Apple updates RAW photo processing with iOS 27's RAW 9 engine

Introduction of RAW 9

Apple announced the introduction of RAW 9 with the release of iOS 27 and its companion operating systems. This update represents a major overhaul of Apple's RAW image processing capabilities, aimed specifically at photographers who rely on the flexibility offered by the RAW format. RAW files retain all the data captured by a camera’s sensor, allowing for greater editing control over exposure, color, and white balance.

Technological Improvements

The new RAW 9 engine is based on a tiled CoreML model, integrating demosaicing and denoising processes. By processing these images using the Apple Neural Engine, the results show significantly improved clarity and detail, particularly in challenging lighting situations. David Hayward, a Core Image Engineer at Apple, emphasized the dramatic quality enhancements achieved with this new model.

Comparative Results

Demonstrations included comparisons between images processed with RAW 8 and RAW 9, revealing notable differences in image quality. For instance, a low noise image improved sharply in detail and clarity, while a high noise image showed substantial reductions in noise and clearer color representation. These improvements are particularly beneficial for photographers working with high ISO settings.

Support for Camera Models

The RAW processing system supports nearly 800 different camera models, providing tailored calibrations for each. This continual updating ensures compatibility with a wide range of photography equipment, which is crucial for maintaining functionality across diverse imaging needs. Apple’s ongoing support is essential for professionals who often switch between various camera systems.