Adobe has officially launched a full-featured version of Photoshop for iPhone, bringing professional-level image editing capabilities to mobile users in a significant expansion of their creative ecosystem.
The new Photoshop mobile app delivers core desktop features including layering, masking, and generative AI tools in a mobile-optimized interface.
A Desktop-Class Editing Experience on Mobile
Unlike the previous Photoshop Express app, this new release represents the first time image editing capabilities of this complexity and power have been available in a single mobile application.
Adobe has redesigned the interface specifically for mobile screens while maintaining the powerful functionality that professional designers and photographers rely on.
"We're excited to bring the limitless creative possibilities of Photoshop to mobile, making the app's iconic image editing and design capabilities accessible for everyone from professional artists and designers to a whole new generation of creators trying Photoshop for the first time," said Ashley Still, senior vice president of digital media at Adobe.
The app provides a seamless creative workflow across devices, allowing users to start projects on mobile and continue editing on desktop, web, or iPad versions of Photoshop. This cross-platform compatibility means existing Photoshop users can now access their projects on the go, make quick edits, or capture ideas wherever inspiration strikes.
Feature Highlights and AI Integration
The mobile app includes several standout features:
- Full layer support for combining and compositing images
- Advanced selection tools including the intuitive Tap Select for removing, recoloring, or replacing image elements
- The Spot Healing Brush for quickly removing distractions
- Firefly-powered generative AI tools including Generative Fill and Generative Expand
- Integration with other Adobe apps including Express, Fresco, and Lightroom
- Access to Adobe Stock's library of free assets
Adobe has placed particular emphasis on responsible AI implementation, noting that Firefly is "commercially safe and only trained on content that Adobe has permission to use."
Content generated with Firefly-powered tools in Photoshop mobile includes Content Credentials, which function like a "nutrition label" for digital content to promote transparency around AI usage.
Pricing Structure and Availability
The Photoshop mobile app follows a freemium model. Users can download the app for free, but unlocking the full feature set requires a subscription.
Adobe offers a new dedicated Photoshop Mobile and Web plan at $7.99/month or $69.99/year, which includes additional features on mobile and iPad, along with access to Photoshop on the web.
Existing Photoshop subscribers will automatically have access to the mobile version as part of their current plan. While the app is immediately available for iPhone users worldwide through the Apple App Store, Android users will need to wait a bit longer, with Adobe promising availability "later this year."
Popular Alternatives for iPhone Users
While Adobe Photoshop now brings professional-grade editing to iPhone, several established alternatives have built loyal user bases:
- Affinity Photo: Offering a one-time purchase model rather than a subscription, Affinity Photo provides professional tools including RAW editing, layer support, and advanced retouching capabilities.
- Darkroom: Popular among photographers for its intuitive interface and powerful editing tools, Darkroom offers premium filters and advanced color grading tools.
- Snapseed: This free Google-owned app delivers professional-grade editing tools with a focus on simplicity, featuring selective adjustments and a range of filters.
- Pixelmator Pro: Built specifically for iOS devices, Pixelmator combines powerful editing with an intuitive touch interface and includes machine learning-powered features.
- Lightroom Mobile: Adobe's own photo-focused app offers excellent organization and editing capabilities with a subscription model.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Adobe's release represents a significant moment in mobile creativity, potentially bringing professional-grade image editing to a much wider audience.
By making core Photoshop features accessible on smartphones, Adobe aims to attract both experienced designers seeking mobility and new creators who may eventually transition to the desktop version.
The company appears to be positioning this app as both an entry point for new users and a complementary tool for existing subscribers, reflecting the growing importance of mobile devices in creative workflows. With cross-platform compatibility and AI-powered tools, Adobe is clearly responding to changing creator needs while strengthening its position in the expanding mobile creativity market.
As mobile hardware continues to advance in processing power and screen quality, we can expect the distinction between mobile and desktop creative applications to continue blurring, with Adobe leading this transformation in the image editing space.