What is a HEIC File? The iPhone Image Format Explained
What is a HEIC File? The iPhone Image Format Explained
If you're an iPhone user, you've probably noticed that your photos aren't saved as .jpg anymore. Instead, they carry a strange extension: .HEIC.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what HEIC is, why Apple switched to it, and how you can work with it on other devices.
What Does HEIC Stand For?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is the file extension used for the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) standard.
Apple adopted this format starting with iOS 11 in 2017 to replace the aging JPEG standard.
Why Did Apple Switch to HEIC?
The primary reason is efficiency.
1. Smaller File Sizes
HEIC images use modern compression technology to be approx. 50% smaller than JPEG images of the same quality. This means you can store twice as many photos on your iPhone without paying for extra iCloud storage.
2. Higher Quality
HEIC supports 16-bit color (compared to JPEG's 8-bit), which means your photos can capture a much wider range of colors and shadows. It's essentially "HDR-ready" out of the box.
3. Advanced Features
Features like "Live Photos" (which are mini-videos) and "Portrait Mode" (depth maps) are much easier to package inside a HEIC container than a standard JPEG.
The Problem: Compatibility
The only downside to HEIC is that it's not universally supported.
- Windows: Requires a paid extension to view natively (usually).
- Android: Supported on modern versions (Android 10+), but older phones struggle.
- Web Browsers: Most browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) cannot display HEIC files directly.
This is why sharing an HEIC file can often lead to the recipient saying, "I can't open this."
How to Convert HEIC to JPG
If you need to share a photo with a non-Apple user or upload it to a website, converting it to JPG is usually the safest bet.
You can use our free online tool to do this instantly in your browser:
Conclusion
HEIC is a superior technical format that solves the storage problem for mobile devices. While compatibility is still catching up, it is undoubtedly the future of mobile photography.