Thanks For The Incompatible Photo Format, Apple

So, having a new grand-baby on the scene, I just discovered that newer iPhones (basically iPhone 7 and newer as well as newer iPads and other iOS devices) with iOS 11 or newer, save photos by default in a new format which takes up less space (.HEIC) but are not readable outside the iOS and Mac universe.  It only happens with BOTH a newer device PLUS the newer iOS version.

Actually, even my Mac with Sierra isn’t capable of reading these files.  Windows 10 is allegedly set for an update at some time to make HEIC images readable on Windows.

The new format, while saving some storage space, makes sharing photos problematic outside the iOS universe.  There are software converters available, which is what I had to do the other night to make the files on Google Drive readable by non-iOS users (like Windows or Android phone users).

I don’t entirely understand the situation but it was an unexpected complication.  I guess the last time I tried to share pictures was on my iPhone 6S.

According to Apple, "when you share media using other methods, such as AirDrop, Messages, or email, it's shared in a more compatible format, such as JPEG or H.264."  However, I've found this doesn't always happen.

You can change the settings on your iPhone to revert to saving photos in the familiar and easily shareable JPG format.  To do so:

Go to the phone's Settings
Scroll down to Camera
Select Formats
Select "Most Compatible"

NOTE: If your phone doesn't have the "Format" option, you don't have a compatible device or iOS 11 or newer.

There is another setting on the iOS device you may want to change.  Under Settings-Photos-Transfer to MAC or PC, you can select "Automatic" to make sure you share photos and videos in a "compatible format."

Apple's help page on this subject is at https://goo.gl/PKvhfU

To convert .HEIC images you already have, you can use one of the free converter apps.  I used imazing.com's program to convert files on Google Drive to JPG.  https://imazing.com/