HEIC vs JPG: Why Your iPhone Photos Are HEIC
5 min read
Since iOS 11, iPhones store photos in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) by default. It halves file sizes compared to JPG at similar quality, but plenty of apps, websites, and Windows tools still can't open it, which is why 'convert HEIC to JPG' remains one of the most common photo workflows.
Why HEIC exists
HEIC uses the same HEVC compression as modern video, achieving roughly 50% smaller files than JPG at equivalent quality. It also stores image sequences (Live Photos bursts), depth maps for Portrait mode, and 16-bit color, things JPG cannot do.
Where HEIC falls short
Support outside the Apple ecosystem is uneven. macOS handles it natively since High Sierra; Windows 10/11 needs paid codec extensions; many web services and Android devices still reject it. Browser support matters too: Safari decodes HEIC, but Chrome and Firefox generally do not.
How to convert HEIC to JPG
On a Mac, exporting from Preview or Photos does it natively. On Windows or in any browser, a converter tool is the quickest path. When choosing a converter, prefer one that processes files locally in your browser so your photos aren't uploaded to a stranger's server, and be aware that converting to JPG loses HEIC's transparency and depth data, and adds mild lossy compression.
- Keep HEIC as your camera original; convert copies for sharing
- For maximum compatibility, export JPG at high quality
- Beware 'free online converters' that upload your photos, local browser conversion is safer