# Local Photo Upscaler — readable website library Official website: https://localphotoupscaler.com/ Publisher: David Balderston (https://davidb.app/). Content snapshot: 2026-10-10. Each page retains its own publication/check dates. Product facts: https://localphotoupscaler.com/app-facts.json This file mirrors the visible main content of canonical website pages, preserving headings, links, and comparison tables. Developer product claims and comparisons are not independent benchmarks. Refer to each cited source and check date. ## Local Photo Upscaler: Private AI Photo Upscaler for iPhone & Mac Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/ Enlarge small photos up to 4x, reduce noise, sharpen, and restore faces on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Nothing is uploaded. $9.99 once, no subscription. On-device photo upscaler · iPhone, iPad & Mac # Make small photos bigger and clearer, *without uploading them.* Local Photo Upscaler runs AI upscaling, noise reduction, sharpening, and face restoration on your own device. No account, no upload queue, no subscription. Pick a photo, compare the result, save a new copy. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[See real results →](#results) **$9.99 once.** No subscription, in-app purchases, or ads. Family Sharing included. [Pricing details](https://localphotoupscaler.com/pricing/) UpscaledOriginal A 300 × 387 photo taken to 1200 × 1548 with Upscale. Right: the original, resized normally. Left: the app’s 4× output. Drag to compare. - **4×**AI upscale, up to about 17 MP - **0 uploads**Processing stays on device - **$9.99**Once, U.S. App Store - **iOS 18.2+**iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Mac Four modes ## One tool for each kind of bad photo. Pick the mode that matches what you can see: too small, too grainy, a little soft, or a face that needs help. Each one says plainly what it cannot do. 01 · upscale ### Upscale An AI model redraws the photo at four times its width and height. Best for small photos, old downloads, and tight crops. **Limit:** Output is capped at about 17 megapixels. Larger photos are scaled down first, so crop to the part you need for the full 4×. 02 · denoise ### Denoise An AI denoising model smooths sensor grain and color speckle while trying to keep edges. The photo keeps its original dimensions. **Limit:** Heavy grain can come back smoother but softer. Check hair, fabric, and foliage before saving. 03 · sharpen ### Sharpen A conservative luminance sharpen for photos that are almost in focus. It keeps the original dimensions and colors. **Limit:** Not an AI deblur. It cannot recover motion blur or a badly out-of-focus shot. 04 · faces ### Faces Finds faces in the photo and runs an AI face-restoration model on each one, then blends the result back in. **Limit:** Needs a clear, visible face. AI may change fine facial details, so compare carefully for family archives. [Not sure which mode to use? Read the guide →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/getting-started/) Real output ## Results from the app, not mockups. These pairs were made by running sample photos through the app’s own processing code. Drag each slider. Results depend on the photo you start with. DenoisedOriginal Denoise on a grainy 400 × 533 phone photo, shown in detail. Same dimensions, less color speckle. SharpenedOriginal Sharpen on a slightly soft 1206 × 1414 photo. A gentle edge boost, not a rescue for a blurry shot. UpscaledOriginal Upscale on a 400 × 506 photo, output 1600 × 2024. UpscaledOriginal Upscale on a 400 × 370 photo, output 1600 × 1480. Privacy ## Your photo never leaves the device you took it on. Cloud enhancers upload your picture, process it on their servers, and delete it later under their own policy. Local Photo Upscaler does the work locally with models that ship inside the app, which is why it still works in airplane mode. ### App Store privacy label Data Not Collected “The developer does not collect any data from this app.” As shown on the [App Store listing](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962), checked September 25, 2026. - **No upload**The photo you pick is processed on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. There is no server to send it to. - **No account**Open the app and choose a photo. Nothing to sign up for. - **No ads or tracking**No advertising or analytics SDKs inside the app. - **Works offline**Enhancement runs without a connection. You only need internet to download the app and updates. - **Original untouched**Results are saved as a new copy in Photos. [How offline upscaling works →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/offline-ai-photo-upscaler-no-upload) How it works ## Choose, enhance, compare, save. Choose one photo or select several and apply one tool to the batch. Photos process one after another, with progress shown in the app. Compare each finished result before saving. Step 1 ### Choose photos Select one photo or several from Photos on iPhone and iPad. On Mac you can also open image files. Step 2 ### Pick a mode and apply Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, or Faces. The app shows the output size before you run it. Step 3 ### Compare, then save Drag the slider, zoom in on eyes, edges, and texture, and save a new copy only if it helps. Screenshots from the U.S. App Store listing for version 1.1.9, checked October 10, 2026. The separate comparison sliders above show the app’s processing output from our sample photos. Honest limits ## What it will not do. An upscaler makes an educated guess about missing detail. These are the cases where that guess runs out. ### Full 4× on big photos Output tops out near 17 megapixels. A 12 MP iPhone photo gets only slightly larger; crop to the subject first. ### Motion blur and missed focus Sharpen helps slight softness. It cannot reconstruct a shaky or badly out-of-focus shot. ### Exact faces Faces is AI restoration and can change fine features. Compare carefully before replacing a family photo. ### Unreadable text If letters are not legible in the source, no mode will reliably recover them. ### RAW editing or video It enhances still photos, including batches processed one after another. It is not a RAW editor or a video enhancer. ### Scratches or color No scratch removal and no colorizing. It enlarges, cleans, and sharpens what is already there. Price ## Pay once instead of every week. Many upscalers are sold by the week, the month, or the credit. Here is how the listed prices compare, checked September 25, 2026. | App | Where it processes | U.S. price | | --- | --- | --- | | Local Photo Upscaler | On your device | $9.99 once, no in-app purchases | | Remini | Cloud | Free download; Remini Pro Weekly $9.99 in-app purchase | | Upscale.media | Online service | 3 free credits a month; $69.99 a year | | Topaz Gigapixel | Desktop (local) or cloud | $29 a month or $149 a year | | Pixelmator Pro | On device | $49.99 once (Mac) or $12.99 a month | Prices from each product’s App Store listing or pricing page. [Full comparison with sources, and when each alternative is the better choice →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/) Guides ## Practical help for specific photos. Short, specific guides with real before-and-after examples and plain notes on limits. [Upscale ### Increase image resolution on iPhone What 4× really means, the 17 MP cap, and why cropping first matters.