Can HEIC Really Dethrone JPEG, or Is It Just Hype? HEIC is short for High Efficiency Image Container format, while JPEG is short for Join Photographic Experts Group. JPEG or also commonly known as JPG is the most common image format we see around.

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People are so used to the JPEG format, it gets harder to adapt to something new and more efficient. They’re looking for solutions on how to convert HEIC to JPG on Mac, Windows, on their phones, or online in general. But does it mean HEIC doesn’t have a chance with JPEG/JPG? Is it possible to even be bigger than this particular format, that easily passed the test of time?

Let’s see what we know about HEIC for now.

Advantages of HEIC

HEIC is a relatively new image format, but some benefits are already known about it. From higher quality to smaller size, here’s what’s important about this format:

  • Smaller File Size – File size is important, especially if we use the images to upload online on websites. A smaller size while the quality is uncompromised is the ideal case scenario, and HEIC indeed saves storage space online on device’s memory;
  • Higher Quality Images – HEIC comes with a rich color benefit. The colors and images are more accurate, which combined with smaller size, it’s indeed a win;
  • Advanced Features – HEIC may store more images in a single file, which is great for bursts or precise details while capturing. On the other hand, it also supports transparency, so we can easily edit the image or use parts of it;

Disadvantages of HEIC

While there aren’t many negative sides, only one can be a dealbreaker. What could it be? Surely, we’re talking about compatibility. 

While JPG/JPEG is already known worldwide, and most devices and software solutions recognize it, that’s not the case with HEIC. Some devices just can’t read that file, and the person can’t experience any of the mentioned benefits. 

On the other hand, device and software manufacturers are trying to incorporate this image format and embrace the positive sides it brings. Which leads us to the question:

Can HEIC Dethrone JPEG?

While HEIC has a huge potential, JPG/JPEG is still on the throne – and it seems it will be for quite some time. People in general are so used to JPG/JPEG as a format, and their devices can easily read and load it. 

However, we can see how many are already used to HEIC. Manufacturers create and develop devices that work well, embracing this format in order to deliver quality images that don’t take up a lot of space. While dethroning won’t happen soon, there is some chance that HEIC will become the main image format we’re so used to. 

Apple Mac Studio

HEIC is a great choice for those who want quality images, but also to save storage space. If the device doesn’t load the image, a converter can be used – but still, with compromised quality. JPG/JPEG is still a safer bet, because every device loads it. 

We can’t say one is better than another because there are many factors contributing to that. But what we can say is that “better” surely depends on the device, image potential, and specific needs a person may have using the specific image.

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