Apple Introduces Moving 'Live Photos' for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

Wednesday September 9, 2015 1:05 PM PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Apple today announced a new feature for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus called "Live Photos," allowing users to use the new 3D Touch feature on the iPhone to see quick, GIF-like movements in photos they have taken. The Live Photos feature is reminiscent of the fantastical moving photos featured in the Harry Potter movie, allowing users to see short bits of animation in their images.

Apple emphasized that Live Photos are not video, they're photos taken with all of the same high-quality camera capabilities brought to the new generation of iPhone, but they include an extra 1.5 seconds of footage at the beginning and the end of the photo to enable the mini animations. These animations are displayed when force pressing on a photo and when scrolling through photos in the Camera Roll.

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According to Apple, Live Photos will be able to be viewed on the entire line-up of the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch line. Users will even be able to use the new feature to set up Live Photos as a lock screen on iPhone, and even use the feature to make custom motion wallpapers for the Apple Watch. With a Live Photo as an Apple Watch face, it'll animate each time you raise your wrist to look at the time.

Tag: September 2015 event
37 comments


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ZacNicholson
44 months ago
now my nudes will look even weirder.. no one wants to see the fluffing part of a nude..
Rating: 8 Votes
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Protan
44 months ago
I dont see why this feature isn't extended to iPhone 6 or other iPhones. Why can't my camera take a "little video" as a picture?
Rating: 4 Votes
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mdridwan47
44 months ago
Perfect for those 16GB iPhones.
Rating: 4 Votes
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acearchie
44 months ago

As a father of three young kids this is the type of gimmick that I would use and compel me to upgrade. Hate to say it but it's true.


I don't think it's a gimmick at all if you find yourself using it a lot.

I think the main benefit is that there is no change to my workflow (not an external app) so all it is is a value add. I look forward to giving it a try!
Rating: 3 Votes
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acearchie
44 months ago

Yes, lots of other cameras/devices have been able to do this for years - it's a fun gimmick to use occasionally. Not "keynote-focus-worthy," but a nice add.


With the rise of apps like Giphy Cam and facebook support coming before the end of the year I think you will find this catching on amongst the younger generation.
Rating: 3 Votes
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manu chao
44 months ago

So in other words, GIFs are new again?

It means making GIFs has become as easy as it will likely ever get.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Jaro65
44 months ago
It will be interesting to see how much more memory these new live photos take.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Glassed Silver
44 months ago

I dont see why this feature isn't extended to iPhone 6 or other iPhones. Why can't my camera take a "little video" as a picture?

You know why it "can't". ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

Glassed Silver:mac
Rating: 2 Votes
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Analog Kid
44 months ago

I'm scared. No mention of battery life.

I'll have to look again when they post the video, but the battery in the flyover was listed with fewer mAh than the current 6.

Couldn't see voltage or the Whr rating, but I presume the cell voltage is the same. I also don't know the power draw. And it was a graphic, so no idea if it's accurate.

So, basically I have no information. I was just proud of myself for looking at the component values in the video and thought I'd share.
Rating: 2 Votes
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QuarterSwede
44 months ago

As a Lumia 1520 user which supported Live Images for more than a year, this is an incredible gimmick that nobody will use.

Is it as easy to take (one button you enable)? Could you use them on the lockscreen and have them auto sync across devices?

Apples biggest advantage is their ecosystem. If you live in it it's fantastic.
Rating: 2 Votes
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