Guides

How to AirDrop photos as JPG, not HEIC

Before you send, tap Options in the share sheet and choose Most Compatible. To shoot JPG from now on: Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.

For one AirDrop

1. In Photos, open the photo and tap Share.
2. Tap Options at the top.
3. Tap Most Compatible. Apple says files may convert to JPEG.
4. Leave All Photos Data off. It sends the original file, with edit history and metadata.
5. Close Options, tap AirDrop, pick your Mac.

Source: Share photos and videos on iPhone

For every photo from now on

1. Open Settings, tap Camera.
2. Tap Formats, then Most Compatible.

• New photos are JPEG. Old ones stay HEIC.
• The cost: HEIC takes less space at the same quality.

Source: Using HEIF or HEVC media on Apple devices

Already on your Mac

• Finder: Control-click the photo → Quick Actions → Convert Image → JPEG. On macOS 27 it's under More.
• Preview or Photos: File → Export → JPEG.

Sources: Perform quick actions in the Finder · Using HEIF or HEVC media

Why HEIC at all?

Macs read HEIC, so AirDrop sends it as is. The short explainer.