Ever snapped a picture you were excited about, only to realize—later on—that you were too close, maybe cropped out some background, or placed the subject awkwardly in the frame? Often, the usual fix is to crop even more. But now, your phone might just offer a different approach.
With iOS 27, Apple has introduced new tools called Extend and Reframe in its Photos app. Rather than simply trimming the image, Apple Intelligence can actually create new areas around the original photo or adjust its perspective after it’s taken. Similar AI editing options are available on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones, helping salvage those less-than-perfect moments.
What’s New for Photos in iOS 27?
Apple has rolled out several upgrades in the Photos app with iOS 27. Notably, the Extend and Reframe features stand out.
Extend allows you to add background space around your photo. For instance, if someone’s head is clipped at the top of the image, or if you simply want more space around your subject, Apple Intelligence can generate that extra background.
Reframe takes it a step further. Apple claims that it enables users to change the original capture point. Essentially, users can shift the image, zoom, rotate, and adjust the perspective, while the AI generates the necessary extra portions for the reworked composition.
These tools are quite different from traditional cropping, which simply removes parts of the image. By using Extend and Reframe, you can create parts of the image that weren’t captured in the first place. But do keep an eye on the final result; sometimes areas produced by AI can yield unusual details, particularly with faces or intricate backgrounds.
Which iPhones Can Use Extend and Reframe?
To utilize Extend and Reframe, you need Apple Intelligence technology and iOS 27 or newer.
Currently, Apple Intelligence is compatible with:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 models or newer
Keep in mind that availability might vary based on your region and language. Some features may have limitations based on the phone model; if you have an older iPhone that can run iOS 27 but lacks Apple Intelligence, these specific editing options won’t be available.
How to Extend a Photo on iPhone in iOS 27
Use the Extend feature to add more space around your subject or expand the edges of the original photo.
- Open the Photos app.
- Select the photo you’d like to edit.
- Tap the Edit button, represented by three horizontal sliders.
- Tap Tools.
- Select Extend.
- Pinch or drag the photo to create extra space.
- You can also adjust the crop by dragging the edge of the frame.
- Tap Extend.
- Review what the AI generated.
- Tap Done, then Done again to finish.
If you later want to adjust it, Apple lets you revert the Extend changes.
How to Reframe a Photo on iPhone in iOS 27
Reframe is ideal when the composition feels off in addition to being too tight.
- Open the Photos app.
- Select your photo.
- Tap the Edit button.
- Tap Tools.
- Select Reframe.
- Touch and drag the photo to alter its perspective.
- Use two fingers to pan, zoom, or rotate.
- Tap Reframe.
- Check the revised image against the original.
- Tap Done, then Done again.
This feature can be particularly handy when your subject seems oddly placed or you wish to adjust the angle you shot from.
How to Fix a Badly Framed Photo on a Samsung Galaxy
Samsung takes a different approach with its Galaxy phones, employing Galaxy AI Photo Assist. This includes tools for repositioning, removing, or adding objects in a photo. For making adjustments, the Move tool is useful—it allows you to reposition or resize parts of the image and fills in backgrounds generated by the adjustments.
How to Use Photo Assist on a Compatible Samsung Galaxy
The specific menus can vary slightly by model and software version.
- Open the Gallery app.
- Select the photo you want to edit.
- Tap the Edit icon, which resembles a pencil.
- Find and tap the Photo Assist icon, shown as a circle with stars.
- Choose Move, displayed with four arrows around a small diamond.
- Select or draw around the subject or object you wish to move.
- Reposition, rotate, or resize as needed.
- You can also adjust the angle while in Move mode.
- Tap Generate.
- Review the finished result.
- Save it as a copy when satisfied.
How to Fix a Badly Framed Photo on Google Pixel
Google Photos offers a similar feature called Auto frame, which closely resembles Apple’s Extend tool. Google indicates that Auto frame can recompose an overly tight or poorly framed photo and even use AI to fill in any missing areas.
How to Use Auto Frame on Google Pixel
Ensure your Google Photos app is up-to-date.
- Open Google Photos.
- Select the photo to fix.
- Tap Edit.
- Select Crop.
- Choose Auto frame.
- Let Google Photos analyze the image.
- Review the suggested edits.
- Tap Done once satisfied.
- Save your changes.
Google Photos also includes options for Straighten, Rotate, Perspective, and Aspect ratio under the Crop section if you prefer manual adjustments. Some features may roll out gradually, so if Auto frame doesn’t appear immediately, a quick app update could help.
5 Tips for Better Results with AI Photo Editing
AI editing tends to work best with a reasonably clear original image. Here are some tips:
1) Start with a Sharp Photo
While AI can create new areas around an image, it can’t salvage every blurry or poorly lit shot. Begin with the best quality image you can.
2) Make Smaller Changes First
Instead of making large adjustments, try incrementally adding space around the edges. Smaller edits often look more natural.
3) Look Closely at People
Zoom in before saving. Check for any odd alterations to faces, hands, or clothing.
4) Check Signs and Other Text
AI can struggle with text, so examine signs, storefront details, and anything with writing carefully.
5) Keep the Original
When prompted, save the edited version as a copy. This keeps your original photo intact in case the AI output isn’t what you expected.
Key Takeaways
One of the annoyances of smartphone photography is that moment when you realize you almost captured the perfect shot. Maybe you were a bit too close or tilted the camera not quite right. With iOS 27, iPhones that support it now have options like Extend and Reframe to help fix those framing issues. I appreciate that Galaxy and Pixel users have similar tools to work with as well. While these features won’t substitute for taking a well-composed photo to start, they might help you save images you would have otherwise tossed out.
