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Date published: September 3, 2025
Last update: August 28, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka
Category: Image Formats Explained
Tags: Convert HEIC to JPG, HEIC, HEIC vs JPG, image converter, iPhone photo format, JPG, photo compatibility
HEIC vs JPG explained: Why iPhones save photos in HEIC, what makes it better than JPG, and how you can quickly convert HEIC to JPG online for free.
When transferring photos from an iPhone to a computer, many users are surprised to see the unfamiliar .HEIC file extension instead of the classic .JPG. For years, JPG (or JPEG) has been the standard for digital images, used everywhere from websites and social media to professional photography. Apple’s decision to switch to HEIC as the default iPhone photo format has sparked questions: What exactly is HEIC? Why is Apple pushing this new format? And most importantly, how can you convert HEIC to JPG when compatibility issues arise?
This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand guide to HEIC vs JPG. We’ll explore the history, advantages, and disadvantages of each format, explain why iPhones use HEIC, and walk you through the best methods to convert HEIC images into JPGs without losing quality. Whether you’re a casual iPhone user, a web designer, or a photographer, understanding this topic will save you time, frustration, and storage space.
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is part of the broader HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard, created by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). Introduced by Apple with the release of iOS 11 in 2017, HEIC became the default format for iPhone photos. Its primary benefit is efficiency: HEIC files can be 40–50% smaller than JPG files while maintaining equal or superior visual quality. This means users can store twice as many photos on their devices without sacrificing clarity.
HEIC also supports advanced features that JPG cannot handle, such as:
JPG (JPEG) has been the world’s most popular image format since the 1990s. Short for Joint Photographic Experts Group, JPG uses lossy compression to shrink file size, which makes it perfect for web use and photo sharing. Virtually every device, application, and operating system supports JPG—making it the universal standard for images.
Despite being decades old, JPG still dominates because of its compatibility. Any website, email client, or graphic editor can open JPGs without additional software. This is where HEIC struggles—while modern Apple devices and some updated Windows and Android systems support HEIC, many older applications and online platforms do not.
Apple made the decision to adopt HEIC for several reasons:
In short, Apple chose HEIC because it’s smaller, smarter, and more advanced than JPG. But the drawback is clear: compatibility issues. Many websites, apps, and even Windows PCs can’t open HEIC files without special software. That’s why tools to convert HEIC to JPG—like PixConverter.io—are essential for everyday users.
Now that you know the basics of HEIC and JPG, let’s dive deeper into the advantages of HEIC compared to JPG, and why it may or may not be the best format for your needs.
Now that you know the basics of both formats, let’s explore the real strengths of HEIC compared to JPG. Apple didn’t switch to HEIC randomly—there are solid technical reasons why the iPhone camera saves photos in this new format. From smaller file sizes to better image quality, HEIC provides features that JPG simply cannot match.
The most obvious advantage of HEIC is storage efficiency. A typical HEIC photo is 40–50% smaller than the same image saved as a JPG. For example:
For iPhone users, this is a game-changer. If your device has 64 GB of storage, choosing HEIC over JPG could mean storing tens of thousands more photos. This efficiency also extends to iCloud, where storage is often limited and expensive. By using HEIC, Apple helps users save money on extra storage while keeping their entire photo library accessible.
Many people assume that a smaller file size means lower quality. But with HEIC, this isn’t the case. Thanks to modern compression algorithms, HEIC files are not only smaller—they also preserve more detail, sharpness, and color depth compared to JPG at the same file size.
Where JPG relies on older compression techniques from the 1990s, HEIC uses technology derived from HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), the same format used for 4K video. This allows HEIC images to store:
HEIC is more than just an image format—it’s a container format, which means it can hold extra information that JPG cannot. For example:
Another overlooked advantage of HEIC is energy efficiency. Smaller photos mean faster transfers, quicker uploads, and reduced power usage on mobile networks. For iPhone users, this translates into:
Finally, Apple sees HEIC as the future of digital imaging. Just as MP3 gave way to AAC in audio, JPG will eventually be replaced by a more modern standard. By switching early, Apple ensured that iPhone users would benefit from these advancements long before competitors.
In summary, HEIC offers smaller files, richer colors, advanced features, and better performance. For iPhone users, these advantages are hard to ignore. However, the story isn’t all positive—because despite its benefits, HEIC comes with significant compatibility problems when used outside the Apple ecosystem. And that’s where JPG still reigns supreme.
In the next section, we’ll look at the drawbacks of HEIC vs JPG and explain why many users still prefer converting their photos to JPG for everyday use.
While HEIC brings undeniable improvements in storage efficiency and image quality, it is far from perfect. In fact, the very reasons why Apple adopted HEIC—advanced features and modern compression—are also what make it a challenge for many users. To understand why JPG remains the go-to format despite its age, let’s break down the key disadvantages of HEIC.
The most significant drawback of HEIC is compatibility. JPG has been the standard for more than 25 years, which means it’s universally supported by:
HEIC, on the other hand, is only natively supported by iOS 11+, macOS High Sierra+, and the latest versions of Windows 10/11. Older devices and apps cannot open HEIC files without installing additional software or codecs. For users who want to quickly share images across different platforms, this becomes a major headache.
