I put the new iPhone AI photo editing tools to the test – the results are sometimes downright weird

Apple’s iOS 27 has introduced AI-assisted photo editing tools in the Photos app, designed to enhance user experience. However, the effectiveness of these tools hinges on balancing their benefits against potential drawbacks. On one hand, they expedite the editing process, simplifying tasks like removing unwanted elements. On the other hand, these AI models can be resource-intensive and may produce slightly unnatural results.

Apple's AI editing tools operate non-destructively, allowing users to revert to the original image if unsatisfied. When comparing edits, duplicates can be utilized for easier comparison. Users must be mindful of daily usage limits, which can be reset after a 24-hour wait. The 'Clean Up' tool is best suited for subtle edits, such as removing dust or minor blemishes, delivering swift and accurate results.

However, for more complex tasks, the 'High Quality' variant proves more effective, though it may introduce slight blurriness when zoomed in. When dealing with larger edits or intricate textures, 'Clean Up' may falter, sometimes leaving ghostly artifacts. Despite these limitations, 'Clean Up' remains the least intrusive and most reliable tool among Apple's AI offerings.

Lastly, Apple's 'Extend' feature can expand the image canvas, although its application requires careful consideration, particularly with softer textures.