Apple is preparing a major overhaul of its iPhone Camera app that will give users complete control over the interface layout and features. The customizable camera system will debut as part of iOS 27, marking one of the most significant changes to Apple’s photography interface in years.
The new approach will let users choose which camera controls appear on screen and where they’re positioned. According to people familiar with the plans, customizable elements include flash settings, exposure controls, timer functions, and resolution options, Bloomberg reported.
This shift represents Apple’s response to growing criticism from professional photographers and content creators who have long complained about the Camera app’s rigid interface. While competitors like Samsung and Google have offered customizable camera controls for years, Apple has maintained a more locked-down approach prioritizing simplicity over flexibility.
The timing coincides with Apple’s push deeper into the professional photography market. The iPhone 17 Pro models, expected to launch alongside iOS 27, are rumored to include enhanced camera sensors and improved computational photography features that would benefit from more granular user control.
Professional photographers have increasingly adopted iPhones as primary or secondary cameras for commercial work. Major publications and Hollywood productions now regularly use iPhones for filming, creating demand for more professional-grade software controls to match the hardware capabilities.
The customizable camera interface will likely appeal to several user groups:
- Professional photographers who need quick access to specific settings
- Content creators who frequently adjust exposure and resolution
- Casual users who want to simplify the interface by hiding unused features
- Accessibility users who need larger or repositioned controls
Apple’s decision to allow interface customization in the Camera app could signal a broader shift in the company’s design philosophy. The move comes after years of criticism that iOS has become too restrictive compared to Android alternatives.
The camera customization features are part of what sources describe as extensive user interface changes planned for iOS 27. Apple has not officially announced the update, but the company typically previews new iOS versions at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June before releasing them in September alongside new iPhones.
For Apple, the customizable camera represents a balancing act between maintaining its reputation for intuitive design and meeting demands from power users who want more control. The success of this approach could influence whether Apple extends similar customization options to other core iOS apps.