I tested iOS 27's new AI photo editing tools as a skeptic - and the results surprised me

2026-06-09 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Novice, short

Summary

Apple's iOS 27 developer beta introduces three new AI-powered photo editing tools: an improved Clean Up feature, a new Extend tool, and a new Reframe (Spatial Reframing) tool. The enhanced Clean Up tool, previously introduced with iOS 18.1, now more effectively and accurately removes unwanted objects or people from photos, seamlessly filling the void with surrounding background. The Extend tool allows users to expand a photo's canvas, with AI intelligently generating additional background content. Reframe enables shifting a photo's angle or perspective, simulating a camera reposition. Tested on an iPhone 15 Pro, which supports Apple Intelligence alongside Pro Max and the entire iPhone 16 and 17 lineups, these tools surprised a skeptical reviewer with their utility and effectiveness, particularly Clean Up and Reframe.

Key takeaway

For iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max users considering advanced photo editing, you should explore iOS 27's new AI tools. The improved Clean Up, Extend, and Reframe features offer surprisingly effective ways to refine images, from removing distractions to altering perspectives. While a beta, these tools provide powerful capabilities for enhancing your photography without complex software. Install the developer beta on a spare device to test their utility for your specific needs.

Key insights

iOS 27's AI photo editing tools offer surprisingly effective image manipulation capabilities.

Principles

• AI can seamlessly remove unwanted photo elements.
• Generative AI extends photo backgrounds naturally.
• AI enables dynamic perspective shifts in images.

Method

To access, install iOS 27 developer beta on a supported iPhone (15 Pro/Pro Max, 16, 17 lineup). Open Photos, select a picture, tap editor icon, choose Tools, then Clean Up, Extend, or Reframe.

In practice

• Use Clean Up for removing glare or reflections.
• Apply Extend to add "breathing room" to tight shots.
• Experiment with Reframe for dynamic statue angles.

Topics

• iOS 27
• AI Photo Editing
• Apple Intelligence
• Clean Up Tool
• Extend Tool
• Reframe Tool

Best for: AI Product Manager, Computer Vision Engineer, Product Manager, General Interest, Software Engineer, Product Designer

Related on AIssential

• Apple WWDC is next week: All the iOS 27, Siri, and more news we're expecting to see — Apple is deeply integrating agentic AI and generative features across its operating systems and Siri.
• Using AI For Creative Interior Design Ideas Using Canvas Prints — AI tools enhance canvas prints for interior design, enabling artistic effects, cohesive gallery walls, and personalized decor.
• Apple’s Photos app is getting new AI editing features — Apple integrates generative AI into its Photos app to simplify common image editing tasks like reframing, extending, and cleaning.
• Apple prepares AI photo editing tools for iOS 27 — Apple is integrating advanced AI photo editing into iOS 27 to compete with Android and enhance core applications.
• OpenAI Launches New Image Gen Model — OpenAI's Image 1.5 offers faster, more precise image generation with advanced editing, enhancing creative workflows.
• Apple to debut redesigned Camera app with AI tools in iOS 27 — iOS 27 will significantly enhance Camera app customization and integrate AI features, alongside a major Siri overhaul.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.