What is HEIC Format and Why Does Apple Use It?

If you’ve used an iPhone or iPad in recent years, you’ve likely encountered the HEIC image format. But what exactly is this format, why did Apple adopt it, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about HEIC files.

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a file format based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard. It was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and became part of the HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) ecosystem. Apple adopted HEIC as the default image format for iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra in 2017, replacing the long-standing JPEG format.

Why Apple Switched to HEIC

Apple’s decision to adopt HEIC wasn’t arbitrary—it was driven by several significant advantages:

1. Superior Compression

The most compelling reason for the switch is file size. HEIC files are approximately half the size of equivalent quality JPEG files. This means:

• Photos take up less storage space on your device
• More photos can be stored in the same amount of space
• Faster sharing and uploading over networks
• Reduced iCloud storage usage

For a company selling devices with fixed storage capacities, helping users store twice as many photos in the same space is a major benefit.

2. Better Image Quality

Despite being smaller in size, HEIC images generally offer better image quality than equivalent JPEGs. The format supports:

• 16-bit color compared to JPEG’s 8-bit
• Better preservation of details in highlights and shadows
• Improved representation of smooth gradients with less banding
• Greater dynamic range capabilities

3. Transparency Support

Unlike JPEG, HEIC supports transparency (alpha channels), similar to PNG files. This makes it more versatile for graphics that need transparent backgrounds.

4. Multiple Image Storage

A single HEIC file can store multiple images, making it ideal for:

• Burst mode photos
• Live Photos (combining still images with video)
• Image sequences
• Different versions or edits of the same image

5. Advanced Metadata Capabilities

HEIC offers improved metadata support, allowing more information to be stored alongside the image, such as:

• Depth maps for portrait mode photos
• Detailed camera settings
• More comprehensive editing history
• Extended location data

Drawbacks and Limitations of HEIC

Despite its advantages, HEIC isn’t without challenges:

1. Compatibility Issues

The biggest drawback is limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem:

• Windows doesn’t natively support HEIC files (though extensions are available)
• Many older applications don’t recognize the format
• Some websites and social media platforms don’t accept HEIC uploads
• Certain email clients have trouble displaying HEIC attachments

2. Processing Power Requirements

Encoding and decoding HEIC files requires more processing power than JPEG, which can:

• Lead to slower processing times on older devices
• Consume more battery when working with many images
• Cause compatibility issues with older hardware

3. Licensing Concerns

Unlike JPEG, which is broadly license-free, HEIC involves patent licensing fees for developers implementing encoders and decoders. This has slowed adoption by third-party software and platforms.

4. Learning Curve

The format introduced friction for users who:

• Need to convert files for sharing with non-Apple users
• Work in mixed-device environments
• Use older software for photo editing

HEIC Compatibility Across Platforms

Here’s how HEIC support currently stands across major platforms:

Apple Devices

• iOS 11 and newer: Full native support
• macOS High Sierra and newer: Full native support
• iCloud: Full support for storage and sharing

Windows

• Windows 10/11: Partial support via downloadable HEIF Image Extensions
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Support in recent versions
• Microsoft Office: Limited support in newer versions

Android

• Android 9 Pie and newer: Basic support on many devices
• Samsung and Google phones: Better support than other Android devices
• Third-party apps: Many gallery and photo apps offer HEIC support

Online Services

• Google Photos: Supports HEIC uploads but converts to other formats
• Facebook/Instagram: Converts HEIC to JPEG during upload
• Dropbox: Supports storage but previews may require conversion
• Web browsers: Generally poor native support

How to Work With HEIC Files

If you’re dealing with HEIC files, here are several approaches:

Viewing HEIC Files

• On Apple devices: Native support in Photos, Preview, etc.
• On Windows: Install Microsoft’s HEIF Image Extensions
• On Android: Use Google Photos or another compatible gallery app
• On the web: Convert to JPEG first or use specialized viewers

Converting HEIC to Other Formats

• On iPhone/iPad: Choose “Most Compatible” in camera settings to shoot in JPEG instead of HEIC
• On Mac: Use Preview to export to JPEG, PNG, etc.
• On Windows: Use Photos app after installing HEIF extensions
• Online: Use web-based converters like CloudConvert or HEIC.Online

Editing HEIC Files

Most modern photo editing apps support HEIC, including:

• Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
• Affinity Photo
• Capture One
• Apple Photos and Preview
• Pixelmator Pro

Should You Use HEIC?

Whether HEIC is right for you depends on your specific needs:

HEIC is ideal if:

• You mainly use Apple devices
• Storage space is at a premium
• You value image quality and file size efficiency
• You primarily share photos within the Apple ecosystem

Consider other formats if:

• You frequently share images with non-Apple users
• You work with software that lacks HEIC support
• You need maximum compatibility across platforms
• You use older devices with limited processing power

The Future of HEIC

As device capabilities improve and software adoption increases, HEIC’s compatibility issues will likely diminish over time. However, competing formats like AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) are also emerging with similar benefits but more open licensing terms.

Apple remains committed to HEIC, continuing to refine its implementation across its ecosystem. Other tech companies have been slower to adopt it due to licensing costs, but support is gradually improving.

Conclusion

HEIC represents a significant advancement in image compression technology, offering substantial space savings without sacrificing quality. While compatibility remains its primary challenge, the format’s technical advantages make it a logical choice for Apple’s ecosystem.

For users, understanding HEIC and knowing how to convert between formats when necessary ensures you can enjoy the benefits of this advanced format while avoiding potential compatibility headaches. As with many technological advances, the transition period requires some adaptation, but the long-term benefits are substantial.