Apple Quietly Excludes Older iPhones From New Camera Feature

Apple's latest iPhone 18 Pro models and upcoming iPhone Duo are the only devices capable of utilizing the new Texture and Grain controls for Photographic Styles in iOS 27, according to the company's updated press release. Despite the initial announcement suggesting these features would be available on all supported iPhone models, Apple has quietly limited their availability.

The User Guide for iOS 27 confirms the restrictions, mentioning that only iPhone 16 series, iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, and iPhone 18 Pro models can benefit from the Texture and Grain controls. Apple has also amended its press release to clarify that these controls are exclusive to photos captured using the Ultra Wide, Main, and Center Stage cameras on the iPhone Duo.

This decision has sparked controversy among users, with some expressing frustration over the exclusion of older iPhone models from receiving the new software feature. Apple has not offered an explanation for the change, but the discrepancy between the original and revised compatibility information has raised questions about the company's intentions.