HEIC vs JPG: what's the difference?
HEIC saves space on your iPhone but doesn't open everywhere; JPG is universal but larger. Here's how they compare and when to convert.
At a glance
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | ~50% smaller | Larger |
| Quality per byte | Higher | Good |
| Compatibility | Apple + newer apps | Universal |
| Transparency | No | No |
| Best for | Storage on iPhone | Sharing anywhere |
Keep HEIC on your device, convert to share
HEIC is great for saving space in your camera roll, but the moment you send a photo to a Windows PC, a web form or an older app, JPG avoids the 'won't open' problem. Convert a copy to JPG when you share, and keep the HEIC original for storage.
Tools used in this guide
Related guides
HEIC vs JPG: what's the difference? — FAQ
HEIC stores similar quality at about half the size, which is why iPhones use it. JPG wins on compatibility — it opens everywhere.