iOS 26 introduces Spatial Scenes, which use AI to turn flat photos into depth-rich, interactive images.
The effect works even on older iPhones (iPhone 12 and newer) without the need for Apple Intelligence.
Third-party apps, such as SpatialCamera or 3D Photo View, also allow you to convert 2D images into 3D spatial photos.
With the release of iOS 26, Apple has added a feature called Spatial Scenes to the Photos app. This new feature uses on-device AI to map depth and separate layers inside any regular image. This provides regular 2D photos with a natural sense of depth and movement.
When you tilt your iPhone, you can see the foreground and background shift. This small motion creates an immersive effect that feels fresh and surprisingly realistic, even without special hardware. With this upgrade, many users are finding a new reason to revisit their old photo collections and bring them to life.
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Spatial Scenes runs on iPhone 12 and newer models, even if they don’t use complete Apple Intelligence. Importantly, older devices like the iPhone 11 or SE (2nd generation) are not supported for creating spatial scenes.
Update your iPhone to iOS 26 via Settings, then go to General, click Software Update.
Open the Photos app and pick a photo that has good separation between the subject and the background.
Tap the small hexagon icon (Spatial Scene button) in the top right corner. The photo will be processed and converted into a 3D-style scene.
Once converted, gently move your iPhone to see the parallax effect where foreground and background shift to create depth.
If you want more control or enhanced effects, several apps let you convert 2D into 3D spatial content:
1. SpatialCamera uses an on-device AI model to convert 2D images to spatial photos.
2. 3D Photo View Converter supports quick one-tap conversion and works for viewing on devices like Apple Vision Pro or VR headsets.
3. Spatial Video Studio offers both on-device and cloud-based conversion, giving flexible options for higher quality results.
The photo editing upgrade marks a major shift in how iPhones handle image enhancement and creates more immersive memories. Earlier, 3D or spatial photos required special hardware (like dual-camera setups) or dedicated devices.
Currently, with iOS 26, even standard images can gain a 3D feel using just software. The built-in AI runs on the Neural Engine, so privacy stays intact since processing happens on your device.
Also Read: Apple Launches iOS 26.2 Public Beta with Major App and Interface Upgrades
Compared to older techniques that relied on stereoscopic pairs or hardware depth data, Spatial Scenes offers AI-generated depth on any flat photo, making 3D conversion accessible to everyone. Third-party apps further expand the use case by letting users tweak depth, export for AR/VR, or send to extended reality devices.
For users familiar with Vision Pro or other spatial platforms, converting legacy photos provides a way to relive old memories in a fresh, immersive format. As spatial computing becomes more common, this feature strengthens Apple’s ecosystem for both casual users and creators.
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1. How to make a photo look 3D on iPhone?
Open Camera on your iPhone. Swipe right on the screen to select Spatial mode. Rotate your iPhone to landscape orientation. To take a spatial photo or record a spatial video.
2. What is the app that turns photos into 3D models?
Copilot 3D transforms an image into a usable 3D model, ready for rendering, printing, or incorporation. Copilot 3D makes 3D creation more accessible.
3. How to make a photo a spatial scene?
Unlike spatial photos captured using iPhone 16 models, Spatial Scenes works with virtually 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 upper-right corner. Tap this icon, and your photo instantly gains the depth effect.
4. Are spatial photos the same as 3D?
Spatial photos and videos look 3D on Apple Vision Pro, and appear 2D on other devices. If you take spatial videos on iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can share them with people who have Apple Vision Pro to view on their device.
5. What is a spatial photo on an iPhone?
A spatial photo from an iPhone captures 3D-like depth information, allowing for an immersive, three-dimensional viewing experience on an Apple Vision Pro.