Apple’s AI-powered Clean Up image editing tool, criticized in previous versions for underperforming relative to competitors, has been significantly improved in the iOS 27 developer beta. The update introduces a hybrid system leveraging both on-device AI and more powerful cloud-based models for enhanced results.
- iOS 27 Clean Up uses dual AI modes: ‘Fast’ on-device and ‘High Quality’ cloud-powered
- ‘Auto’ mode intelligently switches between fast and high quality based on the edit
- Some edits in the beta still show mixed results, suggesting more refinement is needed
What happened
Apple’s Clean Up tool, first introduced in prior iOS versions, faced criticism for lagging behind similar AI-powered photo editing features from competitors like Samsung and Google. In response, Apple revamped Clean Up for iOS 27, integrating its advanced Foundation models via cloud computing for higher quality image edits. This allows the tool to differentiate between quick touch-ups and more complex removals, applying the appropriate AI resources accordingly.
The iOS 27 developer beta now offers three Clean Up modes: ‘Fast’, which uses on-device AI; ‘High Quality’, which utilizes Apple’s Private Cloud Foundation models; and ‘Auto’, which automatically toggles between the two based on the specific editing task. This design aims to strike a practical balance between speed and output quality, addressing earlier shortcomings in the feature.
Why it matters
Apple’s move to incorporate cloud-powered AI for image editing reflects a broader industry trend toward hybrid solutions that blend local processing with cloud capabilities. This approach enables iPhones to deliver higher quality edits without compromising too much on speed or device resources, potentially narrowing the gap with competitors who launched similar tools earlier.
The update is significant because Clean Up had previously been considered a weak point in Apple’s software ecosystem, often producing unnatural or less convincing edits. By leveraging large-scale Foundation models selectively, Apple may finally offer iPhone users a tool that consistently produces professional-looking results, enhancing the native photo editing experience and reducing reliance on third-party apps.
What to watch next
As iOS 27 progresses from its developer beta to official release, further improvements to the Clean Up tool are anticipated. Users and reviewers will be closely evaluating how well the ‘Auto’ mode balances speed and quality in everyday use, and whether manual mode selection yields noticeable advantages for challenging edits.
Additionally, Apple’s privacy approach—processing detailed image edits via Private Cloud Compute—may invite scrutiny or discussion, especially concerning data handling and latency. Watching how Apple addresses these considerations alongside ongoing performance enhancements will be important for assessing the feature’s long-term success.