It’s free and available on iOS first, with an Android version coming later this year.
Adobe has officially unveiled its most powerful Photoshop app for iPhone yet, bringing a host of advanced design, editing, and AI-powered tools straight to your mobile device. This revamped app bridges the gap between desktop and mobile creativity, giving users access to professional-grade features and seamless integration with Adobe’s ecosystem. Starting today, the app is globally available on iPhone, with an Android release slated for later this year, according to Adobe.
For over a decade, mobile users have relied on Photoshop Express for quick edits and social media graphics. While handy, Express never truly captured the full essence of desktop Photoshop. Now, with the release of this new app, Adobe is delivering an experience that feels far closer to what creatives are used to on their computers — making it easier than ever to edit on the go without sacrificing quality or control.
A Leap Beyond Photoshop Express
Since its launch in 2010, Photoshop Express has served as a simplified alternative to the desktop version, offering essential tools like cropping, resizing, and basic touch-ups. While Express will still be available, Adobe’s new Photoshop app is a game-changer, loaded with an expanded toolkit that makes mobile editing more robust and versatile.
The new app inherits many beloved desktop features, including:
- Spot Healing Brush: Quickly remove imperfections with a tap.
- Tap Select & Object Select: Effortlessly choose elements within your image.
- Layers & Masks: Add complex layers and mask elements for detailed compositions.
- Generative Fill & Expand: Powered by Adobe’s Firefly AI, these tools let you create or extend images with just a text prompt.
This shift transforms mobile Photoshop from a casual editing tool to a legitimate powerhouse for professional designers, photographers, and content creators.
Free vs. Premium: What You Get
Adobe is offering a generous free tier, giving users access to essential editing tools, layers, selections, blending, and even integration with Adobe Stock assets. This makes it easy for hobbyists or those new to Photoshop to get started without a financial commitment.
For those who need the full arsenal of features, Adobe offers a $7.99/month or $69.99/year subscription under the Photoshop Mobile and Web Plan. The premium version unlocks advanced tools like:
- Magic Wand & Content Aware Fill: Easily select and manipulate specific areas of an image.
- Clone Stamp & Remove Tool: Precisely duplicate or erase elements.
- Advanced Blend Modes & Color Effects: Control transparency, add dynamic color effects, and style your creations with precision.
- Light & Dark Adjustments: Fine-tune exposure and tone with more granular control.
- Web Integration: Seamlessly switch between the mobile app and Photoshop on the web, including access to Generate Similar and Reference Image tools.
And here’s a bonus: If you’re already subscribed to a paid Photoshop plan, you automatically get premium access to the new mobile app — no extra fees required.
The Future of Photoshop on Mobile
It’s not yet clear what Adobe plans to do with Photoshop Express, which remains a more affordable option with a $4.99/month subscription. Supporting both apps simultaneously might confuse users, especially with Adobe Express also in the mix — a separate app geared toward quick content creation and social media graphics. But one thing is certain: this new Photoshop app is a massive leap forward for mobile editing.
The timing of this release is strategic, too. Mobile editing is more competitive than ever, with apps like Canva rapidly expanding their AI capabilities and Apple’s recent acquisition of Pixelmator tightening the competition. By bringing a true desktop-like Photoshop experience to mobile, Adobe is staking its claim as the go-to platform for serious creators.
Designed for Creativity, Optimized for Mobile
Despite its powerful features, Adobe has thoughtfully designed the interface for mobile users. Tools are easily accessible, and you can drag and rearrange elements with your fingers. While the UI is simplified for touchscreens, it’s still sophisticated enough for intricate, labor-intensive design work.
Whether you’re a graphic designer crafting detailed compositions, a photographer fine-tuning images, or a content creator building eye-catching visuals for social media, this new app offers a flexible, professional-grade solution right in your pocket.
Adobe’s move to revamp Photoshop for mobile isn’t just welcome — it’s essential. As creative work becomes increasingly mobile and collaborative, the ability to seamlessly transition between devices is invaluable. And now, with a more complete, desktop-like Photoshop experience on iPhone, the creative possibilities are nearly limitless.
Ready to turn your phone into a portable design studio? Download the new Photoshop app today and start creating like never before.
