The fourth beta of iOS 18.1 has just landed, bringing significant improvements to the iPhone’s camera capabilities. Among the headline features is the new support for spatial photos, which was initially announced for the iPhone 16 series but is now being extended to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
Previously, iPhone Pro models introduced spatial videos, and with this latest update, Apple is adding a robust Spatial functionality that now includes photos. This is a big leap in creating more immersive and lifelike media, enhancing what users can do with their camera app.
Thanks to iOS 18.1, users of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will see a new Spatial section in their camera app, designed to make switching to spatial photo and video modes smooth and user-friendly. This new section aims to provide a seamless transition and optimize the user’s experience, ensuring they make the most out of the new feature.
Apple has some pointers for getting the best out of these spatial photos and videos: they recommend using landscape mode and maintaining stability while capturing the media. A spatial photo consumes about 5MB of space, while a minute-long spatial video takes up around 130 MB. For viewing, the Apple Vision Pro headset provides an immersive 3D experience, bringing the media to life like never before.
Additionally, the visionOS 2 update has also been released this week. This update allows users to convert any photo from their library into a spatial photo, adding an extra layer of convenience. While iOS 18.1 is currently in the beta phase and available for developers, it’s anticipated to be officially released this October. This update is also expected to come with the long-awaited Apple Intelligence features.
This current update could be a game-changer for the iPhone 15 Pro series’ camera functionality. With such substantial improvements, users might find fewer reasons to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 models, possibly opting to stick with their current devices for a while longer.
