Adobe Photoshop Finally Arrives on iPhone: A Game-Changer for Mobile Editing
For years, Adobe Photoshop has been a mainstay in the Mac ecosystem and made its way to the iPad over five years ago. However, there was one notable platform missing from its lineup—the iPhone. That changes today with the official launch of a dedicated Photoshop app for Apple’s smartphone.
The Need for a Mobile Solution
As mobile photography and digital art creation gain traction among users who prefer working directly from their phones, Adobe recognized the need for a version of Photoshop tailored specifically for smaller screens. This new app is now accessible on the iPhone, with an Android adaptation anticipated later this year.
Features Designed with Pocket Screens in Mind
Adobe promises that they have crafted this application “from scratch,” ensuring it incorporates essential features like layering and image adjustments—which are hallmarks of the classic Photoshop experience—while also being user-friendly on a compact display. Users can expect to find many familiar tools present in desktop versions or iPad applications including:
- A comprehensive layering system
- Advanced compositing capabilities
- Smooth blending options
- Spot healing tools
- A vast selection of fonts and creative effects
- Robust selection and masking utilities
- Innovations driven by AI such as generative fill and Firefly-powered image creation tools.
Image courtesy of Adobe.
The Subscription Model Unveiled
The good news is that while downloading Photoshop is free, accessing its premium features comes at a cost. As expected from Adobe’s ecosystem, users will need to subscribe if they want access to advanced functionalities. For $7.99 per month (or $69.99 annually), you can enroll in a new Mobile & Web plan, which allows you not only to use Photoshop on your phone but also grants access to its web functionalities along with premium features available through both mobile apps.
This subscription model enables users to securely save their projects in cloud storage and retrieve them easily across different devices or locations—an essential feature for creators constantly on-the-go.
A Breakdown of Premium Features Behind Paywalls
You may be wondering what exclusive benefits come with subscriptions? Notably, features powered by Firefly AI require subscription access—as does an extensive library featuring over 20,000 distinct Adobe fonts. Some key functions modern-day users expect—including Magic Wand selections, Object Select capabilities, Content-Aware filling options, clone stamping tools, as well as sophisticated blending modes—are reserved solely for subscribers.
An Easy Transition for Existing Users
If you’re already subscribed to one of Adobe’s paid plans that includes access to desktop or iPad versions of Photoshop today, you’ll automatically gain entry into all premium functions offered within this new mobile app as well! The recent subscription option primarily targets newcomers using exclusively mobile devices without prior exposure to other platforms within the Creative Cloud suite.