How to Switch From HEIC to JPG on iPhone

Switch From HEIC to JPG

Step 1: Go to iPhone Settings > Camera.

Step 2: Now, tap Formats. Here, choose Most Compatible under Camera Capture.

Note: In addition to capturing photos in JPG format, your iPhone will now save videos in MOV format using H.264 encoding instead of H.265. You can revert to the older setting anytime using the Settings app.

Also Read: How to convert HEIC to JPG on Windows 10

Pros of Switching From HEIC to JPG

1. Better compatibility: JPG files are not only simpler to share but also more compatible across various devices, making them a more user-friendly option compared to HEIC for the average consumer. Also, JPG, being a much older format compared to HEIC, is compatible with older devices.
2. Better editing options: Most editing programs naturally support JPG files, unlike HEIC. This provides a significant advantage for photographers and those who want to use their work professionally.
3. MOV videos don’t work seamlessly on non-Apple devices: While the MOV video type is versatile, its close ties to Apple may hinder its compatibility with non-Apple devices or platforms.

Also Read: Fixes for iPhone photos taking up space even after deleting them

Cons of Switching From HEIC to JPG

1. Fills up local and iCloud storage faster: Shooting in JPG and H.264 formats can quickly fill up iPhone storage, especially if space is limited. Using these formats on an iPhone can also fill up iCloud storage if you regularly back up to it. Since free iCloud storage is limited to 5GB, managing storage can become tricky, and you may eventually need to shell out money.
2. Inferior to HEIC in quality: Switching from HEIC to JPG can reduce a photo’s dynamic range, potentially making it look worse. This means that if you plan to edit your photos on a screen with a wider color gamut, switching from HEIC to JPG may result in missing out on those details.
3. Older photos stay the same: Switching from HEIC to JPG will not convert your existing library of photos on your iPhone. Only photos that you shoot after the switchover will be affected. The same goes for videos.

To convert, transfer them to a PC or Mac with the Automatic transfer setting enabled (iPhone Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic).

FAQs

What Happens When You Email HEIC Files?

When you email HEIC files, they are automatically converted to JPG to ensure compatibility with the recipient’s device.

When Was HEIC Support Introduced by Apple?

Apple initially introduced HEIC support in 2017, alongside iOS 11.

Are HEIC Files Superior to Raw?

No, for optimal preservation of image data, RAW remains the preferred option for most users.