What's the difference between JPG and JPEG?

JPG and JPEG are two names for exactly the same format — there's no difference in quality or usage between them. JPG is a shorter abbreviation used in old Windows systems that limited extensions to three characters. In practical use the two files are identical.

Does converting from HEIC to JPG reduce quality?

Converting from HEIC to JPG can cause slight quality loss because JPG is a lossy compression format. However the quality difference is imperceptible in normal use and internet sharing.

Can multiple photos be converted at once with the app?

The Image Converter app allows converting one photo at a time in its free version. For converting batches of photos you may need the paid version or repeat the process for each photo.

Does converting the image to JPG reduce its size?

Usually yes. JPG is a compressed format and a JPG file size is typically smaller than PNG and larger than HEIC. The exact size depends on the photo content and the compression level chosen during conversion.

Do the same steps work on iPad?

Yes — the camera setting (Most Compatible) exists in iPad settings via the same path. The Image Converter app works on iPad too. Online conversion sites work from Safari on iPad.

Convert Images to JPG on iPhone 2026 Without Apps — 3 Methods: From Settings Directly, Image Converter App, and Online Site

Why Does iPhone Shoot in HEIC Instead of JPG?

Apple adopted the HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format since iOS 11 because it provides less storage space at similar quality to JPG. A 3 megabyte JPG photo is roughly equivalent to a 1.5 megabyte HEIC photo — meaning more space for more photos on the device.

But the problem is that HEIC isn't supported everywhere: some websites reject image uploads in this format, some Windows devices can't open them without additional software, and older platforms don't recognize them. This is why many people need to convert their photos to JPG.

Method 1 — Change Camera Setting (Easiest and Most Comprehensive)

This method makes the camera shoot directly in JPG format from the start — every photo you take will automatically be JPG without any later conversion.

Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your device.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap "Camera."

Step 3: Tap "Formats."

Step 4: Choose "Most Compatible."

This setting makes the camera capture photos in JPG and videos in MP4 instead of HEIC and HEVC. The setting applies immediately to all new photos you'll take.

Note: This setting doesn't convert old existing photos on the device — only new photos will be captured in JPG.

Method 2 — Image Converter App (For Converting Existing Photos)

To convert already existing photos from HEIC, PNG, or any other format to JPG you need a dedicated app. The free "The Image Converter" app from the App Store is the trusted free option.

App info: Size 42.8 MB, Version 12.2.1, compatible with iOS 12.1 and later.

Step 1: Download "The Image Converter" app from the App Store for free. Open it for the first time and you'll see the main interface with several conversion services. Tap the image icon on the main page.

Step 2: Your device's photo gallery will open. Select the photo you want to convert to JPG. After selection you'll find a list of available conversion formats including JPG, PNG, WebP and others. Choose JPG.

Step 3: Tap "Convert File" to start the conversion. The photo will be automatically converted and saved as a new image in your Camera Roll in JPG format while preserving the original photo.

To confirm conversion success: open the new photo in the Photos app ← press and hold it ← tap "Info" ← you'll find "JPG" mentioned in the file details.

Method 3 — Online Image Conversion Website

If you don't want to install any additional app you can use the ilovepdf.com website via Safari on your device. Despite its name suggesting PDF it also allows image format conversion.

Step 1: Open Safari and navigate to ilovepdf.com. Search on the site for an image format conversion option.

Step 2: Upload the desired photo from your device.

Step 3: Choose JPG as the output format.

Step 4: Tap convert and wait for the process to complete.

Step 5: Download the converted photo and save it to your device.

Security note: Photos you upload are automatically deleted from the site's servers when you close the page — they are not saved or shared.

Comparing the Three Methods

Changing the camera setting is the permanent solution for those wanting to stop using HEIC entirely — every new photo will be JPG. The Image Converter app is ideal for converting previously existing photos without internet. The online site is suitable for occasional use without installing anything.