How to Lift a Subject from a Photo in iOS 16

Apple’s iOS 16 introduced a built-in cutout feature that allows you to instantly isolate and lift a subject from a photo background without using third-party editing apps. This guide explains how to lift subjects—such as people, pets, and objects—directly from the Photos app, how to copy or drag the extracted image into other applications, and the hardware requirements necessary to use the feature.

Device Requirements

To use this feature, your device must be running iOS 16 or later and have an A12 Bionic chip or newer. Compatible devices include:

  • iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11 series
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series and newer
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Steps to Lift a Subject from a Background

  1. Open the Photos App: Launch the Photos app on your iPhone and select any picture containing a clearly defined subject, such as a person, animal, food, or distinct object.
  2. Tap and Hold the Subject: Press and hold your finger on the subject you want to isolate.
  3. Wait for the Haptic Feedback: After a brief moment, you will feel a slight vibration, and a shimmering, glowing white outline will sweep over the subject to indicate it has been separated from the background.
  4. Release to Reveal the Menu: Lift your finger to reveal a popup menu with two options:
    • Copy: Copies the isolated subject as a transparent PNG to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into Messages, Notes, Mail, or third-party apps like WhatsApp.
    • Share: Opens the standard iOS Share Sheet, letting you save the cutout as a standalone image, AirDrop it, or send it directly to a contact.

How to Drag and Drop the Cutout

Instead of using the Copy and Share menu, you can move the subject directly into other apps using multi-touch gestures:

  1. Tap and hold the subject until it lifts from the background.
  2. Without lifting your finger, slightly drag the cutout across the screen.
  3. While continuing to hold the cutout with one finger, use another finger (or your other hand) to swipe up to go home or switch to another open app (such as Messages or Notes).
  4. Hover the cutout over the text field or document and release your finger to drop the image directly into place.

This feature also works across other native iOS 16 apps, including Safari, Quick Look, Files, and inside paused frames of video in the Photos app.