Why Are My Photos HEIC?
Understanding why your iPhone uses HEIC format and what it means for your photos
Your photos are in HEIC format because Apple made it the default for iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later (released in 2017). HEIC files are 50% smaller than JPEG while maintaining better quality, helping you save storage space on your device and iCloud without sacrificing photo quality.
The Simple Explanation
If you own an iPhone 7 or newer, or an iPad running iOS 11+, your device automatically saves photos in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format instead of the traditional JPEG. This wasn't a bug or mistake—it's an intentional upgrade by Apple to help you:
- •Save storage space - HEIC files are about half the size of JPEGs
- •Keep better quality - Superior compression means clearer, more detailed photos
- •Store more photos - Double your photo capacity without buying more storage
When Did HEIC Become Default?
September 2017: iOS 11 Release
Apple introduced HEIC as the default camera format with iOS 11, released alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Any iPhone from iPhone 7 and newer running iOS 11+ uses HEIC by default.
Devices That Use HEIC:
iPhones
- • iPhone 7 and newer
- • iPhone SE (2nd gen and newer)
- • All models with iOS 11+
iPads
- • iPad (5th generation and newer)
- • iPad Pro (all models)
- • iPad Air (3rd gen and newer)
Why Apple Switched to HEIC
Storage Crisis
With smartphone cameras hitting 12MP+ resolution, photo files were consuming massive amounts of storage. HEIC solved this by cutting file sizes in half.
Better Quality
JPEG technology is from 1992. HEIC uses modern compression (HEVC/H.265) that preserves more detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range.
Future Features
HEIC supports Live Photos, depth maps, HDR, and transparency—features JPEG simply can't handle. It's built for modern photography.
HEIC vs JPEG: Real Numbers
Example: 12MP iPhone Photo
What This Means:
- ✓2x more photos fit in the same storage space
- ✓Faster uploads to iCloud and other services
- ✓Less cellular data used when sharing photos
- ✓Better quality at smaller size
The Downside: Compatibility
While HEIC is technically superior, it has one major drawback: not all devices and platforms support it.
✓ HEIC Works On:
- • iPhone and iPad (iOS 11+)
- • Mac computers (macOS High Sierra+)
- • Windows 10/11 (with extensions)
- • Google Photos
- • Modern photo editing apps
✗ HEIC Doesn't Work On:
- • Older Windows versions
- • Most Android devices
- • Web browsers
- • Email attachments (often)
- • Social media uploads (sometimes)
- • Older photo printers
Common HEIC Problems:
- • "Can't open this file" errors on Windows PCs
- • Photos won't display when emailed to Android users
- • Upload failures on some websites
- • Printing issues at photo labs
What You Can Do About HEIC
Keep Using HEIC (Recommended)
If you mostly share photos with other Apple users or use cloud services like Google Photos that support HEIC, keep it enabled. Convert individual photos only when needed.
Convert HEIC to JPG →Turn Off HEIC
If you frequently share photos with non-Apple users or need maximum compatibility, you can switch your iPhone back to JPEG format.
Learn How to Turn Off HEIC →Automatic Conversion When Sharing
Your iPhone can automatically convert HEIC to JPEG when transferring photos. Go to Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC and select "Automatic". This gives you the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did I do something wrong to make my photos HEIC?
No! This is completely normal and intentional. Apple automatically enabled HEIC for all iPhones running iOS 11 or later to save you storage space. It's a feature, not a problem.
Will converting HEIC to JPEG reduce quality?
Modern converters maintain 95%+ quality during conversion. The difference is imperceptible to the human eye for most photos. The benefit of universal compatibility usually outweighs any minimal quality loss.
Can I convert my existing HEIC photos to JPEG?
Yes! You can convert individual photos or batch convert multiple files using online converters like HEIC.fast. The conversion is instant and free.
Should I turn off HEIC on my iPhone?
Only if you frequently share photos with non-Apple users and experience compatibility issues. Otherwise, keeping HEIC enabled is recommended because it saves significant storage space while maintaining better quality.
Why can't my friends open photos I send them?
If your friends have Android phones or older computers, they may not support HEIC files. Enable automatic conversion in Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → Automatic, or convert files before sharing.
Need to Convert HEIC Photos?
Use our free online converter to instantly transform HEIC files to JPEG format for universal compatibility.