iOS 27's AI photo tools: Clean Up, Extend, Reframe impress in beta test

Apple's iOS 27 developer beta, announced at WWDC 2026, brings three AI-driven photo editing features to the Photos app, aimed at making complex edits more intuitive. The improved Clean Up tool builds on the version introduced in iOS 18.1, now automatically highlighting unwanted objects or people with greater precision. In testing on an iPhone 15 Pro, Clean Up accurately detected all passersby in a photo of a street performer and removed them without artifacts, seamlessly filling in the background. The new Extend tool lets users pinch to zoom out or adjust crop, automatically generating content to fill expanded areas — ideal for adding extra space around a subject without manual editing. Finally, the Reframe (Spatial Reframing) tool allows users to change the angle or perspective of a shot, simulating a camera reposition. These features are exclusive to devices supporting Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and iPhone 16/17 series). The beta is available to developers with a spare device, though Apple warns it may be unstable for daily use.

Beyond the technical capabilities, the author — a self-described photography enthusiast initially skeptical of AI manipulation — found the tools surprisingly effective and useful. While they avoid excessive AI alteration in principle, they acknowledge practical benefits: removing glare or distractions with Clean Up, and reframing shots that otherwise would be discarded. The Extend tool, in particular, saved a tightly framed selfie by adding breathing room. These features democratize advanced editing techniques that previously required desktop software, though they reinforce a trend of AI-altered photography that purists may debate. For professionals and power users, iOS 27’s photo tools offer efficiency without sacrificing quality, potentially reducing time spent in third-party apps. As the beta matures, Apple is likely to refine accuracy and expand device support, making these tools a key selling point for the iPhone ecosystem.