Apple has introduced a groundbreaking new feature called “Clean Up” in the iOS 18.1 beta 3, which was made available to developers on Thursday. This advanced tool is designed to help users enhance their photos by removing unwanted objects or distractions from images with the help of AI technology.
The “Clean Up” feature is part of Apple’s broader initiative, Apple Intelligence, which focuses on integrating AI-driven capabilities across their ecosystem. Available directly within the Photos app, this feature is easy to access and use.
When editing a photo, users will find an eraser-style icon at the bottom of the screen. Tapping on this icon activates the “Clean Up” mode, which automatically scans the image for any background elements that may detract from the main subject. Once identified, the AI removes these distractions, leaving behind a cleaner, more focused photo.
But the functionality doesn’t stop there. In addition to automatic detection, users can also manually remove specific objects by simply swiping their fingers across the screen. This gives users complete control over the editing process, allowing them to refine their images to their exact liking.
A key advantage of this feature is its versatility. The “Clean Up” tool works not only on photos taken with an iPhone but on any image stored in your photo library, making it a powerful tool for all your photo-editing needs.
The introduction of this feature was first announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, signaling the company’s continued commitment to enhancing the user experience through innovative technologies.
It’s worth noting that Apple’s new feature will compete directly with Google’s existing tools. Google has already made strides in this area with its “Magic Eraser,” which launched two years ago on Pixel phones, and more recently, the “Magic Editor.” These tools have since expanded to be available on a wider range of Android devices, setting the stage for a direct comparison between Apple’s and Google’s approaches to photo editing.
