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What is HEIC? Everything You Need to Know in 2026

February 19, 20265 min read

What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It's a file format that Apple adopted as the default image format for iPhones and iPads starting with iOS 11 in 2017. HEIC uses the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) compression standard, also known as H.265, to store images.

Why Does Apple Use HEIC?

The main reason Apple chose HEIC is file size. HEIC images are roughly 50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files while maintaining the same visual quality. When you're taking hundreds of photos on your iPhone, this space savings adds up significantly.

Beyond file size, HEIC offers several technical advantages:

Better compression: Advanced algorithms produce smaller files without visible quality loss

Transparency support: Unlike JPEG, HEIC supports transparent backgrounds

16-bit color depth: Captures more color information than standard 8-bit JPEGs

Multiple images: A single HEIC file can store multiple images (like burst photos or live photos)

Non-destructive edits: Stores editing instructions separately from the original image data

The Compatibility Problem

Despite its technical superiority, HEIC has one major drawback: compatibility. Many devices, apps, and websites still don't support HEIC natively:

Windows: Requires installing a codec from the Microsoft Store

Android: Limited support depending on manufacturer and OS version

Web browsers: Only Safari on macOS supports HEIC display

Social media: Most platforms auto-convert, but some may reject HEIC uploads

Email: Many email clients can't preview HEIC attachments

Older software: Photo editing tools may not recognize the format

How to Convert HEIC to Other Formats

The easiest way to convert HEIC files is using an online converter like PhotoFormatLab. Our converter processes files entirely in your browser — no uploads needed, completely private.

Converting to JPG

JPG is the universal choice. Every device, browser, and application supports it. Choose JPG when you need maximum compatibility for sharing photos via email, social media, or messaging apps.

Converting to PNG

Choose PNG when you need lossless quality or transparency support. PNG files are larger than JPG but preserve every pixel exactly as-is, making them ideal for screenshots, graphics, or archival purposes.

Converting to WebP

WebP is the best choice for web usage. It offers smaller file sizes than both JPG and PNG while maintaining excellent quality. Most modern browsers support WebP, making it the optimal format for website images.

How to Stop Your iPhone from Taking HEIC Photos

If you'd rather avoid HEIC entirely, you can change your iPhone's camera settings:

Open Settings

Scroll down to Camera

Tap Formats

Select Most Compatible (this saves photos as JPEG)

Note that this will increase the storage space used by your photos, since JPEG files are larger than HEIC.

The Bottom Line

HEIC is a technically superior format that saves significant storage space on your Apple devices. However, its limited compatibility means you'll often need to convert HEIC files to more universal formats like JPG, PNG, or WebP when sharing images outside the Apple ecosystem.

Try These Conversions

HEIC → JPG HEIC → PNG HEIC → WEBP

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