HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is a modern image file format developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It's a container format that can store one or more images, image sequences, and associated metadata. The primary advantage of HEIC is its superior compression efficiency compared to JPEG. HEIC files typically take up significantly less storage space while maintaining similar or better image quality. This is achieved through the use of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), also known as H.265, for image encoding. HEIC is the default image format used by Apple devices running iOS 11 and later and macOS High Sierra and later. While HEIC offers benefits in terms of storage and quality, its adoption has been somewhat limited due to compatibility issues with older software and operating systems. Converting HEIC files to more widely supported formats like JPEG is often necessary for sharing or editing on platforms that don't natively support HEIC.