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) [Printing ### How big can you print it? Pixel sizes and print sizes at 300 and 200 pixels per inch.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) [Denoise ### Clean up grainy low-light photos When Denoise helps, what to inspect, and when to stop.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) [Sharpen ### Fix slightly soft photos Which kinds of blur can be improved, and which cannot.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) [Family photos ### Improve old photos and scans privately A careful workflow for prints, inherited photos, and portraits.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) [Compare ### A Remini alternative with no upload Differences in privacy, price, and results, and when Remini fits better.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) FAQ ## Before you buy. [Read all questions and answers →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) Are my photos uploaded anywhere? No. Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces run on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. There is no photo-processing server, and the App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected. Enhancement works in airplane mode. How much does it cost? $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. There is no subscription, no in-app purchase, and no ad. Every mode is included, and Family Sharing is supported. Will every photo come out 4 times bigger? Only small ones. Output is capped at about 17 megapixels, so a photo larger than about 1 megapixel is scaled down before the 4× pass. For the full enlargement, crop to the area you need first. A 640 × 480 image becomes 2560 × 1920. Can it fix a blurry photo? Slight softness, yes. Sharpen is a conservative edge sharpen, not an AI deblur, and it cannot undo motion blur or a badly missed focus. Faces can help a soft but visible face. Does it work on Mac? Yes, on Macs with Apple silicon (M1 or later) running macOS 15.2 or later. It is the same App Store listing as the iPhone and iPad app. Does it change my original photo? No. You compare the result with a slider and then save a new copy to Photos. The original stays as it was. Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, or Faces? Choosing the Right Mode Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/getting-started/ A practical guide to picking the right Local Photo Upscaler mode for small, grainy, soft, or portrait photos, with real before-and-after output and honest limits. How it works # Which mode should you use: Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, or Faces? Match the mode to the problem you can actually see. A bigger or smoother image is not always a more faithful one, so compare before you save. | What you see | Start with | Watch out for | | --- | --- | --- | | The photo is small or looks pixelated when enlarged | **Upscale** | Output caps near 17 MP; crop first on large photos | | Grain or color speckle from low light | **Denoise** | Fine texture such as hair and leaves can smooth out | | Almost in focus, just a little soft | **Sharpen** | Cannot undo motion blur or a missed focus | | A soft face in a portrait | **Faces** | Needs a visible face; may change fine features | ## 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 Upscale: 300 × 387 in, 1200 × 1548 out. If the source is larger than about 1 megapixel, the app scales it down before the 4× pass so the result stays under about 17 megapixels, and it tells you the size is limited. Crop to the part you care about to get the full enlargement. ## 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 keeps the photo’s size and colors. 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. ## Chaining modes When a result is ready you can run another mode on it. A common order is Denoise, then Upscale, because enlarging grain makes it more obvious. Save only the version you would actually use. **Before you rely on a result** Enhancement is an interpretation. Do not use it as evidence, and do not assume it recovered text or facial features accurately. Keep the original. ## Access and device requirements $9.99 one-time purchase in the U.S. App Store (checked September 25, 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. ## Next - [Increase image resolution on iPhone](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [FAQ](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Local Photo Upscaler Pricing: $9.99 Once, No Subscription Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/pricing/ Local Photo Upscaler costs $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store: no subscription, in-app purchases, or ads. What is included and how it compares with subscriptions. Pricing # $9.99, once. Every mode included. Local Photo Upscaler is a paid App Store app with no subscription, no in-app purchases, and no ads. You pay Apple once and keep the app, including updates released so far. U.S. App Store price checked September 25, 2026. Version 1.1.9. ## What $9.99 gets you - All four modes: Upscale (up to 4×), Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces. - The before-and-after comparison slider and saving to Photos. - iPhone, iPad, and Apple silicon Mac from the same App Store listing. - Family Sharing: up to six family members can use the app. - No usage limits, credits, watermarks, or trial clock. **Other countries** Apple sets the price in each storefront, so your local price can differ from $9.99. The App Store shows the exact price before you buy. ## How that compares over time Cloud and pro upscalers usually charge by the week, month, year, or credit. The totals below use only listed annual prices, so you can see what two years costs. | Product | Listed price | Two years | | --- | --- | --- | | Local Photo Upscaler | $9.99 once | $9.99 | | Photomator | $29.99 a year (or $119.99 lifetime) | $59.98 | | Upscale.media | $69.99 a year | $139.98 | | Pixelmator Pro via Apple Creator