We now have with us the new operating system for the iPhone: iOS 17. And with it, in addition to major changes in Messages and with the AirPods, come a series of improvements and new features in the Photos and Camera apps that will delight photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. From pet recognition to the inclusion of a Cinematic API for third-party apps, the latest version of Apple’s operating system is designed to elevate our photographic experience to the next level. Let’s talk about all the novelties.
Pet recognition: our furry friends in a dedicated album
For animal lovers, the Photos app now has the ability to recognize our pets. The “People” album in the app has been renamed to “People & Pets,” and the algorithm for recognizing both humans and animals has been improved, specifically focusing on cats and dogs.
This way, every time we take a photo of our pet, or of one of them, it will be automatically categorized in a specific album, making it easier to find later. Moreover, from there, we can create memories videos just as easily as with any friend or family member.
Visual Look Up: Smarter and more capable than ever before
The Visual Look Up, which essentially allows us to obtain more information about the object in a photo, has received a significant update in iOS 17. Now, it not only identifies places and objects, but it can also recognize a wide variety of symbols, from traffic signs to car dashboard icons or laundry instructions on clothing labels. If we see a symbol and wonder what it means, we simply take a photo of it, and we’ll get a detailed explanation.
Quick one-tap cropping
The image cropping process has also been simplified. When zooming in on an image in the Photos app and tapping the “Crop” button, the photo will be automatically cropped according to the zoomed-in area, without the need to enter the editing interface manually. Just a simple OK and you’re done.
Animated stickers
With the new subject background removal tool, it’s now possible to turn any Live Photo into an animated sticker. These stickers can be customized with various effects and used in the Messages app, Notes, and other third-party applications.
Changes in the Photos interface
Speaking of the interface, Apple has also introduced subtle but useful changes in the Photos app. Now, the “Cancel” and “Done” buttons have been moved to the top of the screen, and all tool icons come with text descriptions, making editing more intuitive for newcomers to the app.
QR codes easier to scan
While QR code scanning isn’t new, iOS 17 has addressed a somewhat quirky situation in the Photos app interface. Now, the link generated by a QR code will appear at the bottom of the screen, making it easier to access and preventing us from having to follow it across the screen as we focus on it.
New level feature in the Camera app
The new leveling option in the Camera app adds a horizontal line that helps us ensure that shots are properly aligned before capturing an image. This function can be added to the rule of thirds guide that we already know, providing us with a better reference for our compositions.
The new Cinematic Mode API
One of the most exciting additions is the inclusion of a Cinematic Mode API for third-party applications. This will allow photo and video apps to incorporate video playback and editing features in cinematic mode, opening up new possibilities for content creators.
Updates to screenshot capturing
Finally, now when we take a full-page screenshot, we have the option to save it as an image in the Photos app instead of a PDF, making the process of sharing or editing later much simpler.
Given what we’ve seen, iOS 17 has raised the standard in terms of photography and editing features, making the experience of capturing, editing, and sharing moments richer and more enjoyable than ever. These innovations undoubtedly position the iPhone as one of the most powerful and versatile devices for mobile photography.
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