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

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im