HEIC vs JPG: Apple's Photo Format Explained

HEIC vs JPG

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's modern alternative to JPG. It uses advanced HEVC video compression technology to store photos in half the size of a JPG.

HEIC	JPG
Advantages • 50% smaller files than JPG • Supports 16-bit color (better HDR) • Can store multiple images (Live Photos) Disadvantages • Poor compatibility outside Apple ecosystem • Requires conversion for most websites	Advantages • Universal compatibility • Standard 8-bit color is widely supported • No conversion needed for sharing Disadvantages • Twice the file size of HEIC • Limited to 8-bit color depth

HEIC

JPG

Advantages

• 50% smaller files than JPG
• Supports 16-bit color (better HDR)
• Can store multiple images (Live Photos)

Disadvantages

• Poor compatibility outside Apple ecosystem
• Requires conversion for most websites

Advantages

• Universal compatibility
• Standard 8-bit color is widely supported
• No conversion needed for sharing

Disadvantages

• Twice the file size of HEIC
• Limited to 8-bit color depth

The Verdict

HEIC (For Storage), JPG (For Sharing)

When to use HEIC

Keep images in HEIC format to save massive amounts of storage space on your iPhone and iCloud.

When to use JPG

Convert to JPG right before you share photos with Windows/Android users or upload them to a website.

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PNG vs AVIF

Compare the legacy PNG format with the next-generation AVIF format.

TIFF vs PNG

Compare two of the most popular lossless formats.

JPG vs TIFF

Understand the difference between compressed JPG and lossless TIFF.

Ready to process your images?

Use our free, private, in-browser tool to convert or optimize your images instantly.

Go to HEIC to JPG Converter