Top 3 Key Points:
- ‘Clean Up’ Feature: Easily remove unwanted objects from photos using the new Clean Up tool in the Photos app.
- Best for Simple Backgrounds: Works best with small objects on uncluttered backgrounds, but struggles with complex scenes.
- Limitations Noted: Does not support Live Photos or videos, and AI edits are noted in the metadata.
Apple recently rolled out the third beta of iOS 18.1, introducing a new feature in the Photos app called “Clean Up.” This tool allows users to remove unwanted objects from their photos with a simple tap. However, while the tool shows promise, its performance can be inconsistent depending on the complexity of the photo.
To use the Clean Up tool, open any photo and tap on the edit button. You’ll notice a new icon that resembles an eraser. When you tap it, Clean Up will automatically highlight any obvious objects in the photo that can be removed. Simply tap on the highlighted area, and the object will disappear, almost like magic. If no object is automatically highlighted, you can manually circle or scribble over the unwanted item to remove it.
Clean Up works best when dealing with small objects against a clear and simple background. For instance, removing a small item from a clean backdrop is straightforward. However, if you try to remove something larger, like a person in a busy background, the results might not be as smooth. The tool is mainly designed for minor edits, so it may struggle with more complex tasks.
If your first attempt doesn’t look perfect, you can keep trying. Zooming in on the photo allows for more precise adjustments, letting you fine-tune the edits.
It’s important to note that Clean Up doesn’t work with Live Photos. When you use Clean Up on a Live Photo, it disables the live feature. Although you can turn Live Photos back on, doing so will remove the Clean-Up edits. Additionally, this tool isn’t compatible with videos but works with most other image types, including screenshots and older photos, regardless of the device used to take them.
While Clean Up is a handy tool for quick edits on your iPhone, it’s not yet as advanced as some desktop editing software. Apple is likely to refine this feature in future updates. Also, any clean-up edits will be marked in the image’s metadata, indicating that the photo has been altered using AI.
Another benefit of the Clean Up tool is that all edits are reversible. If you’re not satisfied with the changes, you can revert to the original image at any time.
In addition to Clean Up, iOS 18.1 beta 3 introduces a couple of other enhancements. The notification summary feature now works across all apps, allowing you to see summaries of multiple messages or single notifications at a glance. Moreover, in the Messages app, third-party stickers can now be used in-line, similar to emojis, expanding the creative options for users.
This update brings some exciting new features, with Clean Up standing out as a simple yet powerful tool for improving your photos on the go.
