What a HEIC photo is
iPhones save photos as HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) by default. The files are smaller than JPG at the same quality, but many programs, older Windows computers and upload forms cannot open them.
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | iPhones and iPads by default | Almost every camera |
| Opens in | Apple devices and some apps | Everywhere |
| Upload forms | Often refused | Accepted |
Make the iPhone save JPG
In Settings, under Camera > Formats, choose “Most Compatible”. New photos are then saved as JPG. Photos taken before stay HEIC; convert them here.
Camera data stays behind
The new files are written from the picture alone, so they carry no camera data: no camera model, no date and no location. That is safer when you post a photo online. If you need that data, keep the original as well.
When the photo itself is the problem
Converting changes the file, not the photo: it cannot fix a blurry, dark or badly framed picture. If the photo is for a CV, a profile or an application and you have no good one, a professional headshot made from a few selfies gives you one.