Aside from major operating system updates and that highly anticipated, Gemini-powered, revamped Siri, Apple unveiled a suite of AI-backed photo editing tools.
Image Playground
Image Playground is becoming more fun. | Image by Apple
Apple has announced a new version of the Image Playground app, which was first announced in 2024. With a new image generation under the hood, the app now lets you make high-quality images in various styles, including photorealistic.
You can even create images based on those in your album or transform them into new styles. All you have to do is describe what you want. You can even circle certain parts of the image to move or resize them or add new elements.
Apple also lets you choose the dimensions for the images to fit your needs.
You can even use the app to generate Messages background, Contact posters wallpapers and home screen backgrounds. You will be able to generate a picture simply by typing a prompt.
It will even proactively make suggestions for you based on your photos.
AI – the second coming
New Photos options. | Image by Apple
Apple’s helpful, intuitive new AI features have also been embedded into how you capture and edit photos. At the same time, Apple doesn’t want them to look too artificial.
Photos can now use the new image models for more powerful editing capabilities.
The Clean Up tool that removes distractions is getting better following user complaints that it wasn’t exactly working as intended.
There’s a new Extend feature that lets you whip up additional content beyond the original frame. For instance, you can snap a close-up photo of a building, drag the edges outward, and watch AI fill in the surrounding street scene.
Apple has also designed a Reframe option that lets you adjust the perspective of a photo after clicking the shutter.
Stepping up
It’s no secret that Apple has been catching up in the AI arena. With today’s updates, the company is trying to match the features that make its users seek out rivals, either because similar Apple-branded tools don’t exist or because they fall short.Genmoji was a bright spot conceptually, with Apple claiming it was popular among users. However, it worked nothing like what Apple advertised; the model caused devices to heat up and deplete the battery.
The polished version looks to sweep those efficiency issues under the rug.
Similarly, higher-quality images in Image Playground will make it an app people actually want to use.
Third time’s a charm?
At last year’s WWDC, Apple avoided talking about AI. Emboldened by a partnership with Google and the relentless efforts of its own team, the company is once again trying to be relevant. Will it succeed this time?
