Best Photo Editing Apps for iOS

Adobe has also added more 3D Touch support. In the Camera Roll browser view, a short touch will give you a Peek at the image. A longer press will Pop the photo onto the full screen. You can also press on the app’s icon to launch a number of Quick Actions. The Peek and Pop functionality is also available using the Grid View. Just to note, you can edit images on your device for no charge. But if you want to access your photos on other devices, including a PC, you’ll need to have an Adobe Creative Cloud Photography subscription. You’ll need to shell out $9.99 per month to subscribe, but new users do receive a free 30-day trial.

Why we love it

There is a growing crowd of smartphone photographers who don’t use the desktop at all for photo editing, so Adobe is clearly transitioning the target audience of the Lightroom mobile apps in the right direction. This powerful image editing tool is great for anyone looking for a free option for their iOS device or those who already have an Adobe subscription.

Most importantly, the app now support editing any pictures taken in Portrait Mode on some new iPhones. Editing and adjustment can be done thanks to using the depth data captured when those images are taken. With overlay support, users can superimpose two images together or add additional parts to an image​. To help get users started, the app already has elements like light leaks, flares, clouds, weather effects, backgrounds, and gradients. Up to 12 different images can be stacked together. Another new addition is duotone editing. There are a number of presets to select from or you can build one from scratch. Designed for the iPhone and all iPad models, Polarr Photo Editor can be downloaded now on the App Store for free. With a Polarr subscription, which costs $2.49 per month or $23.99 per year, you can access all unlimited features of the app on a number of different platforms including the Mac.

Why we love it

Creating vintage photos was never easier

When you want to create a vintage look for your photograph, you want the process to be as easy as possible. Faded provides that ease of use, giving you a step-by-step path to achieving the look you want. You start by choosing your photo, either from your library or by snapping it with the camera. Then it's on to the fun of adding effects. When you add an effect, such as the emulsifier effect I chose, you get several options to choose from. Some come with your initial purchase, and some require an additional in-app purchase. Then you can move on to other filters and effects, including frames, gradients, and cropping your image to a certain aspect ratio. Once you've applied all the effects you want, it's time to export. Faded allows you to save your creation to your camera roll, share it to social media, or even have it printed.

Why we love it

What really makes Faded stand out is the immense library of filters and effects you can use. There are film presets, emulsifier effects, and light leaks, to name just a few. The app is also incredibly easy to use. Some apps might cram all of those effects into an ugly interface, but not Faded. The user interface is gorgeous and well-organized, putting all of the controls right where you need them. Speaking of controls, Faded doesn't stop at filters and preconfigured presets. You can also take control of the settings of your photograph, including brightness, contrast, exposure, white balance, and more.