iPhone to capture photos in JPG format from now on, follow these steps:

Auto-Convert When Transferring to Computer

If you want to keep HEIC on your iPhone (to save storage) but receive JPG files when transferring to your computer, there's a setting for that:

Convert Existing HEIC Photos to JPG

Changing your camera settings only affects future photos. For existing HEIC files, you have several options:

Option 1: Online Converter (Recommended)

The fastest method is using an online converter that processes files in your browser. This is ideal for occasional conversions and ensures your personal photos never leave your device.

Option 2: Email or AirDrop to Yourself

When you share HEIC photos via email or AirDrop to a Mac, iOS can automatically convert them to JPG. However, this is tedious for multiple files and may reduce quality depending on settings.

Option 3: Third-Party Apps

Various iOS apps can batch-convert HEIC to JPG directly on your iPhone. Look for apps that process locally without uploading to servers for privacy.

Option 4: Desktop Software

On macOS, you can use Preview, Photos, or Automator for batch conversion. On Windows with HEIF extensions installed, you can use Paint, Photos app, or third-party converters.

Should You Switch to JPG?

The decision depends on your specific needs. Here's a quick guide:

Keep HEIC If:

• Storage space on your iPhone is limited
• You primarily share photos within the Apple ecosystem
• You don't frequently need to upload photos to websites
• You use iCloud Photos and access from Apple devices

Switch to JPG If:

• You frequently share photos with Windows or Android users
• You regularly upload photos to websites that don't accept HEIC
• You use non-Apple software for photo editing
• You print photos frequently
• Storage space isn't a concern

HEIC vs JPG: Technical Comparison

Common Questions

Why did Apple choose HEIC over JPG?

Apple chose HEIC because it offers significantly better compression than the 30-year-old JPG standard. As iPhone cameras improved and photo file sizes grew, storage became a concern. HEIC allowed Apple to offer better image quality while using less storage space.

Does converting HEIC to JPG lose quality?

Yes, there is some quality loss since both formats use lossy compression. However, at high quality settings (85-100%), the difference is imperceptible to most viewers. The original HEIC file does contain more data, so keep it as a backup if possible.

Can Android phones open HEIC files?

Modern Android phones (Android 9+) generally support viewing HEIC files. However, support varies by manufacturer and app. Some Android apps may still have trouble with HEIC files.

Will switching to JPG affect my photo quality?

JPG files from your iPhone camera are high quality and suitable for any use. The main difference is file size—you'll use more storage. For most users, the quality difference between iPhone HEIC and JPG photos is negligible.

What about ProRAW photos?

If you have an iPhone Pro model and shoot in ProRAW, those photos are saved as DNG files (a RAW format), not HEIC. ProRAW gives you maximum editing flexibility but creates very large files (25-50 MB each).

Do Live Photos work with JPG?

When you switch to "Most Compatible," Live Photos are saved as a JPG image plus a separate H.264 video file, rather than a single HEIC container. The Live Photo feature still works normally.

Conclusion

Apple uses HEIC as the default iPhone photo format because it's genuinely superior to JPG in terms of compression efficiency and features. However, its limited compatibility can be frustrating when you need to share photos widely or use non-Apple software.

The good news is you have control. You can switch to JPG for future photos, enable automatic conversion during transfers, or convert existing files when needed. Choose the approach that best fits your workflow.

For most users, keeping HEIC as the default and converting only when necessary offers the best balance of storage efficiency and compatibility. When you do need to convert, browser-based tools offer the fastest and most private solution.