Adobe's Photoshop App for iPhone just got a significant upgrade, and the best part? Many of these new tools are free! Photoshop, much like giants such as Netflix and Uber, is so ingrained in our digital lives that it’s become a verb. We don’t just edit photos; we "Photoshop" them.

Previously, mobile versions of Adobe's image editing software, like Photoshop Express, offered limited functionality compared to their desktop counterparts. But with the release of version 6.0 on February 25, 2025, this gap is closing fast. The new update includes some powerful features that bring the app closer to the full desktop experience, and surprise, surprise—most of these features won't cost you a dime.

What's New in the Photoshop App?

Apple's update notes highlight that, for the first time, a comprehensive set of tools is available for free, allowing users to perform essential Photoshop tasks right on their mobile devices. Here's a quick rundown of what's included:

• Image Transformation: Mix images, graphics, and text to create something unique that truly stands out.

• Color Changing: Use Tap Select or Lasso tools to pick areas in your image—like your hoodie or sneakers—and tweak the colors to your liking. You can also adjust brightness and vibrancy for that extra pop.

• Background Replacement: Swap out the background of your image with one from your phone, generate a new one using AI, or choose from a wide array of free Adobe Stock images featuring various textures and patterns.

• Object Removal: Effortlessly remove unwanted elements by selecting them with Tap Select and using the Generative Fill tool for a seamless finish.

• Spot Healing: Clean up any blemishes or distractions with the Spot Healing Brush.

The Power of Generative AI

One of the most exciting features is "generative fill," which uses AI to add or remove parts of an image based on your prompts. Imagine removing trees from a photo of a skateboarder and then adding "fun pink fuzzy clouds" to the background—it's like magic for your photos!

While the AI features are impressive, Adobe hasn't forgotten about the essential tools that longtime Photoshop users rely on. The traditional elements like contrast and color balance are still there, making these AI enhancements feel like a bonus rather than a replacement.

Upgrading for More Features

If you find the free options limiting, Adobe offers a Photoshop Mobile and Web Plan for $8 a month. This plan includes the ability to switch seamlessly from mobile to web, access to Firefly-powered tools for unique designs, a massive font library, and more precise selection tools, among other advanced features.

Waiting for Android

For those eagerly waiting for these updates on Android, there’s a bit of a wait. Adobe has mentioned that the Android version is slated for release later in 2025. Fingers crossed, it won't be too long!

In summary, Adobe's latest update for the Photoshop app on iPhone is an exciting leap forward, providing powerful tools for free and making mobile photo editing more accessible and fun than ever. Whether you're a casual user or a seasoned pro, there's something in this update for everyone.