An AI-powered “Clean Up” feature reportedly coming soon to the Apple Photos app could let users eliminate unwanted objects from images. If true, Apple could showcase the rumored image-editing feature Tuesday at its “Let Loose” event.
During the prerecorded product launch, Apple should show off new iPads alongside some updated accessories, like Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
‘Clean Up’ feature coming to Apple Photos app?
As Apple races to catch up to competitors, the company seems uncharacteristically open about efforts to incorporate AI into its products. Just last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he and his colleagues “believe in the transformative power and promise of AI.” He also said Apple is “looking forward to an exciting product announcement next week” (without offering specifics, of course).
An update to Apple’s website Monday could offer a hint about the possible Clean Up tool coming to Apple’s Photos app. The homepage now lets users erase various promo images for the Let Loose event just by swiping a cursor over them, like a virtual scratcher ticket.
Clean Up feature uses generative AI to whip images into shape
If it’s a hint, it’s a pretty obvious one. The Clean Up rumor comes from AppleInsider, which cited anonymous sources in its Monday report:
People familiar with Apple’s next-gen operating systems have told AppleInsider that the iPad maker is internally testing an enhanced feature for its built-in Photos application that would make use of generative AI for photo editing. The feature is dubbed “Clean Up” in pre-release versions of Apple’s macOS 15, and is located inside the edit menu of a new version of the Photos application alongside existing options for adjustments, filters, and cropping.
The feature appears to replace Apple’s Retouch tool available on macOS versions of the Photos app. Unlike the Retouch tool, however, the Clean Up feature is expected to offer improved editing capabilities and the option to remove larger objects within a photo.
Advanced photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop already offers similar AI-powered features that let users quickly and easily remove unwanted elements from their images.
Cook last week said Apple sees “generative AI as a very key opportunity across our products. And we believe that we have advantages that set us apart there.”
Apple’s commitment to data privacy is certainly one such advantage. But another one that clearly could apply here is that the Photos app comes free on Apple devices. If Cupertino can bolster its stock apps with pro-level capabilities, that could help sway consumers to buy new Apple gear. Alternatively, Apple could begin charging for certain “pro” features, as it continues to lean on services revenue to bolster its bottom line.
Let Loose event: iPads, Apple Pencil and a hint of AI?
Screenshot: Apple
If the rumored Clean Up feature in Apple’s Photos app proves real, the company could mention it at the Let Loose event. Such a high-profile reveal could offer potential customers an easy-to-understand glimpse at how AI can improve their everyday experiences with iPads, Macs and iPhones.
Still, the Let Loose event likely won’t focus on AI. We expect new iPad Pros and new iPad Airs to steal the spotlight at the virtual product launch.
The iPad Pros reportedly will feature OLED screens. And they might even run on an Apple M4 chip to better power AI tasks. Meanwhile, the iPad Air lineup is expected to add its first 12.9-inch model.
An upgraded Apple Pencil, possibly dubbed the “Apple Pencil Pro,” also likely will appear, as will a redesigned Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad. (Here’s how you can watch the Let Loose event.)
Expect more AI news from Apple at WWDC24
Apple probably will hold off on its major AI push until this summer’s Worldwide Developers Conference. At the June event, Apple will reveal new features coming to all its software platforms.
Until then, we’ll just have to take Cook at his word when it comes to Apple’s wide-ranging AI ambitions.
“We believe we have advantages that will differentiate us in this new era,” he said last week, “including Apple’s unique combination of seamless hardware, software and services integration, groundbreaking Apple silicon, with our industry-leading neural engines, and our unwavering focus on privacy, which underpins everything we create.”
Adding an AI-powered Clean Up feature to the Photos app could offer a glimpse of things to come.