How to Convert HEIC to JPG When Transferring Photos from iPhone to Laptop

If you're an iPhone user, you've likely encountered the HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) image format. While HEIC offers excellent compression and image quality, it's not universally compatible with all devices and software. This can be a headache when transferring photos from your iPhone to your laptop, especially if you need JPGs for compatibility reasons.

Let's explore how to manage HEIC to JPG conversion during photo transfers from your iPhone to your computer.

Understanding HEIC and JPG

• HEIC: A modern image format offering better compression than JPG, resulting in smaller file sizes with comparable image quality. It's the default format for iPhones running iOS 11 and later.
• JPG: A widely supported image format known for its compatibility across various devices, operating systems, and software applications.

Native iPhone Settings for JPG Conversion

Before exploring third-party options, consider adjusting your iPhone's settings to capture photos in JPG format by default:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Camera.
3. Select Formats.
4. Choose Most Compatible. This will capture future photos in JPG format.

Note: Switching to "Most Compatible" will only affect new photos. Existing HEIC images will remain in that format. Also, using this setting will result in larger file sizes compared to HEIC.

The "Automatic" Transfer Setting: How It Works

You may have heard about the "Automatic" setting under Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC. In older iOS versions, "Automatic" would force a conversion from HEIC to JPG during transfer, regardless of the receiving device's compatibility. However, recent iOS updates have changed this behavior.

Now, when "Automatic" is enabled, your iPhone checks if the receiving system (your laptop) supports HEIC. If it does, the photos will be transferred in HEIC format; otherwise, they will be converted to JPG. Since most modern macOS versions support HEIC, your photos will likely transfer as HEIC files if you're using a Mac.

Solutions for Converting Existing HEIC Files

If you have a library of existing HEIC files, here are a few methods to convert them to JPG:

• TunesBro HEIC Converter: This third-party software (https://www.tunesbro.com/user-guide/heic-converter.html) is designed for bulk HEIC to JPG conversion on both Windows and Mac.
• iMazing Converter: Another third-party tool that offers a user-friendly interface for converting HEIC files to JPG, as suggested by a user on the Apple Support Communities.
• Manual Conversion on Mac: Preview allows you to open HEIC files and export them as JPGs. However, this is only practical for a small number of files.
• Cloud Services and Online Converters: Numerous online HEIC to JPG converters exist, but be cautious about uploading sensitive photos to unknown websites.

Why the Change in iOS Behavior?

The shift in how the "Automatic" transfer setting works aims to improve the user experience for those within the Apple ecosystem. By default, transferring HEIC files to compatible Macs avoids unnecessary conversion, preserves image quality, and prevents duplicate files.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Feedback to Apple: If you prefer the option to force HEIC to JPG conversion during transfer, consider submitting feedback to Apple through their feedback page.
• Compatibility: Before widespread HEIC support, converting to JPG was almost always necessary. Now, it's more about choosing the right balance between file size, image quality, and compatibility for your specific needs.

By understanding the nuances of HEIC and JPG formats, along with the various conversion methods available, you can efficiently manage your iPhone photos and ensure compatibility across all your devices.