This popular iPhone Camera app alternative is about to get even better

Lux Camera has previewed a major update to its long-running iPhone camera app that changes how RAW images are processed compared to Apple’s default Camera app. 

Halide Mark III represents the next major version of the Halide camera app for iPhone, expanding its focus on manual control and alternative image processing beyond what Apple’s built-in Camera app currently offers.

The preview release highlights visible differences between images captured with Halide Mark III and Apple’s Camera app, showing changes in texture, sharpening, and tonal handling across identical shooting conditions.

Rather than applying filters after capture, Halide Mark III replaces the underlying image processing algorithms, allowing users to choose how sensor data converts into a final image before any manual adjustments.

Image processing and capture modes

One available mode mirrors Apple’s standard processing behaviour, effectively letting Halide operate as a replacement camera app while retaining Apple’s familiar computational photography output.

Process Zero II introduces the most notable change by minimising processing during capture, now supporting HDR and RAW photos while reducing sharpening and noise reduction to create flatter, more editable files.

Lux Camera frames Process Zero II as an option for photographers who prefer to control contrast, colour, and detail manually during post processing rather than relying on automated image enhancements.

Halide Mark III also adds Chroma Noir, a dedicated black and white mode built on a separate processing pipeline that prioritises light reproduction inspired by analogue film characteristics.

You can try it right now

Lux Camera has released a preview version of Halide Mark III inside the existing app, allowing current users to test the new processing approaches ahead of a wider public rollout.

The update arrives as smartphone photography apps increasingly challenge default camera software by offering greater control over image pipelines instead of relying solely on computational optimisation.

Halide Mark III will be available as a free update for existing Halide Mark II users, while new users can access the app through a $19.99 annual subscription or a $59 one time purchase.

Lux Camera has not confirmed a final release date, but the active preview suggests broader availability will follow once feedback and stability testing conclude.