The 7 Best iPhone Photography Apps (Hint: The 2 Best Ones Are FREE)
The iPhone is an incredible tool for photography, with its advanced camera features and user-friendly interface. But to truly unleash its potential, you need the right photography apps. In 2025, the competition for the best apps has reached new heights, offering advanced editing tools, unique filters, and professional-grade controls. What’s even better is that some of these powerful apps are free!
In this blog, we’ll explore The 7 Best iPhone Photography Apps, highlighting their unique features and why they’re perfect for capturing stunning photos. And yes, we’ll reveal the two best free ones that every iPhone photographer should download right now.
1. Snapseed (FREE)
When it comes to free photography apps, Snapseed reigns supreme. Developed by Google, this powerful app offers advanced editing tools while being completely free of charge.
Why It’s Amazing:
- User-friendly interface with professional-grade tools.
- Advanced features like selective adjustments and curves.
- Wide variety of filters and editing presets.
- RAW editing support for photographers who want maximum control.
Best For: Beginners and pros who want detailed photo edits without spending a dime.
2. VSCO (FREE + Premium Options)
VSCO has gained immense popularity among creatives for its film-inspired presets and easy editing tools. While some features are behind a paywall, the free version is packed with enough to make your photos look stunning.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Signature filters that give a cinematic feel.
- In-app camera with manual controls.
- Social sharing community for inspiration.
Best For: Creatives looking for an aesthetic boost to their photos.
3. Adobe Lightroom Mobile (FREE + Premium)
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is the go-to app for photographers seeking professional-grade editing tools on their iPhones. The app’s free version is feature-rich, but the premium version offers additional tools like masking and healing brushes.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Powerful editing sliders for exposure, contrast, and colour.
- Syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless desktop-to-mobile workflow.
- RAW file support for detailed editing.
Best For: Professionals and enthusiasts who need advanced tools.
4. Halide Mark II (PAID)
Halide is the ultimate app for manual photography on the iPhone. It turns your iPhone camera into a DSLR-like tool with full manual controls.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Full manual controls for focus, ISO, and shutter speed.
- Focus peaking and depth capture for sharp shots.
- ProRAW support for advanced editing.
Best For: Serious photographers who want full control over their shots.
5. Afterlight (FREE + Premium)
Afterlight is a blend of simplicity and power. This app offers a wide range of filters, textures, and tools to make your photos stand out.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Easy-to-use editing tools with over 130 unique filters.
- Textures and overlays for creative enhancements.
- Frame and border options for social media posts.
Best For: Social media enthusiasts looking to enhance their photos.
6. ProCamera (PAID)
ProCamera is a professional-grade app that combines advanced photography features with a user-friendly interface. It’s perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos with manual control.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Manual settings for exposure, focus, and white balance.
- Low-light mode for better night photography.
- Video recording with high-quality settings.
Best For: Professionals and hobbyists who want DSLR-like control.
7. Prisma (FREE + Premium)
Prisma transforms your photos into works of art. With its AI-powered filters, you can turn any picture into a painting, sketch, or abstract masterpiece.
Why It’s Amazing:
- Unique art-inspired filters.
- Intuitive interface for quick edits.
- Regular updates with new styles.
Best For: Creative users who want to add an artistic touch to their photos.
How To Choose The Right App For You
When selecting the best iPhone photography apps, consider your photography style and editing needs:
- Casual photographers: Snapseed and VSCO offer free tools that are easy to use.
- Professionals: Halide and Adobe Lightroom Mobile provide advanced controls and editing capabilities.
- Creative artists: Prisma and Afterlight add unique artistic elements to photos.
Bonus Tips For Better iPhone Photography
- Use ProRAW: Combine apps like Halide or Adobe Lightroom with ProRAW settings for maximum detail.
- Experiment With Filters: Apps like VSCO and Afterlight offer a wide range of filters to suit every mood.
- Edit Like A Pro: Spend time learning the advanced tools in Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile for professional results.
Conclusion
The world of iPhone photography apps in 2025 is more exciting than ever. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional photographer, there’s an app tailored to your needs. From free powerhouses like Snapseed and VSCO to premium tools like Halide, these apps can transform your photos into stunning works of art.
Download these apps today and take your iPhone photography to the next level.