Report: Apple plans customizable camera app in iOS 27

Apple's camera app on the iPhone is apparently getting its biggest overhaul in a long time with iOS 27. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple wants to make the interface completely customizable. Users will reportedly be able to decide for themselves in the future which controls appear at the top of the app and where they are located. This should take the wind out of the sails of critics who repeatedly complain that while the camera app is simple, it is too rigid for ambitious photographers.

Widgets instead of fixed controls

Apple is adopting the term widgets for the controls. By default, the app will continue to start with the familiar switches for resolution, night mode, flash, and Live Photos. Those who want more control can switch to an advanced view or configure their own selection. Custom layouts should be savable for each shooting mode – such as photo, video, or portrait. This would give ambitious photographers more control. The widgets can be added from a transparent bar that slides up from the bottom – a concept reminiscent of widget management on the home screen.

Each shooting mode will have its own set of widgets. In photo mode, Apple sorts the advanced options into the categories basic, manual, and settings. According to the report, these include controls for depth of field and exposure, as well as controls for the timer and photo styles. New options for a grid and a level are also included. The switch that displays all available controls moves from the upper right corner to the right edge of the shutter button.

New Siri mode for Visual Intelligence

In addition to photo, video, and the other existing modes, a new Siri mode is expected in the revised app. It will give users direct access to Apple's Visual Intelligence. This should allow them to identify plants or recognize text, for example, and translate it directly in the camera view. For Apple's AI strategy, this means not only offering it via Siri or a separate app, but also integrating it more deeply into the camera app.

Bloomberg places the camera plans within a larger overhaul of iOS 27. Design changes will reportedly also affect the system search, Safari, the Image Playground image generator, and the Weather app. In addition, there will be system-wide adjustments such as new animations and revised tab bars. With these changes, Apple aims to streamline the Liquid Glass design language introduced last year. The company is expected to unveil the update officially on June 8 at its WWDC developer conference. A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment on the plans when contacted by Bloomberg.

(ims)