Google has significantly updated its Snapseed photo editing application for iPhone, introducing a built-in camera with full manual controls and retro film emulation effects. The update, the second major one in under 12 months, marks a substantial shift for the app, which had seen limited development from Google for several years. This move underscores the ongoing evolution of mobile photography and the demand for professional-grade tools on smartphones.
The recent Snapseed camera defaults to automatic mode, but provides optional controls for ISO, shutter speed, and focus, alongside features like flash and zoom. Users can also shoot utilizing saved “looks” and edit stacks from within the application, with the ability to modify these even after the photo has been taken. A variety of preset effects are included, mimicking the look of classic film stocks from companies like Kodak and Fujifilm. Multiple color themes are also available for customizing the user interface.
According to 9to5Google, the camera function initially appeared in a limited capacity as early as December 2025, accessible only through the lock screen widget, Camera Control, or Control Center – without any mention in the official app update notes. The latest update integrates the camera directly into the main application, launching via an icon in the upper right corner, officially releasing the feature to users.
Google surprised users in June 2025 with the release of Snapseed version 3.0, which brought a major redesign and new features. This was the first significant update to the app since the introduction of dark mode in 2021. Following its acquisition of Snapseed in 2012, the application experienced a period of inconsistent support. Although the version 3.0 update has yet to arrive on Android, developers have confirmed on Reddit that it is in development and expected to launch “in a few months.”
