Adobe releases free Photoshop app for iPhone

Adobe has announced the launch of a new Photoshop mobile app that offers users many of the same design, editing, and AI tools as the PC version. The app integrates with Photoshop on the web to allow creators to work on projects from multiple devices.

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Global iPhone users can now download the free Photoshop app from Adobe.

Adobe released Photoshop Express, a simplified version of its popular photo editing software, back in 2010. However, the new app is said to be more powerful and offers many of the same features as Photoshop. While both apps share some common tools like resizing, masking, adjusting contrast, and removing objects, the new app is closer to the PC experience.

The free version of Photoshop offers a wide range of editing tools, including the Spot Healing Brush, Tap Select, layers, selections, masks, and image blending and compositing features. It also integrates with Adobe Stock assets and Creative Cloud apps like Adobe Express, Lightroom, and Fresco. AI tools like Generative Fill and Generative Expand are also integrated from Adobe Firefly.

For those who want to experience the full range of features, there is a monthly subscription plan that costs $7.99 or $69.99 per year. This premium plan includes light/dark adjustment options, advanced blending modes, and access to web-based features.

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The full version will bring many additional features to users.

While Adobe hasn't announced plans for Photoshop Express, the app does offer a monthly subscription for $4.99. Supporting both apps at once could be confusing for users, especially since Adobe also has another editing platform called Adobe Express.

The launch of Photoshop on mobile is seen as a positive move by Adobe, especially since Photoshop Express has never offered quite the same experience as the PC version. The new app's user interface is optimized for mobile, allowing for easy fingertip control while still being geared toward creative professionals and complex design tasks.

As the mobile editing app market becomes more competitive, Photoshop Express downloads on iOS have declined, so the emergence of a mobile Photoshop app is the right move for Adobe.

Kareem Winters

Update 26 February 2025