Why do my iPhone photos turn into JPG when I copy them to my PC?

Answered by Theo Kim, developer of PixLaundry · Checked 2026-10-28 · 3-minute read

Short answer Your iPhone converts them on the way out. The setting Settings › Apps › Photos › Transfer to Mac or PC is on Automatic by default, and Apple says HEIC photos and HEVC videos imported over USB “might be converted to JPEG or H.264.” Switch it to Keep Originals and the PC gets the files the camera actually saved.

Why the iPhone does this

Since iOS 11 the iPhone camera saves photos as HEIC and video as HEVC by default — smaller files at the same visual quality. Not every PC app could read them, so iOS plays it safe: when a computer pulls photos over the cable, Automatic hands over a compatible JPEG (and H.264 video) instead.

That JPEG is a new file made from the original: it has been compressed a second time and is often bigger than the HEIC it came from. Fine for sharing; not what you want as the archive copy.

How to get the originals

  1. Change one settingOn the iPhone: Settings › Apps › Photos, scroll to the bottom, and under Transfer to Mac or PC tap Keep Originals.
  2. Unplug and plug in againReconnect the cable, unlock the iPhone and tap Trust if asked, then import again (Windows Photos app, or File Explorer › Apple iPhone › Internal Storage › DCIM).
  3. Check the file namesYou should now see .HEIC photos and .MOV videos. If Windows can't preview them, install HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

If you'd rather have JPG everywhere

You can make the camera shoot JPEG in the first place: Settings › Camera › Formats › Most Compatible. Apple lists this as the option for maximum compatibility. The trade-off is bigger files on the phone and in iCloud, so most people are better off keeping HEIC and converting only the few photos they need to send.

Where PixLaundry fits

We built PixLaundry partly because of this. It sends the original file from the iPhone's library over your home Wi-Fi to a Mac, a Windows PC or another phone — a HEIC stays a HEIC, a ProRAW stays a DNG — whatever the cable setting says. Edited photos are sent as they currently look. Both ends check each file with a fingerprint before it counts as done.

FAQ

Is HEIC lower quality than JPG?

No. HEIC stores the same picture in a smaller file. Converting HEIC to JPG makes a new compressed copy — it can't add quality back.

Can Windows open HEIC photos?

Usually, through the Photos app on Windows 11. If a file won't open, install the HEIF Image Extensions (and HEVC Video Extensions for videos) from the Microsoft Store.

Do AirDrop or Messages also convert photos?

They can. Apple says media shared by AirDrop, Messages or email might be sent as JPEG or H.264 when the receiving device doesn't support the newer formats.

Copy the originals without the cable

The receiver for Mac and Windows is free. Try sending from your iPhone on the free plan first.

Coming soon · Join the beta · Full guide: iPhone photos to a PC over Wi-Fi

Sources

  1. Apple Support — Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices (checked 2026-10-28)
  2. Apple Support — Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC (checked 2026-10-28)

Menu names are from iOS 26 in English. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.; Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PixLaundry is independent and not affiliated with either.

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