There's no question about it, iPhones are known for having some of the best phone cameras on the market, and it's something Apple takes great pride in. With every new iOS update, Apple adds features that users want and need to make the most of their devices. In iOS 26, one of the most useful tools is Photographic Styles, which allows users to apply filter-like adjustments directly in the native Camera app. Unlike traditional filters, these styles can be fine-tuned and saved, making them a powerful option for creative control without the need for third-party apps or extensive editing. Follow along as we show you how to start using Photographic Styles on your iPhone.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to enable and customise Photographic Styles on IOS 26
- Photographic Styles in iOS 26 let you modify tone, colour, and intensity for personalised results in every shot.
- You can activate and customise styles either from the Camera app or through the Settings menu.
- Styles can be applied temporarily for one photo session or saved as the default option for future shots.
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How to Use Photographic Styles on iPhone with iOS 26
The fastest way to use the new Photographic Styles on iPhone is directly via the Camera app. This allows you to preview changes in real time before pressing the shutter and taking a picture, making it the best option for experimenting with different looks during a single shoot. Most people will find this the best method, as you can see exactly what the image will look like before you take the shot.
How to Activate Photographic Styles in iPhone Camera
Before you start, you need to be aware that Photographic Styles only work when the camera is set to High Efficiency (HEIC). If you are shooting in RAW, the option will not appear in the menu.
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Tap the button with six dots in the upper-right corner.
- From the menu that appears at the bottom, select Styles.
- By default, the style is set to Standard, which applies no filter. Swipe left or right to explore the available options such as Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, or Cool.
- Customise the selected style by adjusting tone and colour sliders, then fine-tune intensity with the bar below.
- Once satisfied, press the shutter to capture your photo. To save the current adjustments as your default style, tap the square icon in the top-right corner.
- To reset a style to its original values, select it and tap the circular arrow icon.
Configuring Photographic Styles Through iPhone Settings
If you prefer to set a style as your permanent default without testing it live, you can do so from the Settings app. While this method does not provide a real-time preview, it is convenient for users who want a consistent style applied automatically.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Camera.
- Select Photographic Styles.
- A gallery of sample photos will appear, each demonstrating one of the available styles.
- Swipe through the options and tap Use [Style] to set your choice.
- For more control, tap Customise to adjust tone, colour, and intensity. Save your edits with the blue button in the top-right corner, or restore default values using the circular arrow next to the sliders.
