Apple is reportedly considering adding professional shooting tools to the iPhone’s built-in Camera app with iOS 27. Developer pdfu, who examined the latest iOS 27 beta code, found traces of four features that have not yet been enabled: exposure monitoring with a histogram and waveform, highlighting in-focus areas with focus peaking, identifying overexposed regions with zebra indicators, and manual focusing with a slider. These tools have long been used in professional cameras and third-party iPhone apps. A histogram and waveform could help assess exposure more objectively, particularly in strong sunlight, while focus peaking could help users see points of focus with a shallow depth of field. Along with manual focusing, these features could provide greater control for those working with Apple ProRAW or professional video formats. However, the fact that the tools are not enabled in the beta versions does not mean they will definitely be included in the final version of iOS 27. Apple is expected to offer the technical controls as optional features.
Why it matters
These steps could enable users working with the built-in Camera app to make exposure and focus decisions in a more measurable way; they may be particularly likely to reduce the need for third-party tools among those with professional shooting habits. Having controls such as histogram, waveform, zebra and focus peaking in the same interface could provide more direct feedback while shooting in conditions such as strong light or a shallow depth of field. Manual focusing support, meanwhile, would be of interest to users who want greater control over focus than the automatic system provides and who work with Apple ProRAW or professional video formats. However, since the traces in the beta code do not show that the feature has been completed, the open question is whether these tools will be included in the final version and what scope they will be offered with.