Adobe’s New Photoshop App for iPhone Brings Desktop-Like Power to Mobile

Adobe has unveiled a powerful new Photoshop app for iPhone, bringing a more feature-rich and professional editing experience to mobile users. Unlike its predecessor, Photoshop Express, this new app delivers an experience that closely mirrors the desktop version, complete with advanced editing tools and generative AI features. The app is available for free on iOS starting today, with an Android release expected later this year.

A More Authentic Photoshop Experience on Mobile

For years, Adobe has offered Photoshop Express, a simplified mobile editing app that provided basic retouching and enhancement tools. However, this new Photoshop mobile app takes things to the next level by integrating with Photoshop on the web and supporting many of the same professional-grade tools found on the desktop version.

While Photoshop Express catered to casual users and social media enthusiasts, the new Photoshop app is designed for creative professionals who need powerful editing tools on the go. The UI is still optimized for mobile, allowing users to drag, pinch, and select tools with their fingers, but it retains the flexibility and depth of Photoshop’s core functionality.

Key Features Available in the Free Version

Adobe’s new Photoshop app for iPhone includes an impressive suite of tools even in its free version. Users can access features such as:

Spot Healing Brush – Remove blemishes and unwanted elements from images with a single tap.
Tap Select – Easily select and edit specific parts of an image.
Layers and Masks – A fundamental Photoshop feature, now available on mobile for intricate editing.
Compositing and Blending – Merge multiple images together seamlessly.
Adobe Stock Assets – Direct access to Adobe’s vast stock photo library.
Cloud Integration – Seamlessly switch between devices and continue editing with Adobe Creative Cloud.
Firefly-Powered Generative AI Tools – Includes Generative Fill and Generative Expand to create and modify images with AI assistance.

Premium Features for Subscription Users

While the free version is robust, Adobe has locked several high-end Photoshop features behind a premium paywall. Users who want access to more advanced tools can subscribe for $7.99 per month or $69.99 annually. This premium tier unlocks:

Object Select & Magic Wand – Advanced selection tools for pinpoint accuracy.
Content Aware Fill – Automatically fills in missing areas in an image.
Clone Stamp – A staple Photoshop tool for duplicating and blending image elements.
Remove Tool – AI-powered object removal for seamless edits.
Light & Dark Adjustments – Fine-tune exposure and contrast with professional precision.
Advanced Blend Modes – Gain more control over transparency, color effects, and styles.
Web Integration – Access to Photoshop’s web-based features, including Generate Similar and Reference Image tools.

Subscribers to existing Photoshop plans automatically gain premium access to Photoshop on mobile, making it a seamless transition for professionals already using Adobe’s ecosystem.

How It Compares to Photoshop Express and Other Editing Apps

The launch of this new Photoshop app raises questions about the future of Photoshop Express, which currently offers a $4.99 per month premium tier. Adobe has not clarified whether it plans to maintain both apps, but it’s clear that the new Photoshop app offers a more advanced experience, catering to professionals rather than casual users.

This move comes at a time when competition in mobile photo editing is heating up. Canva continues to expand its AI-powered editing tools, making it a popular choice for social media and marketing content. Meanwhile, Apple recently acquired Pixelmator, a powerful editing suite for Mac and iOS, signaling increased competition in the space.

Why This Matters for Creative Professionals

For years, mobile users who wanted a true Photoshop experience had to rely on a combination of Photoshop Express and Lightroom, neither of which fully replicated the desktop workflow. This new app bridges that gap, offering:

A professional-grade editing experience on mobile.
Cross-platform integration with Photoshop on web and desktop.
AI-powered tools to speed up workflows.
Cloud-based access for seamless project management.

This means designers, photographers, and content creators can now start a project on their iPhone and continue refining it on their desktop without losing functionality.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Adobe on Mobile?

With Adobe’s aggressive push into AI-powered editing, we can expect future updates to introduce even more generative tools. Features like real-time collaboration, improved AI object detection, and expanded cloud storage could further cement Photoshop’s dominance in the creative industry.

Additionally, with an Android version set to launch later this year, Adobe is positioning itself as the go-to professional editing app across all mobile platforms. The key question remains: Will Adobe continue supporting Photoshop Express, or will it eventually merge the two apps?

Adobe’s new Photoshop app for iPhone marks a significant evolution in mobile photo editing. By bringing professional-grade tools to mobile devices, Adobe is empowering creatives to work with greater flexibility and efficiency.

While the free version offers plenty of features for casual users, professionals will likely find the premium tools indispensable for their workflows. As Adobe continues to refine its mobile strategy, this release sets a new standard for what’s possible in mobile editing.

For those already in the Adobe ecosystem, this app is a game-changer. For new users, it presents an opportunity to experience Photoshop in a more accessible and portable format. Either way, the future of Photoshop on mobile has never looked more promising.