Studio | $129 a year | $258 | | Topaz Gigapixel | $149 a year | $298 | Checked September 25, 2026. Sources: [Photomator](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/photomator-photo-editor/id1444636541), [Upscale.media](https://www.upscale.media/pricing), [Pixelmator Pro](https://www.apple.com/pixelmator-pro/), [Topaz Labs](https://www.topazlabs.com/pricing). Those products do more than upscaling; see the [full comparison](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/) for what each is best at. ## When paying $9.99 is not worth it If you need to enlarge one non-sensitive picture, once, a free tier such as Upscale.media’s three monthly credits may be enough, as long as you are comfortable uploading it. If you edit RAW files every week, a full editor like Photomator or Pixelmator Pro gives you upscaling plus much more. Local Photo Upscaler fits people who enhance personal photos now and then and want them to stay on their own device. ## Refunds and restoring your purchase Payments and refunds go through Apple. To ask for a refund, use [reportaproblem.apple.com](https://reportaproblem.apple.com/). To reinstall on a new device, find Local Photo Upscaler under your purchased apps in the App Store while signed in with the same Apple Account. ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## One price. No meter running. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Local Photo Upscaler App Facts: Price, Devices, Features, Limits Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/facts/ Verified facts about Local Photo Upscaler: $9.99 one-time price, version 1.1.9, iOS 18.2+ and Apple silicon Mac, four on-device modes, and known limits. App facts # Local Photo Upscaler at a glance Verified product facts in one place, for anyone comparing photo upscalers or writing about them. Version, release date, download size, and batch support checked against the public U.S. App Store listing on October 10, 2026. Other product facts were checked on September 25, 2026. Local Photo Upscaler is an iPhone, iPad, and Mac app that enlarges and cleans up photos on the device instead of uploading them. It is sold for $9.99 once in the U.S. App Store, with no subscription or in-app purchases. It suits people who want to enlarge or tidy personal photos privately, and supports selecting several photos for sequential batch processing. It is not meant for RAW workflows or recovering detail that the source does not contain. Name : Local Photo Upscaler (App Store). The app’s header reads “Local Upscale”. App Store subtitle : AI Photo Enhancer, Offline What it is : An on-device AI photo upscaler and enhancer with four modes: Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces. Developer : David Balderston, an independent developer. [Developer page](https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/david-balderston/id1819162485) Price : $9.99 one-time purchase (U.S.). No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. Family Sharing : Yes, up to six family members Current version : 1.1.9, released October 10, 2026 First released : January 28, 2026 iPhone and iPad : iOS / iPadOS 18.2 or later Mac : macOS 15.2 or later on a Mac with Apple M1 or later Apple Vision Pro : visionOS 2.2 or later Download size : 316.5 MB Languages : English and 43 more Category and rating : Photo & Video; rated 4+ Privacy label : Data Not Collected Processing : On device with bundled AI models; works offline Upscale : AI 4× enlargement; output capped at about 17 megapixels, so larger inputs are scaled down first Denoise : AI noise reduction; keeps original dimensions Sharpen : Conservative luminance sharpening (not AI deblur); keeps original dimensions Faces : Detects faces and applies AI face restoration; may alter fine facial details Input and output : Pick from Photos (and image files on Mac); select several photos for a batch; process sequentially and save a new copy to Photos Not included : Video, RAW editing, scratch removal, colorization, accounts, cloud sync Support : [help@localphotoupscaler.com](mailto:help@localphotoupscaler.com) Official links : [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) · [Website](https://localphotoupscaler.com/) · [Facts as JSON](https://localphotoupscaler.com/webmcp-app.json) · [llms.txt](https://localphotoupscaler.com/llms.txt) ## Good fit - Enlarging small photos, old downloads, and crops for sharing or modest prints - Cleaning up grainy low-light phone photos - Private or sensitive images: family photos, documents, client work - People who would rather pay once than subscribe ## Not designed for - Recovering detail that is not in the source (heavy motion blur, unreadable text, tiny faces) - Full 4x enlargement of already-large photos (output is capped at about 17 MP; crop first) - RAW workflows or video - Scratch and tear removal or colorizing black-and-white photos - Forensic, legal, or identification use ## Related pages - [Photo upscaler apps compared](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/) - [Pricing](https://localphotoupscaler.com/pricing/) - [FAQ](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) - [Which mode to use](https://localphotoupscaler.com/getting-started/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) --- ## Local Photo Upscaler FAQ: Privacy, Price, Results, Devices Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/ Answers about Local Photo Upscaler: offline processing, the $9.99 one-time price, the 17 MP upscale limit, what Sharpen and Faces can fix, and supported devices. FAQ # Questions about Local Photo Upscaler Straight answers about privacy, price, results, and devices. If something is missing, email [help@localphotoupscaler.com](mailto:help@localphotoupscaler.com). ## Privacy Are my photos uploaded anywhere? No. All four modes run on your device using models bundled inside the app. There is no photo-processing server. The App Store privacy label for the app says Data Not Collected. Does it work without internet? Yes. Enhancement works offline, including in airplane mode. You need a connection only to download the app and its updates from the App Store. Do I need an account? No. There is no sign-up and no login. What permissions does it ask for? Photos access, so you can pick an image and save the result. On Mac you can also open image files directly. Does the website track me? This website uses Google Analytics for aggregate page visits and App Store link clicks, and it respects Do Not Track. The app itself has no analytics. See the [privacy policy](https://localphotoupscaler.com/privacy/). ## Price How much does it cost? $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. Prices in other countries are set by Apple. Is