Another common frustration is trying to upload HEIC files online. Many websites—including content management systems, blogs, and even some social networks—still don’t accept HEIC uploads. Instead, they expect JPG or PNG. As a result, users often find themselves forced to convert HEIC to JPG before posting or sharing.
For example:
Even when software supports HEIC, editing tools are sometimes restricted. For example, some online editors can open HEIC files but strip out advanced features like depth maps or transparency layers. Others may automatically convert HEIC to JPG in the background, which can lead to quality loss without the user realizing it.
Another issue is the user experience. People outside the Apple ecosystem often don’t know what HEIC is, which makes sharing more complicated. For example, a Windows user receiving HEIC files from an iPhone may not even have the right software to open them. In contrast, JPG is universally understood and requires no explanation.
When it comes to archiving and long-term storage, stability and universality are crucial. JPG has been around for decades, and it’s safe to assume it will remain supported for the foreseeable future. HEIC, while promising, is still relatively new. Some users worry that in 10–20 years, accessing HEIC files might require specialized software, while JPG will remain as accessible as ever.
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | 40–50% smaller | Larger |
| Image Quality | Better color depth, less compression | Good but limited to 8-bit color |
| Compatibility | Limited (Apple + modern Windows) | Universal (all devices & apps) |
| Transparency Support | Yes | No |
| Multi-Image Support | Yes (Live Photos, bursts) | No |
| Future-Proof | High, but uncertain adoption | Stable, guaranteed long-term support |
Despite its technical limitations, JPG remains the most practical choice for compatibility and sharing. It works everywhere, requires no extra setup, and is universally accepted across the web. For businesses, websites, and everyday users, JPG ensures a smooth workflow without the need for special converters or codecs.
In fact, most iPhone users eventually end up converting HEIC to JPG at some point—whether for uploading, emailing, or printing. That’s why services like PixConverter.io exist: to bridge the gap between Apple’s cutting-edge format and the real-world need for compatibility.
In the next section, we’ll explore the best ways to convert HEIC to JPG, including free online tools, built-in iPhone settings, and third-party software solutions.
Because of the compatibility issues with HEIC, many iPhone users find themselves needing to convert HEIC files to JPG. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this, ranging from built-in iOS settings to online tools like PixConverter.io. In this section, we’ll break down all the practical methods so you can choose the one that works best for you.
If you don’t want to deal with HEIC at all, you can make your iPhone save photos as JPG directly:
From now on, your iPhone will save photos in the JPG format. However, keep in mind that file sizes will be larger, which means your device and iCloud storage will fill up faster.
When you share HEIC photos from your iPhone, iOS automatically converts them to JPG in many cases. For example:
This is convenient but not reliable, since you don’t have control over the compression level or image quality.
Mac users can convert HEIC images easily using the built-in Preview app:
This is quick for a few photos, but not ideal if you want to convert large batches of HEIC files.
On Windows 10 and 11, HEIC support is limited by default. You may need to install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you can view HEIC files in the Photos app and convert them:
However, just like on Mac, this method is slow if you need to convert hundreds of photos at once.
If you need a fast, free, and unlimited way to convert HEIC to JPG, online tools are the most efficient option. That’s exactly where PixConverter.io shines.
Why choose PixConverter.io?
Simply visit PixConverter.io, upload your HEIC photos, select JPG as the target format, and download the results instantly. It’s the easiest way to make your iPhone photos universally compatible.
If you prefer offline solutions, there are also apps like iMazing, CopyTrans HEIC, or professional converters. These tools often provide advanced options like batch processing, EXIF preservation, or integration with Windows Explorer. However, most of them are paid, while online converters like PixConverter.io remain free and accessible.
Each method has its pros and cons:
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your workflow. But for most users who simply want to share or upload their iPhone photos without hassle, converting HEIC to JPG online is the fastest and most convenient solution.
HEIC is a modern image format introduced by Apple that offers smaller file sizes and better color depth compared to JPG. JPG is older but universally supported across all devices and platforms. HEIC saves storage space, while JPG guarantees compatibility.
Apple switched to HEIC in 2017 with iOS 11 to make photos more storage-efficient and future-proof. HEIC allows users to save twice as many photos with the same storage space and supports advanced features like Live Photos, burst mode, and transparency.
Yes. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select Most Compatible. Your iPhone will then save photos in JPG format, though they will take up more space.
On a Mac, open the HEIC file in Preview and use File → Export → JPG. On Windows, install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, then open the file in Photos and Save As JPG. For bulk conversion, an online tool like PixConverter.io is much faster.
The fastest and simplest method is using PixConverter.io. It works directly in your browser, supports batch conversions, and doesn’t limit the number of files. Just upload, convert, and download your JPGs instantly.
When converting, there may be a small quality reduction because JPG uses lossy compression. However, with proper tools, the difference is usually invisible to the human eye, and the benefit of universal compatibility outweighs the minimal quality loss.
