Why Are iPhone Photos HEIC?
Everything you need to know about Apple's decision to use HEIC format for iPhone photos
iPhone photos are in HEIC format because Apple switched to High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF) with iOS 11 in 2017. This format produces files that are 50% smaller than JPEG while maintaining better quality, helping you save storage space on your iPhone and iCloud without sacrificing photo quality. Every iPhone 7 and newer uses HEIC by default.
Jump to Section:
The Simple Explanation
In September 2017, Apple released iOS 11 with a major camera change: all new photos would be saved in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format instead of JPEG. This wasn't a bug or accident—it was a deliberate upgrade designed to solve a major problem: storage space.
Apple's Reasoning:
Photo Quality Was Increasing
iPhone cameras went from 8MP to 12MP+, creating massive file sizes
Storage Was Running Out
Users with 16GB or 32GB iPhones were constantly deleting photos
iCloud Costs Were High
Larger photos meant users needed more expensive iCloud storage plans
Technology Had Evolved
JPEG was created in 1992; HEIC uses modern compression from 2015
Which iPhones Use HEIC?
Any iPhone running iOS 11 or later uses HEIC by default. This includes:
✓ Uses HEIC by Default:
- • iPhone 7, 7 Plus (2016)
- • iPhone 8, 8 Plus (2017)
- • iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max (2017-2018)
- • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- • iPhone 12 series (2020)
- • iPhone 13 series (2021)
- • iPhone 14 series (2022)
- • iPhone 15 series (2023)
- • iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)
- • All newer models
✗ Uses JPEG:
- • iPhone 6s and older models
- • Devices that cannot update to iOS 11+
- • iPhones with HEIC manually turned off
💡 Note: Even if your iPhone supports HEIC, you can switch back to JPEG anytime in Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.
Benefits of HEIC for iPhone Users
50% Smaller Files
A typical 12MP photo that would be 3.5 MB as JPEG is only 1.7 MB as HEIC. This means you can store twice as many photos on your iPhone.
Example: 64GB iPhone can store ~36,500 HEIC photos vs only ~18,000 JPEGs
Better Quality
HEIC supports 16-bit color (vs JPEG's 8-bit), meaning more accurate colors, better HDR support, and improved detail in shadows and highlights.
Result: Smaller files with better quality—the best of both worlds
Faster iCloud Sync
Smaller files upload and download faster from iCloud Photos. This saves time and reduces cellular data usage when accessing photos on the go.
Bonus: You may need a lower iCloud storage tier, saving money
Advanced Features
HEIC can store multiple images in one file (for Live Photos), transparency (like PNG), depth maps for Portrait mode, and editing history—all in one container.
Future-proof: Built for computational photography features
The HEIC Compatibility Problem
While HEIC is technically superior, it has one major drawback: not all devices and platforms support it yet.
✗ Where HEIC Doesn't Work:
- • Android phones (most models)
- • Windows PCs (without extensions)
- • Web browsers (all of them)
- • Email attachments (often)
- • Social media uploads (some sites)
- • Photo printing services (many)
- • Older computers (pre-2017)
✓ Where HEIC Works:
- • iPhone & iPad (iOS 11+)
- • Mac computers (macOS High Sierra+)
- • Google Photos (auto-converts)
- • iMessage & AirDrop
- • iCloud Photos
- • Apple Photos app
- • Windows 10/11 (with extensions)
Common User Complaints:
- • "My Windows PC says 'Can't open this file'"
- • "Photos I sent to my Android friend won't open"
- • "Website won't let me upload HEIC photos"
- • "Email recipient can't view my attachments"
Solutions for HEIC Files
Keep HEIC, Convert When Needed
Recommended for most users. Keep using HEIC to save storage space, but convert individual photos to JPG when sharing with non-Apple users or uploading to websites.
Convert HEIC to JPG →Enable Automatic Conversion
Best of both worlds. Your iPhone stores photos as HEIC (saving space), but automatically converts to JPG when transferring to non-Apple devices.
How to enable:
- 1. Open Settings → Photos
- 2. Scroll to "Transfer to Mac or PC"
- 3. Select "Automatic" (not "Keep Originals")
Switch to JPEG Permanently
For maximum compatibility. If you frequently share photos with Android users or need files that work everywhere, switch your iPhone camera to JPEG.
Learn How to Turn Off HEIC →⚠️ Trade-off: Your photos will be 2x larger and you'll store half as many on your device.
HEIC vs JPEG: Real-World Impact
| Scenario | With HEIC | With JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Photos on 64GB iPhone | ~36,500 photos ✓ | ~18,000 photos |
| iCloud 50GB Plan | ~28,000 photos ✓ | ~14,000 photos |
| Upload 100 photos (LTE) | 170 MB data ✓ | 350 MB data |
| Share with Android friend | May not open | Always works ✓ |
| Upload to website | Often rejected | Always accepted ✓ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent my iPhone from taking HEIC photos?
Yes! Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency." Your iPhone will then save all new photos as JPEG. This setting doesn't affect existing photos.
Will my HEIC photos be deleted if I switch to JPEG?
No! Changing the camera format only affects new photos going forward. All existing HEIC photos remain on your device unchanged. You can convert them individually when needed.
Does iMessage automatically convert HEIC to JPG?
When sending photos via iMessage to other iPhone users, HEIC photos stay as HEIC. However, when sending to non-Apple devices (green bubble conversations), iOS may automatically convert to JPG for compatibility.
Is HEIC better quality than JPEG?
Yes, HEIC provides better quality at smaller file sizes. It supports 16-bit color depth (vs JPEG's 8-bit), better compression algorithms, and can preserve more detail in highlights and shadows. The quality difference is most noticeable in HDR photos and high-contrast scenes.
Why do some of my photos still save as JPG on iPhone?
Some iPhone camera modes and third-party apps may still use JPG. Screenshots are always PNG, and some apps that don't support HEIC will default to JPG. Check Settings → Camera → Formats to ensure "High Efficiency" is selected for camera photos.
Need to Convert HEIC Photos?
Use our free converter to instantly change HEIC files to JPG format for universal compatibility.