there a free trial? No. It is a paid app. If it does not work for you, you can request a refund from Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com. Does Family Sharing work? Yes. Up to six family members can use the app with Family Sharing turned on. Do I have to buy it again for Mac or iPad? No. iPhone, iPad, and Mac are part of the same App Store listing. ## Results Will every photo come out 4 times bigger? No. Output is capped at about 17 megapixels. Photos over roughly 1 megapixel are scaled down before the 4× pass, so a full-resolution phone photo gets only a little bigger. Crop to the part you need to get the full 4×. Can it unblur a photo? It can help slight softness. Sharpen is a conservative edge sharpen, not an AI deblur, so motion blur and badly missed focus stay blurry. For a soft face, try Faces. Will Faces change how someone looks? It can. Faces uses an AI restoration model that redraws facial detail, and fine features may shift. Compare closely and keep the original. Can it make unreadable text readable? Not reliably. If the letters cannot be read in the source, upscaling may produce shapes that look like text but are not accurate. Can I run more than one mode? Yes. After a result is ready you can apply another mode to it, for example Denoise first and then Upscale. The app shows the next output size before you run it. Does it remove scratches or colorize black-and-white photos? No. It enlarges, reduces noise, sharpens, and restores faces. It has no scratch removal or colorization. Can I batch process or edit video? You can select several photos and apply one tool to the batch. Photos process sequentially on your device, with progress shown in the app. Video editing is not supported. ## Devices Which devices are supported? iPhone and iPad with iOS or iPadOS 18.2 or later, Macs with Apple silicon (M1 or later) on macOS 15.2 or later, and Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 2.2 or later, according to the App Store listing. Is there an Android, Windows, or web version? No. It is available only from the Apple App Store. How big is the download? About 316.5 MB, mostly the AI models that let it work offline. Is it the same as “Local Upscale”? Yes. The App Store name is Local Photo Upscaler; the app’s own header says Local Upscale. ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Photo upscaler apps compared: privacy, price, and workflow | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/ Compare Local Photo Upscaler, Remini, Photomator, Pixelmator Pro, and Topaz by documented features, processing, purchase terms, and limits. Practical guide # Photo upscaler apps compared: privacy, price, and workflow By [David Balderston](https://davidb.app/) · Updated October 10, 2026 If you want to enlarge a small personal photo without uploading it, **Local Photo Upscaler is a focused $9.99 purchase for iPhone, iPad, and Apple silicon Mac**. If you also need RAW development, layers, or a large editing workspace, a full editor may fit better. If you want cloud portrait enhancement or AI image generation, consider Remini and read its upload policy first. This is a comparison by David Balderston, the developer of Local Photo Upscaler. It compares documented workflows, prices, and limits, rather than claiming an independently tested image-quality winner. Sources were checked on October 10, 2026; prices below are U.S. prices and can change. ## Compare the workflow before the price Workflow and purchase comparison | Product | Useful when you need | Processing and platform | U.S. purchase options | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Local Photo Upscaler | A small, private enhancement tool with Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces | On-device; iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Mac | $9.99 once; no subscription or in-app purchases | | Remini | Portrait enhancement, AI image generation, or its wider photo/video feature set | Uploaded media; the U.S. listing supports iPhone and iPad | Free download; listed purchases include Pro Weekly $9.99 and several Lite Weekly prices | | Photomator | A complete photo editor with RAW support, color adjustment, and enhancement | Apple platforms; its listing describes Core ML and Metal processing | Free download with paid access; listed monthly $7.99, annual $29.99/$39.99, and lifetime $119.99 options | | Pixelmator Pro | Layers, graphic design, and Super Resolution in one editor | Mac; iPad edition through Apple Creator Studio | Mac $49.99 once; Creator Studio $12.99/month or $129/year | | Topaz Gigapixel / Photo | A desktop enhancement workflow with a choice of models and local rendering | Desktop applications; cloud services are also sold | Current monthly plans: Gigapixel $29, Photo $39; check annual terms and cloud allowances separately | App Store purchase lists can contain multiple offers and older price points. They do not establish which offer every buyer will see. Check the actual purchase screen before paying. Sources: [Local Photo Upscaler](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6758233962), [Remini](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1470373330), [Photomator](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1444636541), [Apple’s Pixelmator Pro page](https://www.apple.com/pixelmator-pro/), and [Topaz pricing](https://www.topazlabs.com/pricing). ## When Local Photo Upscaler fits Choose it when the photo already lives on your Apple device and you want a narrow workflow: select a photo, choose an enhancement, compare the result, and save a new copy. You can select several photos; they process sequentially. Photos stay on device, and processing works offline. Upscale enlarges small images up to 4×, with output capped at about 17 megapixels. That cap matters: a large source will not necessarily receive a full 4× enlargement. Denoise works at the original size. Sharpen is for slight softness, and Faces can change fine facial detail. It is not a RAW editor, video enhancer, scratch remover, or colorizer. See the [complete app facts](https://localphotoupscaler.com/facts/) and [getting-started guide](https://localphotoupscaler.com/getting-started/). ## When another product fits better **Remini:** consider its portrait and image-generation workflow if uploads are acceptable to you. Its [privacy policy](https://support.bendingspoons.com/privacy?app=1470373330) describes uploaded images and cloud storage. It distinguishes enhancement from generation and optional training consent; read the section for the feature you plan to use. This article does not establish that Remini produces better detail on your particular face or photograph. **Photomator:** consider it when enhancement is one step in a broader photography workflow. Its listing includes RAW support and extensive color tools, along with AI enhancement. A full editor can replace several separate tools, but it also asks you to learn a larger interface. **Pixelmator Pro:** consider it when you need layers, compositing, illustration, or design as well as enlargement. The one-time Mac purchase and Creator Studio subscription are different purchase routes; the iPad edition is included with Creator Studio. Check Apple’s current hardware requirements for your device. **Topaz:** consider its desktop workflow when you want to explore its enhancement models and render locally on a computer. Budget for the current plan rather than assuming an older perpetual-license arrangement still applies. Local rendering and cloud credits are separate parts of its pricing. ## How to compare results fairly 1. Use the same original file in each tool. A screenshot or a repeatedly compressed copy changes the problem. 