GoKawiiliOS 27's Clean Up and Extend tools tested against Adobe Photoshop's generative fill
A reviewer compared Apple's revamped Clean Up tool and new Extend feature in iOS 27, running on an iPhone 18 Pro Max, against Adobe Photoshop's Firefly-powered Generative Fill and Expand tools. The test used six travel photos shot on an iPhone 17 Pro Max, split evenly between object removal and image extension tasks, with settings kept as consistent as possible across both platforms.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The comparison suggests Apple is closing the gap with Adobe on AI-assisted photo editing directly within its native Photos app, which could reduce casual users' need for third-party software. Because Photoshop still allows larger image expansions and more manual control over selections, professionals may continue to prefer it, but Apple's on-device improvements could shift expectations for what smartphone photo editing can achieve without extra apps.
- iOS 27 upgrades the Clean Up tool and adds a new Extend feature for AI photo editing.
- Testing pit Apple's Photos app against Adobe Photoshop's Firefly-based Generative Fill and Expand tools.
- Photoshop allows greater flexibility in image expansion size, while Apple's Extend tool has built-in limits.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max — This is the exact device used to test iOS 27's new Clean Up and Extend AI photo editing tools featured in the article. With its powerful camera system and on-device AI processing, it's ideal for photographers who want to experiment with Apple's latest generative editing features straight from the Photos app.
See Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Michael Bower, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “Apple vs. Adobe: How does iOS 27’s AI photo editing compare to Photoshop?”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.