How to use the new AI photo editing tools in iOS 27

iOS 27 is now rolling out to compatible iPhones, and with it brings plenty of new and improved features.

While iOS 27 can be downloaded onto the 2019 iPhone 11 and newer, devices that support Apple Intelligence will benefit from improved photo editing tools. These tools include Clean Up, Extend and Reframe, all of which are powered by AI.

If you’re fed up with taking photos and realising there are unwanted objects in shot, or you’ve found the framing is all wrong, then these tools promise to help make a difference. 

We explain where you can access the Apple Intelligence-powered photo editing tools and how to apply them to your shots here. For more on iOS 27, visit our guide on how to adjust Liquid Glass transparency and get notified when a website changes too.

Time for an upgrade? Our round-up of the best iPhones have you covered.

Apple Intelligence Compatible iPhones

Although iOS 27 is supported by iPhone 11 and newer models, the photo editing features are only available on devices that support Apple Intelligence. These handsets are:

The upcoming iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will also support Apple Intelligence too.

All of Apple’s photo editing tools are built directly into the Photos app. Simply open the app and find the picture you want to edit. From the image, tap the icon with three horizontal sliders at the bottom of the screen. Then, tap the Tools icon.

Clean Up

Clean Up removes unwanted objects, people and even animals from a photo – leaving an accurate background fill in its place.

Once you’ve opened Tools on your image, tap Clean Up. From here, you can choose how powerful the Clean Up tool is: Auto, Fast or High Quality. Naturally, the High Quality option will typically generate better results than the Fast iteration.

When you’ve chosen your desired level of Clean Up, tap, brush or circle around the object that you want to remove. However, some items may be highlighted automatically for you to quickly remove them with just a tap.

If you’re using the High Quality processing, then you’ll be prompted to click on a yellow Clean Up button to start the removal process.

Finally, tap the yellow tick in the top right corner. 

Extend

Extend enables you to expand the edges of your photo. 

Find your image within the Photos app, then tap the Settings icon and select Tools. Tap Extend, and here you’ll be able to zoom out, reposition the subject and adjust the crop. When you’re happy, tap the yellow Extend icon.

Reframe

The Reframe tool is surprisingly clever, and allows you to change the point of capture even after you’ve taken the photo.

Open Reframe for your image, and you’ll be prompted to touch and drag to adjust the perspective. You can also use two fingers to pan, zoom and rotate the shot – though be warned, there may be limitations to how far you can push it.

Tap Reframe, and then you’ll be able to see how the altered photo compares to the original. If you’re happy, tap the yellow tick in the top right corner.