2. Choose the same output dimensions where possible. A larger image shown smaller can look cleaner without preserving more information. 3. Compare the same crop at the same display size. Inspect text, eyes, teeth, hair, fur, and straight edges. 4. Save the source and outputs. Record the tool, settings, version, device, dimensions, and elapsed time. 5. Judge the result for its intended use: a family album, a screen, or a print. Plausible generated detail is not evidence of what the camera captured. The [print-size guide](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) explains how pixels relate to print size. The [printable enhancement checklist](https://localphotoupscaler.com/photo-enhancement-checklist/) helps you repeat the comparison. Existing [product images and press resources](https://localphotoupscaler.com/press/) are labeled as screenshots or website crops; they are not a controlled competitor benchmark. ## Can an upscaler fix a genuinely blurry photo? Sometimes an enhanced version looks more pleasing, but enlargement does not recover a missing original. Heavy motion blur, missed focus, tiny faces, and unreadable text can remain unreliable. Keep the original, inspect important details, and avoid using generated detail for identification or evidence. Read [what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload). ## Is the cheapest app always the best value? Value depends on the job. For occasional private enhancement, a focused one-time purchase may be enough. For a photographer who also needs RAW development or layers, a broader editor may provide more value. For repeated cloud processing, compare renewal terms and limits against your actual volume. [View Local Photo Upscaler on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6758233962) --- ## Photo Upscaler for Mac (Apple Silicon), Offline | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/mac/ Upscale, denoise, sharpen, and restore faces on a Mac with Apple silicon, without uploading. macOS 15.2+, $9.99 once, same purchase as iPhone and iPad. Mac # Upscale photos on your Mac, offline. Local Photo Upscaler runs on Macs with Apple silicon. Open a photo, enhance it on the Mac itself, compare, and save. Same App Store listing as the iPhone and iPad app. Earlier Mac App Store screenshot. The current interface differs; the Deblur tool is now named Sharpen. ## Requirements - A Mac with Apple M1 or later - macOS 15.2 or later - About 316.5 MB of storage Intel Macs are not supported. The listing is shared with iPhone and iPad, so there is no separate Mac purchase. ## What is the same, and what is different The Mac version has the same four modes (Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, Faces), the same comparison slider, and the same limits, including the roughly 17-megapixel output cap. On Mac you can open image files as well as choosing from Photos. Selected photos in a batch are processed one after another on your device. ## Mac alternatives worth knowing If you already use a full editor, Pixelmator Pro ($49.99 once on the Mac App Store) and Photomator include on-device Super Resolution. Topaz Gigapixel ($149 a year) is the heavier tool for big prints and batches. See the [comparison](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/) for sources. ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Private upscaling on the Mac you already have. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Photo Upscaling Guides for iPhone, iPad & Mac | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/ Practical guides to enlarging, denoising, and sharpening photos on iPhone, iPad, and Mac without uploading them, plus print sizes, old family photos, and app comparisons. Guides # Guides to private photo enhancement Specific, practical help for small, grainy, soft, and old photos, with real before-and-after output and honest notes on limits. Search this site Search runs in your browser over this site’s pages. - [Upscale ### How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo What 4× really means, the 17 MP cap, and why cropping first matters.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [Printing ### How big can you print an upscaled photo? Pixel sizes and print sizes at 300 and 200 pixels per inch.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise ### Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them When Denoise helps, what to inspect, and when to stop.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Sharpen ### Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do Which kinds of blur can be improved, and which cannot.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Family photos ### Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately A careful workflow for prints, inherited photos, and portraits.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Compare ### A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos Differences in privacy, price, and results, and when Remini fits better.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [Privacy ### Offline AI photo upscaling on iPhone: how no-upload enhancement works What on-device means, how to check it, and the trade-offs.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/offline-ai-photo-upscaler-no-upload) - [Screenshots ### Making a soft screenshot clearer on iPhone Improve soft screenshots, and why unreadable text stays unreadable.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-screenshot-iphone) - [How it works ### Which mode should you use? Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, or Faces, matched to the problem.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/getting-started/) - [Compare ### Photo upscaler apps compared Remini, Topaz, Pixelmator Pro, Upscale.media, and more, with sources.