Apple is reportedly preparing AI-powered photo editing upgrades for iOS 27

Apple is reportedly preparing a new set of artificial intelligence-powered photo editing tools as part of its upcoming operating system updates, according to a Bloomberg report. The new capabilities are expected to arrive alongside iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, with a focus on improving Apple’s broader artificial intelligence platform, Apple Intelligence.

The planned updates are said to address existing issues within Apple’s AI ecosystem while expanding its practical features. While much attention has been placed on improving Siri, the latest developments suggest Apple is also investing heavily in photo editing tools to simplify complex tasks for everyday users.

Apple expands AI tools within the Photos app

According to the report, Apple plans to introduce several new AI-powered editing tools in the Photos app. These additions are expected to allow users to alter backgrounds, adjust framing and enhance overall image quality with minimal manual input.

Currently, users of Apple devices can adjust saturation and contrast, apply filters, crop images and remove unwanted objects using the Clean Up feature. The forthcoming update is expected to transform Clean Up into one of several integrated “Apple Intelligence Tools”, expanding the range of automated editing options available.

Among the new tools reportedly in development is a feature called Extend, which will use generative AI to expand a photograph’s background. This function could allow users to widen a scene or fill in missing details around the edges of an image. Another feature, Enhance, is expected to automatically improve lighting conditions and overall clarity, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

A third tool, Reframe, is said to allow users to shift the perspective of an image after it has been taken. This capability is expected to be particularly useful for spatial photography, enabling users to adjust composition and viewpoint even after capturing the original image. Together, these tools suggest Apple is aiming to make advanced editing techniques accessible to a wider audience without requiring specialist knowledge.

Apple moves to narrow the gap with competitors

The reported additions are likely to position Apple more closely alongside rival technology companies that have already embraced AI-powered image editing. Firms such as Google and Samsung have been developing similar features for several years, often pushing the boundaries of generative image technology.

One notable example is Magic Editor, introduced by Google in 2023. This tool allows users to significantly alter images by repositioning objects, expanding backgrounds and making complex visual adjustments. Compared with Apple’s current capabilities, Google’s solution offers greater flexibility in reshaping entire scenes, including the ability to add entirely generated elements.

Despite this competition, Apple has historically taken a more measured approach to generative AI in consumer products. Rather than focusing on fully synthetic imagery, the company has prioritised enhancements that improve existing photos. The planned updates appear to follow this philosophy, focusing on practical improvements rather than radical image-making.

Industry observers suggest that these changes could mark a strategic shift in Apple’s broader AI ambitions. By introducing tools that automate time-consuming editing tasks, Apple may be aiming to increase everyday reliance on its AI platform while maintaining tight control over user experience and image authenticity.

Wider AI developments expected at WWDC

Beyond the photo editing upgrades, Apple is reportedly preparing several additional AI-focused features across its operating systems. These include an updated version of Siri that could be powered by models from Google DeepMind, specifically its Gemini technology.

The company is also said to be exploring releasing a standalone Siri application. Such a move could allow users to access voice assistant features more directly, rather than relying solely on built-in system integrations. In addition, Apple is reportedly developing AI-powered search tools that would operate within its native apps, potentially improving how users locate information across devices.

Many of these developments are expected to be unveiled during Apple’s annual developer conference, Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, commonly known as WWDC. The keynote presentation is scheduled for 8 June, when Apple traditionally introduces major software updates and outlines its technology roadmap for the year ahead.

If confirmed, the combination of enhanced photo editing tools, expanded AI integration, and improved assistant functionality could signal one of Apple’s most ambitious software releases in recent years. The updates would also reflect growing industry pressure to deliver more intelligent, automated features as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to consumer technology.