Which mode should you use: Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, or Faces?

1. Enlarge a small photo

Start with the original file, not a screenshot of it. Choose Upscale; the app shows the output size before you run it. Afterwards, drag the slider and zoom in on edges, eyes, and texture.

UpscaledOriginal

A small source can reach a full 4× enlargement. Larger photos receive less enlargement because output is limited to about 17 megapixels; check the size shown in the app. Cropping to a small subject can allow more enlargement, but a crop still has to fit the output limit. Check the output size shown in the app. Very large photos may be processed at a smaller size on devices with less memory; check the actual output dimensions.

2. Reduce noise in a low-light picture

Use Denoise when grain is the main problem. Check detailed areas like hair, fabric, and leaves next to smooth ones like sky and skin. Keep the version that balances less noise with believable detail.

3. Sharpen a slightly soft shot

Sharpen adds a gentle edge boost and normally keeps the photo’s size and colors. Very large photos may be processed at a smaller size on devices with less memory. It is for “almost sharp,” not for shaky or out-of-focus pictures. If the photo is also small, try Upscale first; the model often does more for softness than sharpening does.

4. Restore a soft face

Faces looks for faces in the photo and runs an AI restoration model on each one. It works best on clear, close-up faces. If none are found, the app tells you and leaves the photo unchanged. Compare the eyes, mouth, and glasses closely: the model redraws detail and can change someone’s look slightly.

Keep results in the library, then compare

The current iOS app keeps completed results in its library. Choose one photo or several, apply one tool, and let the photos process one after another. Return to a result to compare it, save a new copy, or choose Enhance Again to apply another tool.

Should you denoise or upscale first?

If grain is the main problem, try Denoise on the original, inspect it, then use Enhance Again to upscale only if you also need more pixels. If the original is clean and small, start with Upscale. A photo does not need every tool.

Do not run an image through repeated enhancement passes just to get a larger number. Each pass can smooth texture, exaggerate edges, or invent face detail. Compare against the untouched original, and keep the least-processed version that works for the intended use.

A one-minute quality check before saving

1. Match the viewing size. Compare original and result at the same displayed size so “larger” does not look like “better.”
2. Inspect edges and texture. Look at hair, leaves, fabric, and outlines for waxy smoothing or bright halos.
3. Inspect identity and text. Faces can redraw features. Text can look convincing and still be wrong.
4. Check the finished pixel dimensions. The approximate 17 MP cap and available device memory can limit the result.
5. Check the destination. View a shared image at its actual screen size, or make a small test print. Save a new copy while retaining the original.

Planning a print? Calculate pixels per inch first. Only enlarging a small crop? Check you have the best source file.

Access and device requirements

$9.99 one-time purchase in the U.S. App Store (checked November 10, 2026). No subscription, no in-app purchases, and no ads; every mode is included. Family Sharing is supported. Apple sets prices in other storefronts, so the local price may differ.

iPhone and iPad with iOS or iPadOS 18.2 or later; Mac with Apple silicon on macOS 15.2 or later.