Changes to the Magnifier App Layout in iOS 15

Apple introduced a major redesign to the Magnifier app in iOS 15, turning what was once a basic accessibility utility into a fully customizable visual aid. The update refined the interface with an expandable control drawer, streamlined primary and secondary tool sets, and seamlessly integrated advanced camera-based detection features directly into the main viewfinder.

The Redesigned Bottom Control Palette

The core layout change in iOS 15 is the unified bottom control panel. Instead of spreading controls across various screen edges, Apple consolidated the interface into a floating bottom card. The zoom slider remains permanently anchored and readily accessible at the center, accompanied by the primary shutter button and a gear icon for quick settings adjustments.

Expandable and Collapsible Drawer

To reduce visual clutter while viewing objects, the tool menu was rebuilt as an expandable drawer. Users can swipe up on the control tray to reveal secondary utilities or swipe down to minimize them, leaving an unobstructed view of the camera feed. This gesture-driven design prevents accidental taps and keeps the viewfinder clear for reading text or inspecting items.

Customizable Control Layout

iOS 15 added the ability to personalize which tools appear in the main interface. Through the in-app settings screen, users can:

• Add or remove secondary controls, such as Flashlight, Contrast, Brightness, Color Filters, and Focus Lock.
• Drag and reorder icons so the most frequently used functions sit closest to the user's preferred thumb reach.
• Separate tools between primary controls (visible in the minimized tray) and secondary controls (visible when expanded).

Integrated Detection Mode

For devices equipped with LiDAR scanners (such as Pro models), iOS 15 introduced a dedicated Detection Mode icon directly within the layout. Tapping this icon activates advanced visual recognition tools, such as People Detection, with on-screen visual and auditory distance indicators overlaid directly on the camera interface.

Multi-Shot Review Strip

The multi-image capture layout was also updated for better review. When taking multiple frames to inspect a subject from different angles, captured shots populate a clean horizontal strip along the bottom. Users can tap between frames to zoom in and adjust filters on each individual shot before exiting, all without cluttering the device's main Photos library.