Thanks to its ability to save plenty of storage space without compromising the image quality, HEIC (also known as HEIF) is the most efficient image format. As part of the smart storage management feature on your iPhone, HEIF has been the default image format since iOS 11. While no one can argue HEIF’s efficiency, it has a long way to go before it can surpass JPEG in terms of compatibility. There are still many platforms that do not support HEIF natively. That means you are forced to convert HEIF pictures into JPEG to make them work with any other software or hardware. So, if you want to use a widely compatible image format for a hassle-free experience, let me show you how to take JPEG pictures on an iPhone instead of HEIC.
Before going through the step-by-step process to take JPEG pictures on iPhone, make sure to check out the difference between HEIC and JPEG image formats, along with the downsides of choosing JPEG. Use the table below to jump directly to the guide.
- What Is HEIC and JPEG Image Format on iPhone?Shortcomings of JPEG Image Format to Keep in MindTake JPEG Pictures Instead of HEIC by Default on iPhone
What Is HEIC and JPEG Image Format on iPhone?
When Apple decided to adopt the HEIF file format (introduced in 2015 by Moving Picture Experts Group/ MPEG) with the release of iOS 11, the Cupertino giant coined the name HEIC. That’s how HEIC became the variant of HEIF on iPhones.
Introduced in 1992, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most commonly used format for lossy and compression for digital images. It’s able to achieve 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in the quality of images.
Despite being more efficient, HEIF is yet to be adopted by all major platforms. To prevent incompatibility from coming in the way, iOS 15 automatically converts pictures stored in the HEIC format into the older JPEG format. When you transfer images from your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC, make sure to change this setting. (Settings app -> Photos -> Transfer to Mac or PC -> Automatic). The built-in Mail app on iPhone also converts the HEIC pictures to JPEG before sending them to the recipient for enhanced compatibility.
Compatibility aside, not everything about the JPEG image format shines bright. One of the pain points of choosing JPEG is that you are forced to record video in H.264 format, which is below par, to say the least.
Take JPEG Pictures Instead of HEIC by Default on iPhone
Note that steps are the same for current-gen iOS 15 and previous-gen versions of Apple’s operating system, including iOS 14 and iOS 13. So, irrespective of which version of iOS you are using, learn how to take JPEG pictures instead of HEIC on iPhone right here:
Now, select the “Formats” option at the top.
Next, you will have two options to choose from:
Select Most Compatible under the “Formats” settings, and you are all set! Going forward, your iPhone will always click pictures in JPEG or H.264 (in case of video) format instead of HEIC (or HEVC). If you ever wish to revert your selection, repeat the same steps and choose “High Efficiency” as the format.
