HEIC (also known as HEIF) is the most efficient image format, thanks to its ability to save plenty of storage space without sacrificing image quality. As part of the smart storage management feature on your iPhone, HEIF has been the default image format since iOS 11. No one can argue with the efficiency of HEIF, but it still has a long way to go to beat JPEG in terms of compatibility. There are still many platforms that do not natively support HEIF. This means you have to convert HEIF images to JPEG to make it work with any other software or hardware. So, if you want to use a widely compatible image format for a smooth experience, let me show you how to take JPEG photos on iPhone instead of HEIC.
Save JPEG Photos Instead of HEIC on iPhone (2022)
Before going through the step-by-step process for taking JPEG photos on iPhone, be sure to check the difference between HEIC and JPEG image formats and the downsides of choosing JPEG. Use the table below to jump straight to the guide.
What is HEIC and JPEG Image Format on iPhone?
The Cupertino giant coined the name HEIC when Apple decided to adopt the HEIF file format (introduced by the Moving Picture Experts Group/MPEG in 2015) with the release of iOS 11. This is how HEIC became variant of HEIF on iPhones.
As the first major adopter of the file format, Apple introduced HEIC as a groundbreaking feature for iOS users. Equipped with advanced and modern compression methods, HEIC can save images in smaller file sizes while maintaining higher image quality. especially, HEIC images take up about half of an equivalent quality JPG file. This means you can store more images on your iPhone if you capture them in HEIC format.
Another thing that distinguishes HEIC from other formats is its ability to store images encoded with multiple encoding formats, for example both HDR and SDR photos.
Introduced in 1992, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most widely used format for lossy and compression for digital images. It can achieve 10:1 compression with little perceptible loss in image quality.
Although more efficient, HEIF has not yet been adopted by all major platforms. To avoid incompatibility, iOS 15 automatically converts images stored in HEIC format to legacy JPEG format. Make sure to change this setting when transferring images from your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC. (Settings app -> Photos -> Export to Mac or PC -> Auto). The built-in Mail app on iPhone also converts HEIC images to JPEG before sending them to the recipient for enhanced compatibility.
Shortcomings of JPEG Image Format to Keep in Mind
Compatibility aside, not everything is shiny about the JPEG image format. One of the pain points of choosing JPEG is, You are forced to record video in H.264 formatbelow par, to say the least.
Also, if you want to record 4K video at 60 frames per second (FPS) or shoot slow motion 1080p video at 240 FPS, you’ll need to switch to High Efficiency. It allows you to capture video in HEIC (High Efficiency Video Format) and HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265) format respectively.
In a nutshell, it all boils down to unmatched compatibility versus excellent efficiency. As for which one to choose, it totally depends on your specific needs. That’s why Apple provides a pretty simple way to switch between the two on iOS.
Take JPEG Pictures Instead of HEIC By Default On iPhone
Note that the steps are the same for current generation iOS 15 and previous generation versions of Apple’s operating system, including iOS 14 and iOS 13. So no matter what version of iOS you are using, learn how to take JPEG photos instead of HEIC. Right here on iPhone:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. After that scroll down and click “Camera“settings.
2. Now, “Formats” option at the top.
3. Next, you will have two options to choose from:
- High efficiency: It allows you to capture photos and videos in high-efficiency HEIF (image) and HEVC (video) format.
- Most Compatible: It allows iPhone users to capture photos in JPEG format and video in H.264 format, respectively.
4. Select Most Compatible Under “Formats” settings and you’re all set! Going forward, your iPhone will always click images in JPEG or H.264 (in case of video) format instead of HEIC (or HEVC). If you want to undo your selection, repeat the same steps and choose “High Efficiency” as the format.
Set JPEG as Default Image Format on Your iPhone
This wraps up our guide on how to set JPEG as the default format for clicking pictures on iPhone instead of HEIC. As I said above you should choose on a need basis especially when compatibility is on your mind. It would be better if there was a way to set JPEG and HEVC as default image and video formats respectively. The freedom to choose the preferred format without being forced to choose compatibility or efficiency would be a better way to go. Take note, Apple! What do you think of the easy option to switch between JPEG and HEIC formats? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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