HEIC

History

HEIC, a product of the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) finalized in 2015, stems from the HEVC video compression standard. It was designed to compress images without quality loss, ideal for today's high-resolution photographs.

Adoption

Apple, in 2017 with iOS 11, replaced the default JPEG format with HEIC, significantly boosting the format's global acceptance.

Technical Highlights

• Compression: HEIC files, while maintaining the same quality, can be half the size of JPEGs.
• 16-bit Color: Offers deeper colors compared to JPEG's 8-bit.
• Multiple Assets: A single HEIC can store sequences or multiple photos.
• Metadata: HEIC holds extensive metadata, from location to camera settings.
• Versatility: Supports both lossless and lossy compression.

A key drawback is compatibility, as HEIC isn't universally supported, often needing conversion tools.

Final Thoughts

HEIC's advanced capabilities mark a leap in image formats. With broader native support, its stature as a premier image format will only grow.