What Is the iOS 18 Clean Up Tool in Photos?

The Clean Up tool in iOS 18 is Apple’s generative AI-powered editing feature designed to remove distracting objects, photobombers, and unwanted elements from images without altering the main subject. Powered by Apple Intelligence, it analyzes the background, lighting, and textures to seamlessly replace unwanted items with realistic filler. This guide explains what the feature does, how it works, compatible devices, and the steps to use it.

How the Clean Up Tool Works

Integrated directly into the native Photos app, the Clean Up tool functions similarly to object-eraser tools found in professional editing software. When activated, advanced machine learning models analyze the entire composition. The tool automatically detects objects that do not belong in the focal point—such as stray trash, background strangers, or glares—and highlights them with an iridescent glow.

Users can either accept the automated suggestions or manually circle, brush over, or tap any element they want gone. The AI then removes the selected area along with any corresponding shadows or reflections, synthesizing the surrounding pixels to produce a natural-looking finish.

Key Features

  • Smart Detection: Automatically identifies background distractions so you can remove them with a single tap.
  • Precise Manual Control: Allows you to zoom in and brush over specific, intricate imperfections like skin blemishes or small wires.
  • Lighting and Reflection Handling: Removes associated shadows and reflective surfaces connected to the target object so the final image remains consistent.
  • On-Device Processing: Operates locally via the Neural Engine on supported hardware, ensuring private photo processing without mandatory cloud uploads.

Device Compatibility

Because the Clean Up tool relies on Apple Intelligence, it requires an Apple silicon chip capable of handling heavy generative tasks. The feature is available on devices running iOS 18.1 or later, specifically:

  • iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • iPads and Macs equipped with M-series chips (iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1)

How to Use the Clean Up Tool

  1. Open the Photos app and select the image you want to edit.
  2. Tap the Edit icon (represented by slider controls) at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select the Clean Up tool (indicated by an eraser icon).
  4. Tap an automatically highlighted object, or use your finger to circle or brush over the item you want to remove.
  5. Pinch to zoom in for finer detail when removing smaller artifacts.
  6. Once satisfied with the results, tap Done to save the changes.