Halide 3.1 update adds RAW capture and perspective correction
Halide 3.1 adds perspective correction, RAW-only capture, and a new Scarlet color profile to improve iPhone photography. This matters because it gives users more control over editing and fixes common
Apple’s favorite iPhone camera app just got smarter. Halide 3.1, the Scarlet Edition update from Lux, adds three new features: perspective correction
Read Full Story at 9to5Mac →Why This Matters
Halide's latest update signals a growing demand for professional-grade controls in mobile photography, challenging the assumption that computational photography alone can deliver studio-quality results. By introducing RAW-only capture, the app empowers photographers to reclaim control over post-processing—a critical step as smartphone sensors and algorithms continue to blur the line between convenience and craftsmanship.
Background Context
The iPhone’s dominance in mobile photography has long relied on its seamless hardware-software integration, often at the expense of user customization. Apps like Halide have carved out a niche by offering manual controls, but RAW capture was a notable gap until now. Meanwhile, the rise of AI-driven editing tools has created a paradox: while users can enhance images with unprecedented ease, they’re increasingly locked into proprietary workflows that prioritize speed over creative flexibility.
What Happens Next
Expect other third-party camera apps to accelerate their RAW-focused features, particularly as Apple’s own ProRAW format gains traction. The Scarlet color profile’s introduction could also pressure other developers to innovate in color science, especially as iPhone users become more discerning about tonal reproduction. Meanwhile, the broader question remains: will Apple embrace these shifts in its native camera app, or will it continue to favor a streamlined experience over granular control?
Bigger Picture
This update reflects a broader fragmentation in smartphone photography, where power users and professionals increasingly migrate to niche tools to escape the limitations of default experiences. It also highlights a paradox of modern tech: as AI and automation simplify image-making, the most dedicated creators seek out ways to reintroduce complexity—mirroring trends in music production, where digital tools democratized access but analog purists pushed back.