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/) - [Mac ### Upscale photos on Mac, offline Requirements and differences on Apple silicon Macs.](https://localphotoupscaler.com/mac/) --- ## Denoise Photos on iPhone Without Uploading Them Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload Reduce grain and color speckle in low-light iPhone photos with on-device AI. See a real before-and-after, what to inspect, and when denoising goes too far. Denoise # Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** choose the photo in Local Photo Upscaler, pick **Denoise**, run it, and compare. The AI model reduces grain and color speckle while keeping the photo’s original size, and it runs on the iPhone, so nothing is uploaded. DenoisedOriginal Denoise on a grainy 400 × 533 photo. Look at the dirt and the shirt. ## When Denoise is the right mode - Indoor, evening, or concert photos with visible grain - Colored speckles in shadows - Old phone photos and small, compressed downloads - Grainy scans you plan to enlarge afterwards If the photo is mostly soft rather than grainy, try [Sharpen](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload). If it is simply small, start with [Upscale](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution). DenoisedOriginal The lower part of the same photo, where grain is most visible. ## What to inspect before saving Denoising works by telling noise apart from detail, and it is not always right. Zoom in on hair, fabric, grass, and leaves, where real texture can be smoothed away. Then look at skin and sky, where noise is easiest to see. Keep the version that looks natural at the size you will actually use. ## Denoise, then upscale Enlarging a grainy photo also enlarges the grain. When a result is ready you can run another mode on it, so run Denoise first and then Upscale. ## Why on device matters here Low-light shots are often the most personal ones: parties, kids at bedtime, the inside of your home. Local Photo Upscaler processes them locally with no account and no server, which is also why it works in airplane mode. ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## How to Increase Image Resolution on iPhone Without Uploading Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution Enlarge a small photo up to 4x on iPhone or iPad with on-device AI. What 4x really means, the 17 MP output cap, why to crop first, and when upscaling will not help. Upscale # How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** open the photo in Local Photo Upscaler, choose **Upscale**, check the output size the app shows, run it, compare with the slider, and save a new copy. Everything happens on the iPhone. Small photos get a full 4× in width and height; large ones are limited to about 17 megapixels. UpscaledOriginal A 300 × 387 photo upscaled to 1200 × 1548. Drag to compare with a normal resize. ## What “4×” means 4× refers to each side. A 640 × 480 image becomes 2560 × 1920, which is 16 times as many pixels. A normal resize just spreads the existing pixels out, so the result looks soft or blocky. An AI upscaler predicts plausible edges and texture for the new pixels, which is why fur, foliage, and outlines look crisper in the example above. ## The 17-megapixel cap, and why to crop first To keep memory use safe on iPhone, output is capped at about 17 megapixels (roughly 4096 × 4096 for a square photo). The app scales anything above about 1 megapixel down before the 4× pass. In practice: | Source | Output | Effective enlargement | | --- | --- | --- | | 300 × 387 (0.1 MP) | 1200 × 1548 | Full 4× | | 640 × 480 (0.3 MP) | 2560 × 1920 | Full 4× | | 1024 × 1024 (1 MP) | 4096 × 4096 | Full 4× | | 4032 × 3024 (12 MP iPhone photo) | about 4730 × 3550 | About 1.2× | So for a full-resolution iPhone photo, upscaling the whole frame barely changes its size. Crop to the subject in Photos first, for example a face in a group shot or a sign in a street scene, and then upscale that crop. The app says “Size limited” when the cap applies. ## Step by step 1. Crop in Photos if the image is large and you only need part of it. 2. Open Local Photo Upscaler and choose the photo. 3. Pick **Upscale**. Check the output size shown under the image. 4. Tap Upscale and wait; larger outputs take longer on older devices. 5. Drag the comparison slider and zoom in on edges and textures. 6. Save the result as a new copy in Photos, or discard it. ## When upscaling will not help - **Heavy blur:** the model enlarges what is there. A blurry photo becomes a larger blurry photo. - **Tiny text:** letters that cannot be read in the source may come out as convincing but wrong shapes. - **Screenshot of a screenshot:** repeated compression leaves blocky artifacts the model may sharpen. If the photo is grainy, run [Denoise](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) before upscaling. Planning a print? See the [print size guide](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide). ## More guides - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Offline AI Photo Upscaler for iPhone: How No-Upload Enhancement Works Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/offline-ai-photo-upscaler-no-upload What on-device AI upscaling means, how to confirm an app is not uploading your photo, and the trade-offs versus cloud upscalers like Remini and Upscale.media. Privacy # Offline AI photo upscaling on iPhone: how no-upload enhancement works By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** an offline upscaler ships its AI models inside the app and runs them on your phone’s chip, so the photo never has to leave the device. Local Photo Upscaler works this way for all four modes. You can check it yourself by turning on airplane mode and enhancing a photo. ## Cloud versus on device | | Cloud upscaler | On-device upscaler | | --- | --- | --- | | Where the model runs | The company’s servers | Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac | | Your photo | Uploaded, processed, stored for a period | Stays in your library | | Needs internet | Yes | No | | Model size | Can be very large | Limited by device memory | | Typical pricing | Subscriptions or credits | Often one-time | ## How to check an app is really offline 1. Turn on airplane mode (and make sure Wi-Fi is off). 2. Open the app and enhance a photo. 