Best Photo Editing App for iPhone in 2026
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We evaluated six leading iOS photo editing tools based on RAW support, AI automation capabilities, pricing models, and specific feature sets like perspective correction and object removal. This ranking is designed for iPhone users ranging from casual selfie editors to travel photographers seeking alternatives to Adobe Lightroom Mobile.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Photomator | 9.2 | Travel photographers editing landscapes and cityscapes on the go who want a Lightroom alternative |
| 2 | YouCam Perfect | 8.8 | Beginners and social media users editing selfies and portraits with AI-driven results |
| 3 | Snapseed | 8.5 | Users seeking a powerful, completely free editing solution without recurring costs |
| 4 | TouchRetouch | 8.2 | Users who specifically need to remove unwanted objects from their iOS photos |
| 5 | SKRWT | 8.0 | Photographers needing to correct perspective distortions in architectural or cityscape shots |
| 6 | iOS Photos App | 7.5 | Users requiring basic, free photo editing without installing third-party apps |
Photomator
9.2- Supports classic RAW and Adobe ProRAW formats for professional-grade edits
- Offers selective masks to apply adjustments to specific photo areas
- Includes manual and machine-learning denoise capabilities
- One-time purchase option available at $119.00 USD
- Lacks AI-based object removal, requiring a separate app like TouchRetouch
- Perspective correction is limited compared to dedicated tools like SKRWT
- Annual subscription costs $39.99 USD if not purchasing outright
Best for: Travel photographers editing landscapes and cityscapes on the go who want a Lightroom alternative
YouCam Perfect
8.8- Features AI-powered object and background removal
- Includes specific face reshaping tools for chin, cheeks, and width
- Automatic body and portrait detection streamlines workflow
- Free tier available for most basic functions
- Advanced AI tools require a $9.99/month premium subscription
- Less suitable for complex RAW editing compared to Photomator
- Focused primarily on selfies and social media rather than professional photography
Best for: Beginners and social media users editing selfies and portraits with AI-driven results
Snapseed
8.5- Completely free with no subscription fees
- Recognized as one of the best free photo editing apps on iOS
- Offers robust manual editing controls without paywalls
- Lightweight and fast for quick edits
- Lacks advanced AI features like automatic object removal found in paid apps
- No native support for Adobe ProRAW in the same depth as Photomator
- Interface can be less intuitive for absolute beginners compared to YouCam
Best for: Users seeking a powerful, completely free editing solution without recurring costs
TouchRetouch
8.2- Specialized specifically for removing objects from photos
- Highly effective for cleaning up clutter in iOS photos
- Simple, focused interface reduces learning curve
- Works seamlessly as a companion to full editors like Photomator
- Not a full-featured editor; lacks color grading and exposure tools
- Requires purchasing or using alongside other apps for complete edits
- Limited utility for users who do not need object removal
Best for: Users who specifically need to remove unwanted objects from their iOS photos
SKRWT
8.0- Specialized in fixing perspective distortions for buildings and architecture
- Essential for correcting vertical lines in cityscape photography
- Simple, dedicated tool for a specific photographic problem
- Integrates well into architectural photography workflows
- Narrow focus; does not offer general photo editing capabilities
- Useless for non-architectural or portrait photography
- Requires separate apps for color correction or object removal
Best for: Photographers needing to correct perspective distortions in architectural or cityscape shots
iOS Photos App
7.5- Free and included with every iPhone
- Provides basic photo editing capabilities without extra downloads
- Deep integration with the iOS ecosystem and iCloud
- Sufficient for quick exposure and color adjustments
- Limited to basic editing functions; lacks advanced tools like selective masks
- No support for RAW editing in the same depth as dedicated apps
- Lacks AI-powered object removal or perspective correction tools
Best for: Users requiring basic, free photo editing without installing third-party apps
How to choose
Choose Photomator for professional RAW and ProRAW editing, or YouCam Perfect for AI-driven portrait tools.
Select Photomator for a one-time $119 purchase option, or YouCam Perfect for a $9.99 monthly subscription model.
Use TouchRetouch or SKRWT for specific object removal or perspective correction, rather than full editors.
Pick Snapseed for robust free manual controls, or iOS Photos for basic built-in adjustments without extra costs.
Our verdict
Photomator is the top choice for serious iPhone photographers due to its ProRAW support and selective masking, while YouCam Perfect leads for AI-driven portrait editing. For specialized needs, TouchRetouch and SKRWT offer superior object removal and perspective correction, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free photo editing app for iPhone with advanced features?
Snapseed is completely free and offers robust manual editing controls, though it lacks the AI automation found in paid apps like YouCam Perfect.
Can I buy Photomator without a subscription?
Yes, Photomator offers a one-time purchase option for $119.00 USD, in addition to its $39.99 USD annual subscription.
Which app is best for removing objects from photos?
TouchRetouch is specialized specifically for removing objects, while YouCam Perfect also offers AI-powered object removal as part of its broader feature set.
Does the iOS Photos app support RAW editing?
The iOS Photos app provides basic editing capabilities but lacks the advanced RAW support and selective masking tools found in dedicated apps like Photomator.
