Why Are My Photos HEIC Instead of JPG? (And How to Fix It)
Apple Changed the Default
Starting with iOS 11 (2017), Apple switched the default photo format from JPG to HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container). The reason: HEIC files are about 50% smaller than equivalent JPGs while maintaining the same visual quality. For a phone with hundreds or thousands of photos, this means significant storage savings. Apple didn't make a big announcement — they just flipped the switch.
What Exactly is HEIC?
HEIC is a container format that typically uses HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) compression, based on the same H.265/HEVC codec used for video. It supports features JPG can't: 16-bit color depth, transparency, image sequences (live photos), and depth maps. The downside? Compatibility. Older Windows versions, many websites, and most non-Apple software can't open HEIC files natively.
Why Can't I Open Them on Windows?
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files — but only if you install the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (free) and the HEVC Video Extensions (formerly $0.99). Without these, you get an error or a blank thumbnail. This extra step trips up millions of people who transfer iPhone photos to their PC.
How to Switch Your iPhone to JPG
Go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. This switches your iPhone to capturing in JPG and H.264 instead of HEIC and HEVC. The trade-off is larger file sizes — roughly double — but universal compatibility. Your existing HEIC photos won't be affected; only new photos use the new format.
How to Convert Existing HEIC Photos
If you have hundreds or thousands of HEIC photos, switching the camera format doesn't help with existing files. You can batch convert them: upload to CocoConvert, select HEIC to JPG, and convert all at once. The quality difference is negligible. You can also use the built-in macOS Preview app (select all, Export, choose JPG) or the Windows Photos app with the HEIF extension.
Should You Even Bother Converting?
If you stay in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, iPad), HEIC works seamlessly. If you share photos with Windows or Android users, upload to websites, or use non-Apple software, converting to JPG eliminates compatibility headaches. Many people keep originals in HEIC and convert only when they need to share or upload.