 |
| Apple says its new Raw processor offers much better denoising, even when dealing with images from cameras that have “non-traditional sensor patterns.” Image: Apple |
Apple had some splashy announcements at its Worldwide Developer Conference keynotes regarding AI and the future of its software, but, as is often the case, some of the most interesting developments were saved for later in the week, in the developer sessions. Case in point: Apple has apparently reworked the pipeline for processing Raw images that powers not just its own apps like Photos and Pixelmator Pro, but also third-party ones that choose to integrate Apple’s tech.
In a video titled “WWDC26: Enhance RAW image processing with Core Image,” the company not only walks through the changes it’s making, but also provides a pretty good summary of how Raw data gets turned into a visible image through demosaicing, denoising, applying white balance and other adjustments, and more. But the meat of the video is the discussion around the 9th iteration of its Raw processor, which it characteristically calls its “biggest update yet.”
The company says it’s building machine-learning powered denoising straight into the demosaicing step, leading to sharper images in most situations, and dramatic improvements to rendering very noisy photos. That’ll be especially important when, say, trying to process photos shot with the relatively small sensors found in the latest iPhones, though Raw 9 supports more than just Apple’s cameras. The company says it can deal with Raw files from “hundreds” of cameras from “all major professional camera vendors,” and promises that more will be added as time goes on.
AI-powered denoising has become a major part of photo editing these days. Major photo editing software like Photoshop and DxO are gaining built-in support for it, and even standalone denoising apps like Topaz Labs are getting some buzz. It’s no surprise that Apple is building the tech into its own Raw processor, though it’s interesting that it essentially seems to be baking it in, without offering a ton of control over how it’s applied (though apps will still be able to offer sliders for luma noise reduction).
Raw 9 will be included on new operating systems like iOS, iPadOS and macOS 27
As for where Raw 9 will show up, you’ll likely start seeing output from it in Apple’s apps first, once its new operating systems like iOS 27 and macOS 27 “Golden Gate” are released this fall. It’s used not only in editing apps like Photos, but to allow you to view Raw images in the file browser, and in Preview.
Third-party developers will also be able to use it in their apps when dealing with Raw files, though it apparently won’t be the default, potentially thanks to the increased processing requirements versus Raw 8. And while we wouldn’t expect companies like Adobe to ditch their custom-made Raw convertors for it anytime soon, many indie photo editing apps on Apple’s platforms will likely use it, gaining better Raw output without requiring much extra work on the developers’ part.
As a heavy user of Apple Photos – I have over 20,000 Raw images stored in it going back to 2012 – I’m excited for this change. As Apple points out, part of the beauty of shooting Raw is that you can breathe new life into old photos by reprocessing them, and I’ll be very interested to see if I notice the difference in my strolls down memory lane.
Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
Cheers DPReview – thanks for the great work and content that guided photographers, videographers and techno junkies the world over!