# Apple's new photo controls work only on latest iPhones

> Apple's texture and grain editing features are limited to photos shot on iPhone 18 Pro models, despite initial confusion about broader compatibility.
- Title: Apple's new photo controls work only on latest iPhones
- Summary: Apple's texture and grain editing features are limited to photos shot on iPhone 18 Pro models, despite initial confusion about broader compatibility. Apple's…
- Keywords: apple, iphone 18 pro, iphone 16, texture and grain controls, photographic styles, ios 27, camera features, photo editing, feature limitation, technology, culture, Apple's
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/tech/998874/apple-iphone-18-pro-ios-27-camera-texture-grain-photographic-style
- Author: Andrew Liszewski
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:48:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, iphone 18 pro, iphone 16, texture and grain controls, photographic styles, ios 27, camera features, photo editing, feature limitation, technology, culture
## Apple's confusing camera feature announcement
Apple said new Texture and Grain controls would be available on older iPhones like the iPhone 16. But the company's wording left room for misunderstanding about what that actually meant.
## The real limitation revealed
The new controls only work when editing photos taken on iPhone 18 Pro models. Older phones can't use these features on their own photos, only on samples from the latest iPhones.
## Apple updated its press materials
Apple revised its press releases to clarify that Texture and Grain controls are exclusive to iPhone 18 Pro and specific cameras on iPhone Duo. The original September 11th release listed many more compatible models.
## Reddit users confirmed the restriction
A Reddit user tested the feature on an iPhone 16 Pro Max and found the controls only appeared when editing sample photos from an iPhone 18 Pro, not their own shots.
## The Verge tested it too
The Verge's reporter accessed the new Photographic Styles controls on an iPhone 16 Pro running iOS 27 when editing photographer Austin Mann's iPhone 18 Pro samples, but not on their own photos.
## Apple hasn't fully explained the feature
The Verge asked Apple how the feature is supposed to work on older phones but didn't get an immediate response. The company's clarification still leaves questions about the design choice.
## Key takeaway

Apple's new Texture and Grain controls only work when editing photos taken on iPhone 18 Pro, not on older phones editing their own photos.