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Apple just dropped the iOS 27 developer beta, and it brings the iPhone’s biggest AI photo editing update yet. We’re talking three new tools — Clean Up (now actually usable), Extend (reverse crop), and Spatial Reframing (3D perspective shift). Here’s how they work in real-world use.
What’s New in iOS 27 Photos?
| Feature | What It Does | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Up 2.0 | Remove unwanted objects/people from photos | ✅ Much improved — now uses cloud AI |
| Extend | Expand photo edges with AI-generated filler | ✅ Good for tight compositions |
| Spatial Reframing | Change perspective as if you moved the camera | ⚠️ Works but can get weird |
Clean Up 2.0 — Finally Good
Last year’s Clean Up was Apple’s first attempt at AI object removal, and honestly? It was pretty bad. On-device models left weird artifacts, and it was often more trouble than it was worth.
The new Clean Up in iOS 27 uses cloud-based AI (similar to what Google Pixels have done for years), and the difference is night and day. Removing a photobomber, a trash can, or unwanted background elements works cleanly now. It’s probably the most popular feature among iPhone owners — and for good reason.
Extend — Reverse Cropping
Ever framed a shot too tight and wished you had just a bit more breathing room? Extend lets you expand the edges of your photo. The AI fills in the expanded area convincingly — it even added a side mirror to a rally car that was partially out of frame in testing.
The safeguards are smart too: it won’t edit people’s bodies, and it limits how much it can extend. It’s not trying to invent entire new scenes like Samsung’s early Galaxy AI did. Subtle and useful.
Spatial Reframing — The Ambitious One
This is the coolest and most controversial feature. Spatial Reframing builds on existing 3D-ish photo data to let you “move the camera” after the shot. You can adjust the perspective as if you had stepped slightly to the left or right when taking the photo.
In practice? It’s impressive tech but results vary. For distant subjects (like a speaker on stage), it works reasonably well. For close-ups and selfies, the AI has to invent too much detail, and faces can look uncanny. The Verge’s Allison Johnson tested it — changing the framing of a photo of Apple executives on stage resulted in the AI making up an entirely new person sitting next to Craig Federighi.
AI Labels & Trust
Apple marks AI-edited photos with “Synth ID” labels. Instagram already recognizes these labels when you upload edited images. But you have to tap “AI Info” to see it, which isn’t exactly transparent.
The bigger concern? Even subtle AI edits — a houseplant that wasn’t there, a slightly shifted perspective — erode trust in photos. Apple isn’t the most aggressive player here (Google and Samsung are ahead), but every bit of AI-generated content adds up.
FAQ
Will iOS 27 run on my iPhone?
iOS 27 drops support for iPhone X through iPhone 14 series. Compatible models include iPhone 15 series and newer. Check Apple’s official list for exact models.
Do edited photos get stored in full resolution?
Yes. The edits are non-destructive — you can revert to the original at any time. The AI-modified version replaces your existing edit state.
Can I disable these AI features?
Not individually. You can choose not to use them, but there’s no toggle to hide them from the Photos app interface.
How does Apple’s AI compare to Google Magic Editor?
Google’s Magic Editor on Pixel phones has been doing cloud-based AI editing for longer and still leads in versatility. Apple’s Spatial Reframing is unique, but Clean Up and Extend are playing catch-up.
Final Verdict
Score: 7.5/10
Apple’s first serious AI photo editing suite is a solid v1. Clean Up is finally usable, Extend is surprisingly handy, and Spatial Reframing is genuinely innovative — even if it’s not always convincing.
Buy it if… You’re an iPhone photographer who wants to clean up photos without third-party apps.
Skip it if… You’re concerned about AI altering your photos in ways you didn’t intend, or you prefer Pixel’s more mature Magic Editor suite.
iOS 27 is expected to launch to the general public this fall alongside new iPhone hardware.
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