During WWDC 2026, Apple showcased the Spatial Reframing feature, which allows for changing the perspective of ordinary photos and creating a three-dimensional scene effect. Although it may seem like just another photo editing tool at first glance, it could actually be part of a much larger plan. The new solutions demonstrate that the company is increasingly developing technologies related to 3D imagery and immersive experiences.
Photos are starting to resemble three-dimensional worlds
The new feature available in iOS 27 allows users to subtly change the perspective of a photo after it has been taken. Artificial intelligence analyzes the photograph and generates additional fragments of the image that were not visible in the original frame. As a result, it creates the impression that the photo has depth and space reminiscent of a 3D scene.
Apple uses a technology known as Gaussian Splatting for this. It is responsible, among other things, for the realistic avatars of Persona in Apple Vision Pro and the increasingly detailed three-dimensional views in Apple Maps. This solution enables the creation of extremely realistic models of objects and entire spaces based on photographs or recordings.
In practice, this means that an ordinary photograph ceases to be a flat image and begins to resemble a fragment of a digital world that can be viewed from different angles.
This could be the start of a bigger revolution
According to market observers, the new features are merely the first step. In visionOS 27, Apple also introduces the ability to transform panoramas into spatial environments that surround the user. This solution allows one to almost "step into" previously taken photos and view them in a more natural way.
Currently, the capabilities are still limited and do not allow free movement through the generated scenes. However, the development of technology suggests that Apple is gradually building the foundation for more advanced systems for creating digital copies of real places. Similar solutions are already being used by developers of VR applications and manufacturers of mixed reality goggles.
Experts point out that future Apple devices could utilise such capabilities much more broadly. In the long term, photographs and videos could transform into full-fledged spatial memories that could be viewed almost as if the user were back in that particular place.
Spatial Reframing in iOS 27 is not just a new visual effect for photos. The feature shows the direction in which Apple is developing its imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, and spatial reality. If the company continues to consistently develop Gaussian Splatting, the future of photography could look completely different from today.
source: cnet
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