Adobe’s Indigo app brings professional-level camera control to iPhone users, now with support for the iPhone 17 series.
For iPhone users seeking more than the standard camera capabilities, Adobe’s Indigo app offers a powerful alternative. While iPhone cameras capture impressive images, they’re primarily designed for casual, everyday photography. Indigo changes that by providing granular control over camera settings, allowing users to achieve more professional results.
What is Indigo?
A Professional Camera App for iPhone
Launched earlier this year, the Indigo app brings advanced camera functionality to iPhone users. It offers precise control over settings like white balance and shutter speed, along with AI-powered features such as resolution upscaling for long-distance shots and denoising tools.
The app is available on all iPhones and serves as a powerful tool for photographers looking to enhance their mobile photography experience. However, users have been waiting for the app to support the newest iPhone models.
iPhone 17 Support
Indigo Finally Works with iPhone 17
For months, iPhone 17 owners have been eagerly awaiting Indigo support. The app now works with the iPhone 17 series, but only with the rear cameras. Support for the front camera — which features Apple’s Center Stage technology and a new square sensor design — is coming in an upcoming iOS 26.1 update.
This update will resolve a compatibility issue, allowing the app to function seamlessly with the latest iPhone models.
Key Features of Indigo
Professional Control Meets AI Innovation
Indigo combines manual camera controls with cutting-edge AI features:
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Zero-Lag Shutter : Adobe’s proprietary technology captures raw images continuously while the viewfinder is active. This means your image is technically captured the moment you press the shutter button, eliminating delay. This is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects.
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AI Upscaling : Need to zoom in on distant objects? Indigo’s AI algorithm combines multiple frames to create a 10x digital zoom with impressive clarity, far exceeding the standard iPhone camera app.
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Denoising and Reflection Removal : These tools help clean up images, reduce noise, and remove unwanted reflections, resulting in sharper, clearer photos.
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Lightroom Integration : As an Adobe product, Indigo makes it easy to export images to Lightroom for further editing. While raw compatibility isn’t perfect across all editors, the DNG files produced by Indigo are generally well-suited for professional workflows.
Hands-On Experience
How Indigo Performs in Real-World Scenarios
Let’s take a closer look at how Indigo performs in practical situations:
1. White Balance Control
One of the standout features of Indigo is its ability to manually adjust white balance. In my testing, I used the app to warm up the tones in a shot of a bird flying over Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The result was more natural and vibrant than what I would have gotten with the standard iPhone camera app.
2. Zero-Lag Shutter
This feature is a game-changer for capturing action. By continuously capturing raw images while composing, Indigo ensures your image is ready the moment you press the shutter. This eliminates the slight delay found in most smartphone cameras, making it ideal for sports or pet photography.
3. AI Upscaling
When zooming in on distant subjects, Indigo’s AI upscaling produces remarkably clear images. Compared to the standard iPhone camera app, Indigo’s 10x digital zoom retained more detail and produced a crisper result.
4. Denoising
The app’s denoising tool not only reduces noise but also subtly sharpens the image. While it doesn’t over-sharpen like some other tools, it enhances fine details in grass and tree bark without looking artificial.
Comparison with Other Phones
How Does Indigo Stack Up?
In my testing, I compared Indigo with the iPhone 16 Pro camera app and other high-end smartphones:
- iPhone 16 Pro : While the native camera app produces excellent images, Indigo offers more control and flexibility, especially for creative photography.
- Android Competitors : Phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro have impressive camera systems, but Indigo’s combination of manual controls and AI features gives it an edge for specific use cases.
Is Indigo Right for You?
Who Should Use This App
Indigo is perfect for:
- Serious Photographers : If you want more control over your shots, Indigo offers professional-level features.
- Creative Photographers : The app’s AI tools and manual settings allow for more artistic expression.
- Tech Enthusiasts : Indigo represents the cutting edge of mobile photography technology.
However, there are some drawbacks:
- Limited iOS Compatibility : Support for the front camera is still pending an upcoming iOS update.
- Feature Limitations : While powerful, Indigo doesn’t yet support features like Live Photos or Apple’s Photographic Styles.
- Learning Curve : Getting the most out of Indigo requires some experimentation and understanding of camera settings.
The Future of Mobile Photography
What’s Next for Indigo
Adobe has described Indigo as an “experimental camera app,” suggesting that more features are on the horizon. Potential future updates could include:
- Creative Styles : Advanced filters and editing tools
- Portrait Modes : Enhanced background blur and subject isolation
- Advanced Tools : Exposure bracketing and focus stacking
While an Android version is reportedly in development, it’s not yet confirmed when it might be available.
Final Thoughts
Indigo: A Game-Changer for iPhone Photography
Indigo is currently free to use and offers a compelling alternative to the standard iPhone camera app. It combines professional-level control with innovative AI features, making it a must-try for anyone serious about mobile photography.
While there are still some compatibility issues to resolve, the app’s potential is undeniable. As Adobe continues to refine and expand Indigo’s capabilities, it could redefine what’s possible with smartphone cameras.
For now, if you’re looking to take your iPhone photography to the next level, Indigo is definitely worth exploring
