Apple has introduced Extend and Reframe tools in iOS 27 that use Apple Intelligence to generate new areas of a photo, allowing users to expand backgrounds or change perspective after taking a shot. These features offer an alternative to traditional cropping, which only removes parts of an image. The new tools are available on supported iPhone models running iOS 27 or later, provided the device supports Apple Intelligence. Older iPhones that can install the operating system but lack Apple Intelligence support will not access these specific editing functions.
The Extend tool allows users to expand a photo beyond its original borders. This is useful when a subject is too close to the edge of the frame or when more space is needed around the main subject. Apple Intelligence generates additional background to fill the expanded areas. The Reframe tool offers more extensive control by changing the point of capture after the photo is taken. Users can move, zoom, rotate, and adjust the perspective of the image, with the AI generating the necessary portions for the new composition. Apple notes that these generative AI features can sometimes produce strange details, particularly around faces, hands, text, or complex backgrounds, so users should inspect the final result closely.
Competitors offer similar capabilities on Android devices. Samsung Galaxy phones use Galaxy AI Photo Assist, which includes a Move tool that repositions, rotates, or resizes parts of an image while using generative AI to fill in the resulting background gaps. The standard Gallery editor on Samsung devices also allows for aspect ratio changes and angle adjustments. Google Pixel phones feature Auto frame in the Google Photos app, which recomposes tightly cropped or poorly framed photos by using AI to fill in missing areas and extend backgrounds. Google includes manual controls for straightening, rotating, and adjusting perspective in the same Crop section. Availability of these Android features may vary by device, account, and region, and some features roll out gradually.
To get the best results from these AI editing tools, users should start with the clearest possible original image. AI cannot fully rescue blurry or badly exposed shots. Experts recommend making smaller edits rather than dramatically expanding the entire picture, as this often looks more natural. Before saving, users should zoom in to check faces, hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing for unexpected changes. Generative AI often struggles with letters and numbers, so street signs and text on clothing should be inspected carefully. Saving the edited version as a copy preserves the original photo in case the AI result is unsatisfactory.