# RAW to HEIC Conversion Feature in Apple Photos Users can now save RAW photos in HEIC format directly within the app. - **Source:** [Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Product Management](https://brifing.si/c/product) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2b6d9765-034b-4666-b603-cb70ce655b74 ## New Conversion Feature Apple Photos now allows users to convert RAW format photos to HEIC directly within the application. This feature provides significant convenience for both professional photographers and amateurs. HEIC format offers much smaller file sizes compared to RAW without compromising quality. It's an ideal solution for users struggling with storage space limitations on their devices. ## RAW vs HEIC Comparison While RAW format provides high-quality image data, it comes with large file sizes. HEIC, Apple's modern format, offers more efficient compression. Tests show HEIC creates files 50-70% smaller than RAW. However, RAW remains the preferred choice for professional editing. This new feature gives users flexibility between the two formats based on their needs. ## How It Works The conversion process is simple within Apple Photos. Users select the RAW file they want to convert, then choose 'Convert' from the File menu. In the pop-up window, they select HEIC format and start the process. Conversion speed depends on processor power and file size, with an average 20MP RAW file converting in 10-15 seconds. ## Device Compatibility The new feature works on all Apple devices running iOS 16 or later. On Macs, it requires macOS Ventura or newer. Since HEIC isn't fully compatible with Windows devices, users should consider this limitation. While Apple promotes HEIC's advantages, it continues to offer JPEG as an alternative for cross-platform sharing. ## Professional Use Cases Professional photographers will continue using RAW as their primary format. However, HEIC provides a practical solution for client previews or online portfolios. The conversion feature enables significant bandwidth and storage savings when quick sharing is required, making it valuable for professionals on the go. ## Storage Benefits While an average RAW file is 25-30MB, the same image in HEIC format reduces to 8-12MB. This translates to significant space savings on iPhones, allowing thousands more photos to be stored. iCloud users also benefit from reduced cloud storage usage and faster backup processes with HEIC files. ## Quality Comparison Apple's HEIC algorithms efficiently compress details imperceptible to the human eye. Tests show HEIC offers better color depth and dynamic range compared to JPEG. However, at pixel level examination, it can't match RAW's unprocessed data. Therefore, RAW remains the gold standard for professional editing workflows. ## Significance for Users This update provides important flexibility for photographers in the Apple ecosystem. Users can now easily switch between formats within a single application. Particularly beneficial for devices with limited storage, this feature strengthens Apple's strategy to bridge professional and amateur photography needs. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.producthunt.com/products/rawtoheic — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._