New AI Tools Let iPhones Expand and Reframe Photos After They Are Taken

iPhones running iOS 27 can now use artificial intelligence to extend the boundaries of a photo and adjust its perspective after it has been captured, features that go beyond traditional cropping. Apple Intelligence, integrated into the new iOS version, offers tools called Extend and Reframe, designed to help salvage photos that were not perfectly framed at the moment they were taken.

These new capabilities allow users to expand an image beyond its original borders, generating additional background content. The Reframe tool offers more advanced editing, enabling users to change the perceived point of capture. This means users can move, zoom, rotate, and adjust the perspective of a photo, with Apple Intelligence creating the necessary additional elements to complete the new composition.

Unlike cropping, which removes parts of an image, Extend and Reframe can add content that was not originally within the camera's view. However, as these are generative AI features, users are advised to closely examine the results, as AI-generated areas can sometimes include anomalies, particularly around faces, hands, text, or complex backgrounds.

iPhone Compatibility for AI Photo Editing

To utilize the Extend and Reframe tools, iPhones must support Apple Intelligence and be running iOS 27 or later. Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models and subsequent releases. Availability may also be subject to regional and language settings. Some Apple Intelligence features may have usage limitations, and older iPhone models, even if compatible with iOS 27, will not have access to these specific editing tools if they do not support Apple Intelligence.

Using the Extend Tool

The Extend tool is useful for adding more space around a subject or expanding the edges of a photo. To use it:

1. Open the Photos app and select the desired photo.
2. Tap the Edit button (three horizontal sliders).
3. Select Tools, then Extend.
4. Pinch or drag the photo to create more space or adjust the frame edges.
5. Tap Extend, review the AI-generated result, and then tap Done twice.

Users can revert Extend changes by returning to the editing tools and selecting reset.

Using the Reframe Tool

Reframe is beneficial when the photo's composition or perspective needs adjustment. The process involves:

1. Opening the Photos app and selecting the photo.
2. Tapping Edit, then Tools, and then Reframe.
3. Dragging the photo to alter its perspective.
4. Using two fingers to pan, zoom, or rotate the image.
5. Tapping Reframe, then tapping the image to compare the edited version with the original.
6. Tapping Done twice to finish.

This feature can help correct awkward subject positioning or a slightly off camera angle.

AI Photo Editing on Other Smartphones

Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones also offer similar AI-powered editing capabilities. Samsung's Galaxy phones feature AI Photo Assist, which includes a 'Move' tool. This tool allows users to reposition, rotate, or resize elements within a photo, with generative AI filling in the resulting background gaps. The standard Gallery editor on Samsung devices also provides options for changing aspect ratio, rotation, and angle.

For Google Pixel users, the Google Photos app includes an 'Auto frame' feature. Similar to Apple's Extend tool, Auto frame can recompose tightly cropped or poorly framed photos, using AI to fill missing areas and extend backgrounds. Users can access this by editing a photo, tapping Crop, and then selecting Auto frame. Google Photos also offers manual adjustments like Straighten, Rotate, Perspective, and Aspect ratio controls.

Tips for Better AI Photo Editing Results

To maximize the effectiveness of AI photo editing tools, several best practices are recommended:

• Start with a sharp photo: AI can enhance existing images but cannot fully correct blurry or poorly exposed shots. Begin with the clearest possible version.
• Make smaller changes: Substantial alterations can appear less natural. Opt for minor expansions or adjustments first.
• Examine people closely: Zoom in on faces, hands, and other human features to check for any unnatural AI-generated modifications.
• Check text elements: AI may struggle with rendering text accurately. Carefully review signs, clothing, or any other elements containing lettering.
• Preserve the original: When possible, save edited photos as copies. This ensures the original, unedited image remains accessible if the AI result is unsatisfactory.