A feature we thought was an iPhone 15 exclusive has turned out to be available on other recent iPhones running iOS 17. That means you can adjust portrait focus and depth when editing a photo taken with either the iPhone's rear or front cameras, even without upgrading your phone.
In the Photos app editing menu, you can disable portrait mode entirely if you want to, or adjust the strength of the bokeh effect. But more importantly you can now change the focus level of the shot to completely change the character of the photo. You can see an example of this below.
iOS 17 is getting its official launch on September 18 for the iPhone XS and newer. But if you’re reading this after that date, or have a beta version installed, check out the steps below to try adjusting focus and depth in your iPhone Portrait mode shots now.
How to use Portrait mode Focus and Depth Control on iPhone
1. Open a photo in the Photos app and select the Edit option
You can try these portrait adjustment features with any portrait mode shot, but you'll get the most use from it with images with multiple potential subjects, such as this one with me and a sculpture.
2. Adjust the depth of the portrait effect
Tap the Portrait button at the top of the screen to disable portrait mode, or swipe left on the depth adjustment slider to reduce or remove the bokeh (depth) effect.
Alternatively, swipe right to strengthen the bokeh effect.
3. Tap a part of the image to move the focus
You'll see the yellow square move to indicate where the image is focused. You can adjust the depth effect again after this to perfect your image.
4. Try this on older images too
Any images taken with portrait mode prior to iOS 17 will still offer the same controls.
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