Apple's latest AI advancements were unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. While the exact date for a public rollout is still unknown, various AI features are anticipated to arrive next year on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Beta versions have been made available by the Cupertino tech firm. The Developer Beta 3 for iOS and iPadOS 18.1, along with macOS 15.1 Sequoia, introduces an AI-driven 'Clean Up' tool within the Photos app, aiming to rival Google's Magic Eraser and Samsung's Object Eraser.
Apple's 'Clean Up' AI Feature Competes with Magic and Object Eraser
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to note that the beta version is unstable and not advisable for installation on primary devices. The feature is available exclusively on devices that support Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro models and Macs and iPads powered by M-series chips.
The Clean Up tool, as its name implies, can identify and eliminate distracting objects and strangers from photos. It also offers functionalities such as healing blemishes and pixelating people's faces to protect their privacy. While it automatically detects and removes undesired elements, users can choose to tap, brush, or circle objects they prefer not to include in the image. Additionally, you can zoom in to adjust finer details. The tool is also adept at removing unwanted shadows and reflections.
Editing Photos with the Clean Up Tool
You can access the Clean Up feature while editing a photo in the Photos app. It is represented by an eraser-style icon located in the bottom toolbar. Edited images will have a 'Modified with Clean Up' label and this information will be added to the EXIF data. The tool is compatible with all images, regardless of whether they were taken with another phone or a DSLR.
Despite its capabilities, the AI-powered Clean Up feature isn't entirely perfect. It is expected to undergo refinements before the release of a stable version.
