Apple Reference Image is an optional iPhone 18 Pro camera mode that records signed sensor data alongside a regular photo. After the reference image is developed in Photos, you can compare it with the regular photo to see changes such as cropping, color adjustments, or generative edits. It offers a comparison of the image—not proof of everything that happened around the scene or of who shared it.
What Apple Reference Image does
Reference mode captures a regular photo together with data used to create a minimally processed reference image. The reference image is intended to help viewers compare the camera’s sensor capture with the finished photo. Because it receives less processing, it may look less contrasty and less saturated than the regular image.
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Apple describes the capture data as signed. The comparison can make some image changes visible, but it does not independently establish the full real-world context of a scene or prove that a person sharing the photo is trustworthy.
How to enable Reference mode and take a photo
- On iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, open Settings > Camera > Reference Image > Add Reference Mode, then follow the onscreen setup. Reference mode is off by default.
- Open Camera and swipe to Reference mode.
- Frame the scene and take the photo with the shutter button or a supported Camera Control.
Camera features and formats
Apple documents Live Photos, Portraits, and Photographic Styles as usable in Reference mode. Some features, including Night mode, are unavailable. If you need an unavailable camera feature, use the regular camera mode instead.
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How to develop and compare the reference image
- Open the photo in Photos and tap its Reference badge to develop the reference image. An internet connection is required. Apple says Photos will develop it the next time the device is online if you start while offline.
- Tap the Reference badge to view the reference image and compare it with the regular photo. Tap the image to switch between the two.
- Tap the Info button to inspect reference data.
To find these photos later, open Photos and go to Collections > Media Types > Reference. For Apple’s viewing instructions, see View reference images in Photos on iPhone.
How to share a reference image
Include it by default or for one share
To include the reference image by default, open Settings > Camera > Reference Image and turn on Share Reference Image. For a single share, select the photo, tap Share, open Options, and switch Reference Image on or off.
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Transfer to a computer
To include reference data when transferring photos to a Mac or PC, turn on Transfer Reference Image in Settings > Camera > Reference Image.
Develop before sharing
Apple warns that sharing a Reference mode photo before its reference image has been developed may include sensitive device information, such as the serial number, and the full image frame regardless of the zoom setting used when taking the photo. Develop the image first and review the share options before sending it.
Recipients can view developed reference images on Apple devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27 and later, according to Apple’s support material. Do not assume a recipient on another platform or an earlier OS can view the reference image.
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Supported devices and regions
Capture is supported on iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple says Reference mode is not available in the European Union. People in mainland China cannot capture or develop reference images, though they can view reference images shared with them. Apple’s instructions and regional details are in its Reference Image support article.
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Additional storage
Apple’s 2026 estimates for additional reference data are approximately 8–10 MB undeveloped and 3 MB developed at 12 MP or 24 MP, and approximately 35–40 MB undeveloped and 7–8 MB developed at 48 MP. These are Apple estimates, not independent measurements.
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Apple says reference data is processed through Private Cloud Compute and describes a privacy-preserving design; Apple claims it cannot access image data processed there. Those security and privacy assurances are Apple’s claims, not an independent verification. In its September 15, 2026 article, Apple Security Engineering and Architecture and Camera & Photos wrote: “This is not a simple problem to address.” Read Apple’s explanation of Reference Image for its account of the design.
Quick Recap
Decide whether Reference mode fits the shot
- Use it when you want a reference image to compare with the finished photo.
- Check the trade-offs if you rely on Night mode, have limited storage, or cannot get the photo online to develop it promptly.
- Plan for the recipient by confirming they have a supported Apple device and OS if they need to view the reference image.
- Protect the file by developing it before sharing and checking whether the reference image is included.
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