In iOS 26, Apple’s Spatial Scenes feature can transform ordinary photos into dynamic, 3D images that respond to your movements. By adding depth and subtle motion to flat images, this clever AI-powered feature can bring photos in your iPhone library to life — and your iPhone doesn’t need Apple intelligence to use it.
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The Spatial Scenes feature works by intelligently separating subjects from backgrounds in your photos. When you move your iPhone, the foreground elements stay relatively stable, while the background elements shift slightly. This creates a parallax effect that mimics the way your eyes naturally perceive depth.
The function uses genetic artificial intelligence that analyzes your photos to detect different elements and create depth maps. It is important that it does not require Apple Intelligence to operate, which means that Spatial Scenes work on iPhone 12 models and newer.
Unlike spatial photos captured using iPhone 16, Spatial Scenes works with almost any existing photo that has a clear subject. Open any compatible image in the Photos app and look for a small hexagon icon in the top-right corner. Tap this icon and your photo will instantly take on the depth effect.
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Once activated, gently move your phone back and forth to see the spatial effect in action. The movement doesn't need to be dramatic – small tilts and shifts are enough to reveal the added depth.
It's not only the Photos app where you can enjoy Spatial Scenes. The wallpaper of your iPhone's Lock Screen can have the same appealing depth each time you look at the screen.
When browsing the wallpaper options of the Lock Screen, iOS automatically suggests photos from your library that are compatible with the feature. And if you manually select a Lock Screen photo that supports Spatial Scenes, you will see a toggle on the customization screen that allows you to enable or disable the effect.
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Apple is in the final testing phase for iOS 26 and is expected to release a public version in the coming weeks.
