What is a HEIC File?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image format introduced by Apple in iOS 11. It uses advanced compression technology rooted in the HEVC video standard to store high-quality images at roughly half the file size of an equivalent JPEG. Learn more about HEIF on Wikipedia →
While HEIC is technically superior—offering better color depth (16-bit vs 8-bit) and transparency support—it suffers from a major drawback: compatibility. Windows, Android, and many older web browsers do not support it natively. This makes sharing iPhone photos with PC users or uploading them to websites a frustrating experience. See Apple's media framework documentation →
That's why tools like HEIC Killer exist: to bridge the gap between Apple's efficient format and the universal compatibility of JPG.