iTunes / Apple TV not recognizing .heic files (.HEIC is Apple's default picture format for newer iPhones)

Question

VandyGator Author

Level 1

4 points

iTunes / Apple TV not recognizing .heic files (.HEIC is Apple's default picture format for newer iPhones)

My iTunes (Windows v. 12.12.2.2) streams pictures to my

Apple TV 4K device, however, iTunes does not recognize the .heic file format (.heic

is the new default picture format used by Apple that replaces the prior .jpeg /

.jpg formats; the HEIC format is Apple’s derivative of the industry standard

HEIF which maintains the same image quality but uses only ~half the space as a

.jpeg). When I download pics from my iPhone to my PC, I can typically view on

my television using the Apple TV 4K device via iTunes (streams pics from PC to

Apple TV device). This still works fine for .jpg / .jpeg formats but NOT .heic format

as iTunes does not recognize this file type (even though it is Apple’s new default

picture format) and consequently I’m not able to see these photos on my TV. I

know I can convert .heic files to the older .jpeg format, but then I lose the benefit

of a much smaller file size (impacts several thousand pics). I can view pics

on PC (Windows 11) and Microsoft OneDrive with no problem, however, when using

iTunes > Home Share > Choose Photos to Share with Apple TV and select

Share Photos from <<folder on my PC with .heic pictures>>>

iTunes shows 0 of the .heic pictures. If I place .jpeg or .jpg pics in that

same folder, they show in the iTunes and correctly stream to my Apple TV

device. Apple iPhone (that now uses .heic as default file type), iTunes, and

Apple TV should work together seamlessly without me having to change settings on

my phone or down convert to the older, less efficient .jpeg format. Hoping I'm

either missing something or Apple software engineers can allow iTunes to accept

their .heic format. Two screen shots included below. Any assistance/advice will be greatly

appreciated!

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Nov 30, 2021 8:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Dec 1, 2021 2:51 PM in response to VandyGator

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities VandyGator,

We understand you're having issues viewing some photos captured on your iPhone, and imported to your PC, from your Apple TV.

You can view the photos available on each of your devices automatically, by downloading the iCloud for Windows app, and signing into to each device. These pages should help: Download iCloud for Windows and Set up and use iCloud Photos

Regarding importing photos to your PC, the following page provides guidance on the recommended method, of importing to Windows Photos: Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Photos libraries imported using the recommended steps, and shared from your PC, are accessible using the guidance found here: View shared photos and albums on Apple TV

We hope this helps!

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Answer 2

VandyGator Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 5, 2021 1:33 PM in response to jdo_apple

Thank you for responding. I am aware of the suggestions noted above (and can get each to work) but they do not address the fundamental issue. The issue is iTunes does not accept the new iPhone .heic picture format and consequently I can't stream these images in their current format to Apple TV. My PC holds far more images than allotted by iCloud's 5GB limit. I know I can "downgrade" the image to the older, larger file size .jpeg format and/or purchase a recurring monthly subscription to add additional storage to my iCloud account, but I shouldn't be forced into doing either. iTunes software (and possibly Apple TV software as well) needs to be updated to accommodate Apple's .heic format. Thanks.

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Answer 3

VandyGator Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 5, 2021 6:39 PM in response to karina184

No change. I experimented and placed in the same folder the original .heic picture, the .heif conversion, a separate .jpeg file, and even threw in a .png file. iTunes only recognizes the .jpeg and .png files and consequently these are the only 2 images that stream to my Apple TV. On my iPhone, iCloud account, my PC, and my OneDrive (Microsoft) account, I see all 4 images.

Appreciate the follow-up!

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