DB LabsUpdated March 8, 2026
By Jack Smith, iOS Developer at DB Labs
How to Change Photo Format on iPhone (HEIC to JPEG)
iPhone defaults to HEIC for photos. If you need JPEG compatibility — for websites, Windows, or older software — here is how to switch in two minutes.
Steps to Change iPhone Photo Format
Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone home screen.
Scroll down and tap Camera
Scroll down past the system settings to find Camera and tap it.
Tap Formats
Tap Formats at the top of the Camera settings. You will see the Camera Capture section with two options.
Tap Most Compatible
Tap Most Compatible. A checkmark will appear next to it. From now on, all photos will be saved as JPEG.
Verify the change
Open the Camera app, take a test photo. Go to Photos, tap the photo, swipe up, and check the file info. It should show JPEG or JPG.
Available iPhone Photo Formats
- HEIC (High Efficiency): Apple's default. About 50% smaller than JPEG at the same quality. Supported on iOS, macOS, and modern Windows 10/11 with codec installed.
- JPEG (Most Compatible): Universal format supported everywhere. Larger file size. No HDR data preserved.
- Apple ProRAW: Available on iPhone 12 Pro and later. Maximum quality with full RAW editing flexibility. Very large files (20-80 MB each). Enable separately in Settings > Camera > Formats.
Should You Switch to JPEG?
Switch to JPEG if you:
- Frequently share photos with Windows users or non-Apple devices
- Upload photos to websites or services that do not support HEIC
- Use photo editing software that does not handle HEIC natively
Stay with HEIC if you:
- Mostly view photos on Apple devices
- Want to save storage space
- Shoot a lot of photos and storage efficiency matters
Free Up Storage After Switching
After switching to JPEG, your new photos will be larger. Use Swype to quickly clean out old HEIC photos you no longer need to keep your storage in balance.
Download Swype FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What formats can iPhone shoot in?
iPhone can shoot in HEIC (High Efficiency, default) or JPEG (Most Compatible). On iPhone 12 Pro and later, Apple ProRAW is also available when enabled in Settings. For video: HEVC (High Efficiency) or H.264 (Most Compatible), plus ProRes on iPhone 13 Pro and later.
Does changing format affect existing photos?
No. The format setting only applies to new photos taken after the change. All existing HEIC photos in your library stay as HEIC. To convert existing photos, use the iOS share sheet (automatic conversion on share) or see our guide on converting HEIC to JPEG on iPhone.
Should I shoot HEIC or JPEG?
HEIC is better if you want smaller file sizes and primarily use Apple devices. JPEG is better if you share frequently with non-Apple users, post to websites, or use software without HEIC support. Both formats look nearly identical in everyday viewing — the main trade-off is file size vs. compatibility.