Apple Highlights Depth Control Feature on iPhone XS, XS Max and XR With New How To Video

Apple today shared a new how to video that's designed to walk new iPhone users through using the Depth Control feature on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.

Depth Control, a feature new to the 2018 iPhones, lets you adjust the amount of background blur in a photo taken with Portrait Mode using either the front or rear camera.


Depth Control can be accessed by choosing a Portrait Mode photo from the Photos app, selecting the "Edit" button, and using the slider at the bottom of the screen to adjust the blur from f/1.4 (maximum blur) to f/16 (no blur).

Depth Control is available when editing an already-captured photo and as of iOS 12.1, there's a real-time Depth Control feature for adjusting blur before you take a photo.

Apple has in the past shared multiple short how to videos like this to highlight photography capabilities on the iPhone along with iPhone X features.

We're likely going to see several more videos focused on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in the coming weeks as Apple helps users adjust to the new features available on the devices.

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Top Rated Comments

seatton Avatar
87 months ago
Unfortunately, my outdated iPhone X cannot do that :(
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marconelly Avatar
87 months ago
Unfortunately, my outdated iPhone X cannot do that :(
You can use the app called Focos that does this, and so much more - including adding lights to a scene you shot, and moving them around in 3D space. It's kind of insane and way more advanced than just this feature - and works on iPhone X and up.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
87 months ago
Unfortunately, my outdated iPhone X cannot do that :(
*Is not allowed to do that.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
87 months ago
Depth sensing tech still needs a lot of improvement. I would say the way it is done today is barely usable.
This picture was taken by my iPhone X Max using the "portrait" mode.
Take a look at the chair or at the right side of the pumpkin.

You’re right. Barely usable. What a joke. Looks like a 1MP camera was trudged through custard and then a small child with a head resembling a lightbulb threw the phone in the air.

Simultaneously another child, also with a lightbulb-shaped head, was wearing a pair of oven gloves and soared through the air like a salmon to press the camera at the exact same time.

The result was the utter blur you’ve posted. Though honestly to my eyes I think it’s not too terrible. But hey, what do I know — I’m no photographer.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
87 months ago
I never thought I’d hear a backing track comprised entirely of alert sounds, but there you go.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H818H Avatar
87 months ago
Couldn't care less about this shiitty, fake depth of field BS that apple is pushing like it's the best thing since sliced bread

"We built a shittty photoshop-type effect right into the camera. $1000 please"

No deal
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)