HEIC vs JPG vs PNG: Why iPhones Shoot in HEIC & How to Convert Apple Photos Safely
Transferring photos from an iPhone or iPad to a Windows PC, Android device, or web application often results in mystery .HEIC image files and .MOV video clips that refuse to open. Here is how Apple's High Efficiency Image Container compares to JPEG and PNG—and how to convert them without uploading personal camera rolls to the cloud.
Technical Comparison: HEIC vs JPEG vs PNG
| Specification | Apple HEIC (.heic) | JPEG (.jpg) | PNG (.png) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical 12MP iPhone Photo Size | 1.8 MB (High Efficiency) | 3.6 MB (2× Larger) | 14.5 MB (Lossless Uncompressed) |
| Color Depth & Dynamic Range | 10-bit / 16-bit Deep Color + HDR Gain Map | 8-bit sRGB / Display P3 | 8-bit / 16-bit Lossless RGBA |
| Multi-Frame & Depth Support | Yes (Live Photos, Portrait Depth Map) | Single Flat Frame | Single Flat Frame |
| Windows / Web Portal Compatibility | Poor (Often rejected by upload forms) | 100% Universal Everywhere | 100% Universal Everywhere |
Convert iPhone HEIC Photos & MOV Videos Locally in Your Browser
Your personal camera roll contains family photos, ID documents, and GPS coordinates (see our EXIF privacy audit). Use Vexelloom's client-side decoders to convert unlimited Apple files on your own device without uploading anything:
Frequently Asked Questions: HEIC vs JPG vs PNG
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