Open HEIC File

The new HEIC file extension is found as the extension for the photos made on devices with iOS 11 or higher and with an A9 processor or higher. Images in HEIC format could be found on iPhone 6s or later and the 9.7 iPad from 2017 or later.

The HEIC type of file, coming from HEIF Format, is an acronym for High Efficiency Image Format, was developed by the MPEG group, well known for audio and video formats developer, such as MP3 and MP4.

As the new imaging standard for iOS 11 devices, HEIC was designed to replace the JPG format.

Advantages of the HEIC format

1. It takes up almost half the space of the JPG format but retains the same quality.
2. You can store multiple photos in a single file, such as Live Photos or Bursts.
3. It supports transparent backgrounds like GIF files.
4. It can store image edits, such as cropping and rotations, so you can undo the changes.
5. It supports 16-bit color depth, while JPG only 8-bit.

Important note: prior to Windows 10 April 2018 update HEIC files could not be opened in Windows without special application. But after Windows 10 April 2018 update came out you can just click on the HEIC file in question and it will open in Windows Photos app successfully.