UMVA has learned that a game-changing feature in the latest iOS update is set to revolutionize the way you edit your photos. Tucked away in the Photos app, a new tool called Clean Up allows users to remove unwanted objects from images with unprecedented ease.
To access this feature, simply tap Edit on a photo, then choose Tools at the end of the toolbar, and select Clean Up. By default, the feature is set to Auto mode, which utilizes a hybrid approach combining on-device and cloud-based models. Users can also opt for High Quality mode, which leverages Apple's cloud models for more precise results.
Once you've selected your preferred mode, use your fingers to highlight the object or part of the image you want to remove. If you're using the on-device Fast model, the cleanup process begins instantly. However, if you opt for High Quality mode, you'll need to wait for Apple's cloud models to work their magic – a process that can take several minutes for complex edits.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the High Quality mode is a significant improvement over the on-device Fast model. In tests, the High Quality mode produced far more convincing results, seamlessly replicating backgrounds and even shadows. This is particularly noticeable when removing objects from images with complex textures or patterns.
The Clean Up feature also shines when dealing with faces. Using generative AI and your own photos, it can recreate parts of your face that are obstructed. In one test, the feature successfully removed 99% of an object, leaving a remarkably natural-looking result. In contrast, the previous iOS version struggled to produce a convincing outcome.
In addition to Clean Up, the latest iOS update also introduces an Extend feature, which allows users to expand their photos by filling in the surrounding areas using Apple's generative AI models. This feature works by pinching in and moving the image around, with the AI models filling in the gaps. While it may take some time, the results are remarkably convincing, with the AI models accurately guessing the surroundings and even adding in subtle details.
However, not all features in the update are created equal. The Reframe tool, which allows users to change the angle or perspective of a photo, needs some work. While it can produce impressive results for slight angle changes, it struggles with faces and can produce unnatural-looking outcomes when pushed to its limits.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that these features are still in beta testing, and Apple may continue to refine the experience with subsequent betas and the official release of iOS 27 in the fall. As it stands, however, the Clean Up and Extend features are set to revolutionize the way you edit your photos.
