Technologies

Apple, Please Don’t Let AI Ruin the iPhone 17’s Camera

The iPhone 17 is right around the corner and I need Apple to focus on what matters.

AI has quickly made its way into all parts of our phones, and the cameras are no exception. I was taken aback by the Honor 400 Pro phone’s image-to-video AI tool when it brought my dad back to life, while the Pixel 9 Pro focused more on generative AI to add new elements to your Images or even create new scenes out of nowhere.

But the iPhones have always focused first and foremost on delivering some of the best image quality you can get in a camera phone, and as a professional photographer I want to see that same dedication to taking better photos.

It’s not that I don’t like AI. I do, when it’s applied properly. I like ChatGPT’s and Google Gemini’s ability to answer questions in a conversational way, I like Adobe’s use of AI for object removal in Photoshop and as a horror movie fan I’m genuinely excited about the terrifying visions I’ve seen created using AI.

But AI can also be a crutch for mobile companies to lean on in order to make up for shortfalls elsewhere. I liked the Pixel 9 Pro, but its camera hardware hadn’t been changed since the last model. The new generative AI tools became the new imaging-focused features for the upgrade. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera blew me away with its variable aperture that created stunning starbursts in night time images. And yet the more recent 15 Ultra ditched that in favor of software features, so the experience simply isn’t the same.

Apple’s iPhones have always impressed with their image quality. Back in 2019 I took the iPhone 11 Pro on a photography road trip instead of my usual Canon DSLR, and I frequently use my iPhone 16 Pro as my professional camera when carrying a bigger setup isn’t feasible. Apple’s image quality is top notch, with the phones typically producing natural image tones and less heavy-handed image processing, resulting in authentic looking images.

Its ProRaw image format and ProRes and Log video codecs are aimed at getting the best quality from the cameras. Apple has invested in core image quality technologies, not simply used AI to make up for any hardware shortcomings. It’s why Apple has won the hearts of creatives the world over and why the iPhone is often seen as one of, if not the best camera phones for professional or enthusiastic photo and video shooters.

And I’m not saying the iPhone occupies some AI-free utopia. Apple has been a pioneer in applying machine learning to overcome limitations of tiny smartphone cameras, such as its Deep Fusion imaging technology that captures multiple exposures and blends them into a final, evenly-exposed image. And I suppose to a lesser extent its Portrait Lighting tool from 2017’s iPhone 8 that used depth maps and algorithms to create artificial lighting effects. But these are arguably tools to enhance an existing image, and I’m worried that the next iPhone’s camera will be all about how you can generate entirely new scenes without even having to step outside your house.

The rise in popularity of dedicated compact cameras such as the Fujifilm X100 VI and the continued resurgence in the popularity of film photography has shown that the creative world still demands authentic photography. Real cameras taking real moments with your real friends. Actual sunset colors casting across golden sandy beaches, not an AI’s generic interpretation of what a beach looks like.

AI has its place and I’m braced for Apple’s September event to be AI-focused. As AI seeps deeper into our phone experience and Apple pushes on with its AI strategy, I’m concerned that the company could make rash decisions with its imaging experience in order to try and justify the existence of Apple Intelligence. But this shouldn’t come at the expense of core image quality, so I also want to hear about how I can take the iPhone 17 deep into the heart of my home country of Scotland and take the most beautiful photos of the incredible landscape in front of me.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im