How to Edit Photos on iPhone Using 2026’s Best AI Features
Editing photos on iPhone in 2026 is faster and more powerful than ever thanks to Apple’s latest AI features built directly into the Photos app. These tools, introduced in iOS 20, leverage the Neural Engine and on-device machine learning to handle complex edits in seconds. Below you’ll find step‑by‑step instructions for each of the top AI‑powered capabilities available this year.
1. AI‑Powered Background Removal and Replacement
This feature lets you isolate a subject and swap the background with a single tap.
Step 1: Open the photo you want to edit in the Photos app.
Step 2: Tap Edit in the top‑right corner.
Step 3: Tap the Magic Wand icon (new in iOS 20) at the bottom of the editing toolbar.
Step 4: Select Subject – the AI instantly outlines the person, animal, or object.
Step 5: Choose Background and then pick one of the following:
- Remove Background – makes the background transparent.
- Replace Background – choose from a gallery of AI‑generated scenes (e.g., beach, city, forest) or your own photos.
- Blur Background – applies a depth‑of‑field effect.
Step 6: Adjust the edge detection using the Refine Edge slider if any part of the subject is cut off.
Step 7: Tap Done to save.
Tip: The AI works best when the subject contrasts with the background. For tricky edges (e.g., hair), use the Hair Refine option that appears automatically.
2. Intelligent Color Grading with Neural Engine
AI now analyzes the entire image and suggests color grading presets that match the mood and lighting.
Step 1: In Edit mode, tap the Color Palette icon (next to the Magic Wand).
Step 2: Swipe left through the AI Presets row – each preset shows a live preview.
Step 3: Tap a preset to apply it. You can adjust its intensity with the Strength slider that appears.
Step 4: For manual control, tap Advanced and use:
- AI Auto‑Balance – instantly corrects white balance, exposure, and contrast.
- Selective Color – tap any area of the photo and the AI will adjust only that color range.
Step 5: Fine‑tune with the standard exposure, brilliance, shadows, and highlights sliders as needed.
Step 6: Tap Done.
Note: The AI learns your most‑used presets over time and prioritizes them at the top of the list.
3. Generative Fill and Object Removal
Remove unwanted objects or fill areas with AI‑generated content that matches the scene.
Step 1: Tap Edit and then the Healing Brush icon (a band‑aid symbol).
Step 2: Choose Object Removal (new in iOS 20).
Step 3: Draw a circle or brush over the object you want to remove. The AI highlights it in red.
Step 4: Tap Remove – the AI automatically generates a seamless replacement using surrounding pixels and texture.
Step 5: For larger areas, use Generative Fill:
- Select the Lasso Tool and outline the area.
- Tap Fill – you can type a description (e.g., “add a flower bush”) or let the AI fill based on context.
Step 6: Review the result. If unsatisfied, tap Regenerate for a different AI output.
Step 7: Tap Done to apply.
Pro tip: Generative Fill works best on landscapes and textures. For faces, use the dedicated Portrait Retouch tool instead (see Section 4).
4. Portrait Lighting and Depth Control Using AI
The AI now automatically detects the best lighting for each face and lets you adjust depth with a slider.
Step 1: Open a photo taken in Portrait mode (or any photo with a person).
Step 2: Tap Edit then Portrait.
Step 3: The AI shows up to six lighting presets (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High‑Key Mono). Swipe to select.
Step 4: Use the Light Intensity slider (0–100) to fine‑tune the effect.
Step 5: For depth, tap Depth Control and drag the slider to adjust background blur.
Step 6: New in 2026: AI Face Enhancement automatically reduces blemishes, evens skin tone, and brightens eyes. You can toggle it on/off.
Step 7: Tap Done.
Warning: AI Face Enhancement is applied intelligently and can be turned off if you prefer a natural look.
5. AI‑Driven Photo Enhancer (One‑Tap Magic)
For a quick overall improvement, the AI Enhancer analyzes the photo and applies a custom set of adjustments in one tap.
Step 1: While in Edit mode, tap the Star icon at the bottom center.
Step 2: The AI immediately shows a preview of the enhanced version. It adjusts exposure, contrast, saturation, sharpness, and noise reduction based on the scene.
Step 3: If you like the result, tap Apply. If not, tap the Star again to cycle through alternative enhancement levels (Subtle, Medium, Strong).
Step 4: You can also hold your finger on the photo to compare with the original.
Step 5: After applying, you can still manually tweak any slider – the AI edits become a starting point.
Step 6: Tap Done.
Best use case: One‑Tap Magic is ideal for low‑light photos, overexposed skies, or flat colors.
6. Text‑Based Photo Editing (Prompt to Edit)
Describe the change you want in natural language, and the AI executes it.
Step 1: In Edit mode, tap the Prompt icon (a speech bubble with “A”).
Step 2: Type or dictate a command, for example:
- “Make the sky more dramatic”
- “Warm up the skin tones”
- “Add a sunset glow”
- “Remove the car in the background”
Step 3: The AI processes the request and shows the result in a few seconds.
Step 4: You can refine by typing follow‑up commands (e.g., “make it even warmer”).
Step 5: Tap Apply to confirm, or Cancel to go back.
Step 6: As always, you can undo the change later by tapping Revert.
Privacy note: All text‑based edits are processed entirely on‑device. No data is sent to Apple or third parties.
Conclusion
2026’s AI photo editing features on iPhone turn complex, time‑consuming tasks into simple taps and typed commands. From one‑tap background swaps to generative fill and text‑driven edits, the Photos app now rivals desktop‑grade software while keeping everything private and on‑device. Start by experimenting with One‑Tap Magic for quick fixes, then dive into the more advanced tools like Object Removal and Prompt editing. Each feature is reversible, so you can always return to the original. With regular updates expected as iOS evolves, these AI capabilities will only become smarter and more intuitive.
FAQ
1. Do these AI features work on all iPhone models?
The advanced AI features (Generative Fill, Prompt editing, Object Removal) require an iPhone with an A17 or newer chip (iPhone 16 Pro and later, plus all iPhone 17 and 18 models). Basic features like Background Removal work on iPhone 14 and newer.
2. Is there a subscription fee for the AI editing tools?
No. All AI photo editing tools in the Photos app are included free with iOS 20. There are no in‑app purchases or subscriptions.
3. Can I undo an AI edit after saving?
Yes. Open the edited photo, tap Edit, then tap Revert at the bottom. This restores the original image. The AI never permanently overwrites your photo unless you explicitly save a duplicate.
4. How does Apple ensure privacy with on‑device AI?
All AI processing for photo editing happens entirely on your iPhone using the Neural Engine. No images or text prompts are ever uploaded to the cloud. Your edits remain local.
5. What if the AI doesn’t remove an object cleanly?
You can tap Regenerate to produce a new result. If the area is large or complex, try using Generative Fill with a text prompt (e.g., “fill with grass”) instead of relying solely on the automatic removal.
6. Can I use these features in third‑party editing apps?
Some third‑party apps now offer similar AI tools, but the native Photos app provides the deepest integration and fastest performance because it directly accesses Apple’s hardware‑accelerated AI. For most users, the built‑in tools are enough for professional‑quality edits.