3. If it completes, processing happened on the device. Also check the App Store privacy label. Local Photo Upscaler’s label says **Data Not Collected**. ## The trade-offs On-device processing has limits. Phones have less memory than servers, so Local Photo Upscaler caps upscale output at about 17 megapixels and processes the image in tiles. The app is also a larger download (about 316.5 MB) because the models live inside it. And cloud services can run bigger generative models, which is why they sometimes produce more dramatic face results. ## What still uses the network Downloading the app and updates from the App Store needs a connection. The app itself has no account, no ads, no analytics SDKs, and no photo-processing backend. This website uses Google Analytics for page visits, which is separate from the app and described in the [privacy policy](https://localphotoupscaler.com/privacy/). UpscaledOriginal Upscale on a 400 × 506 photo, processed entirely on device. ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## How Big Can You Print an Upscaled Photo? Pixels to Inches Guide Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide Convert pixel dimensions to print sizes at 300 and 200 ppi, see what a 4x upscale on iPhone can reach, and learn when a print will still look soft. Printing # How big can you print an upscaled photo? By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** divide the pixel width and height by the print resolution. A 2400 × 3000 image maps to 8 × 10 inches at 300 pixels per inch, or 12 × 15 inches at 200 ppi. These are pixel-density calculations; they do not establish print quality. ## Print sizes for common pixel dimensions | Pixels | At 300 ppi | At 200 ppi | | --- | --- | --- | | 1200 × 1800 | 4 × 6 in | 6 × 9 in | | 1500 × 2100 | 5 × 7 in | 7.5 × 10.5 in | | 2400 × 3000 | 8 × 10 in | 12 × 15 in | | 3300 × 4200 | 11 × 14 in | 16.5 × 21 in | | 3550 × 4730 (about 17 MP) | about 11.8 × 15.8 in | about 17.7 × 23.6 in | The last row illustrates the approximate output limit. A file can contain enough pixels for a print size while still looking soft or showing artifacts. Inspect the result and order a small test print first. ## Working backwards from the print you want Want a 5 × 7 at 300 ppi? You need about 1500 × 2100 pixels. With a 4× upscale, the source only has to be about 375 × 525. That is why upscaling works well for old small downloads, scans made at low resolution, and crops. UpscaledOriginal A 400 × 506 photo upscaled to 1600 × 2024. At 300 ppi, the full image maps to about 5.33 × 6.75 inches. Filling a 5 × 7 print requires cropping and gives about 289 ppi; inspect the result before printing. ## When a big print will still look soft - The source was blurry. Upscaling enlarges blur along with everything else. - The source was very small, such as a 100-pixel thumbnail. The model has too little to work with. - Heavy JPEG compression. Blocky artifacts can turn into strange textures at print size. Try Denoise first. **Tip** Order a small test print before a large one, and view the result at 100% on screen first. Printers usually accept the saved file from Photos directly. ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Remini Alternative for iPhone With No Upload and No Subscription Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone How Local Photo Upscaler differs from Remini in privacy, price, and results, with Remini’s current prices and retention policy, and when Remini is the better pick. Compare # A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** Remini uploads your photo, enhances it in the cloud, and is sold as a weekly or monthly subscription. Local Photo Upscaler enhances on your device and costs $9.99 once. Remini is stronger on badly blurred faces and offers AI generation and video; Local Photo Upscaler is simpler, private, and cheaper over time. | | Local Photo Upscaler | Remini | | --- | --- | --- | | Where processing happens | On your device; works offline | Cloud; photos are uploaded | | Retention | Nothing leaves the device | Uploaded and enhanced images deleted after one day for standard enhancement, per its privacy policy | | U.S. price | $9.99 once; no in-app purchases | Free download; in-app purchases include Remini Pro Weekly $9.99, Remini Lite Weekly $4.99 to $7.99, and 1 Month $9.99 | | Tools | Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, Faces | Face and photo enhancement, AI photo generation, video enhancement, and more | | Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Apple silicon Mac | iPhone, iPad, Android, web | Checked September 25, 2026. Sources: [Remini on the U.S. App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remini-ai-photo-enhancer/id1470373330); [Remini privacy policy (Bending Spoons)](https://support.bendingspoons.com/privacy?app=1470373330); [Local Photo Upscaler on the U.S. App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962). ## Privacy: upload versus on device Remini is open about uploading: its policy says photos are processed on its servers and standard enhancements are deleted after a day, with longer retention for AI generation features. For many photos that is fine. For photos of children, IDs, documents, or anything you would not email to a stranger, Local Photo Upscaler avoids the question: there is no server involved. ## Results: where each one is stronger Remini’s generative face models are its core product. On a face that is badly blurred or tiny, Remini will usually produce a sharper-looking result, though it may look less like the real person. Local Photo Upscaler’s Faces mode is meant for faces that are soft but visible, and its Upscale, Denoise, and Sharpen modes aim to improve the photo without reinventing it. UpscaledOriginal Local Photo Upscaler Upscale on a 300 × 387 photo. ## Price over a year A weekly plan adds up quickly if you forget to cancel. Local Photo Upscaler costs $9.99 once, with no in-app purchases, and supports Family Sharing. ## Choose Remini if… - You need to rescue a badly blurred face and uploading is acceptable. - You want AI portraits, video enhancement, or Android support. ## Choose Local Photo Upscaler if… - The photo is private and you want it to stay on your device. - You want to pay once and never manage a subscription. - Your photos are small, grainy, or slightly soft rather than badly blurred. For more alternatives, including Topaz, Pixelmator Pro, and Upscale.media, see the [full comparison](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/). ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Improve Old Family Photos on iPhone Without Uploading Them Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload A careful on-device workflow for scanned prints and inherited photos: scan well, crop, denoise, upscale, and use Faces with care. Includes what the app cannot restore. Family photos # Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** scan or photograph the print as sharply as you can, crop to the part you want, run **Denoise** if it is grainy, then **Upscale** if it is small, and use **Faces** only after comparing closely. Local Photo Upscaler does all of this on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without uploading family photos. ## 1. Start with the best possible scan The enhancement can only work with what the scan captured. Lay the print flat in even daylight, avoid glare, hold the phone parallel to the print, and fill the frame. A flatbed scanner at 600 dpi is better still. A good scan often matters more than any enhancement step. ## 2. Crop before enhancing Output is capped at about 17 megapixels. Cropping to one person or one scene lets the upscaler use its full 4× on the part you care about. ## 3. Clean, then enlarge Old prints and early digital photos often carry grain. Run Denoise, compare, and if it helps, run Upscale on that result. For small prints that you want to reprint larger, check the [print size guide](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide). UpscaledOriginal Upscale on a 400 × 370 photo, output 1600 × 1480. ## 4. Use Faces carefully Faces detects each face and runs an AI restoration model on it. On a soft portrait it can bring back crisp eyes and outlines. It can also make a grandparent look slightly unlike themselves, because the model redraws features it cannot see clearly. Compare the eyes, mouth, glasses, and hairline with the original, and keep both copies. **What Local Photo Upscaler does not do** It does not remove scratches, tears, dust spots, or stains, and it does not colorize black-and-white photos. Genealogy services and cloud restoration apps offer those features if you need them and are comfortable uploading. ## Why keep family photos on device Old photos often show children, homes, and relatives who never agreed to be in a dataset. Processing locally means the photo stays in your library, not on a server with its own retention policy. The app has no account and the App Store privacy label says Data Not Collected. ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Unblur Photos on iPhone: What Sharpening Can and Cannot Fix Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload Which blurry photos can be improved on iPhone, which cannot, and how to use Sharpen, Upscale, and Faces in Local Photo Upscaler without uploading the image. Sharpen # Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated October 10, 2026 **Quick answer:** slightly soft photos can be improved; truly blurry ones mostly cannot. In Local Photo Upscaler, **Sharpen** gives almost-sharp photos a gentle edge boost, **Upscale** often improves softness in small photos, and **Faces** can help a soft face. None of them can undo motion blur. SharpenedOriginal Sharpen on a slightly soft photo: whiskers and fur edges get crisper. This is the kind of photo it is made for. ## Inspect the example or try your own [Download the original comparison crop](https://localphotoupscaler.com/assets/compare/cat-sharpen-before.webp) and [the sharpened crop](https://localphotoupscaler.com/assets/compare/cat-sharpen-after.webp) to inspect the same area. These are website display crops, rather than the full-resolution originals. To repeat a useful test with your photo, keep the source, compare at the same size, and record the tool and app version. [Use the printable enhancement checklist](https://localphotoupscaler.com/photo-enhancement-checklist/). ## Three kinds of “blurry” | Problem | What it looks like | Can it be fixed? | | --- | --- | --- | | Slight softness | Edges are a little mushy; detail is there | Yes, with Sharpen, or Upscale if the photo is small | | Low resolution | Looks fine small, soft or pixelated when enlarged | Often, with Upscale | | Motion blur or missed focus | Double edges, streaks, or everything smeared | No. The detail was never captured. | ## How Sharpen works Sharpen is a conservative luminance sharpen: it increases contrast along edges in brightness only, which avoids color fringes. It keeps the original dimensions and colors. It is not an AI deblur model, and that is deliberate. Aggressive AI deblurring tends to invent detail, and with people that can mean inventing features. ## A better order for soft photos 1. If the photo is small, try **Upscale** first. The model tends to produce cleaner edges than sharpening. 2. If it is full size and just a touch soft, use **Sharpen**. 3. If the soft part is a face, try **Faces**, and compare the result closely. 4. If nothing helps, the photo probably has motion blur. Keep the original. ## When a cloud tool may do more Cloud apps such as Remini apply heavier generative models to faces and can make a badly blurred face look sharp, at the cost of uploading it and of the result looking less like the person. If that trade is fine for a particular photo, it is a legitimate choice. See the [comparison](https://localphotoupscaler.com/compare/). ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [A Remini alternative for iPhone that doesn’t upload your photos](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/remini-alternative-no-upload-iphone) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Unblur a Screenshot on iPhone: What Works and What Doesn’t Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-screenshot-iphone How to improve a soft or low-resolution screenshot on iPhone without uploading it, and why upscaling cannot reliably recover text that is unreadable in the original. Screenshots # Making a soft screenshot clearer on iPhone By David Balderston, developer of Local Photo Upscaler · Updated September 25, 2026 **Quick answer:** if a screenshot got small or soft after being shared, crop it to the part you need and run **Upscale**; try **Sharpen** if it is full size but slightly soft. If the text cannot be read in the original, do not trust any enhanced version to show the right words. ## Why screenshots get soft Messaging apps and social networks shrink and recompress images. A screenshot forwarded a few times can lose most of its resolution and pick up blocky compression artifacts around text. ## A workflow that helps 1. Find the least-compressed copy you have, ideally the original. 2. Crop to the area you need in Photos. 3. Open it in Local Photo Upscaler and choose **Upscale** if it is small, or **Sharpen** if it is full size but soft. 4. Compare at the same zoom level, and save only if it is easier to read. **The text limit** An AI upscaler predicts plausible shapes. When letters are only a few pixels tall, it may produce crisp characters that are not what the original said. Never rely on an enhanced screenshot for numbers, names, or anything legal or financial. ## Why process screenshots on device Screenshots often contain messages, receipts, account pages, and addresses. Local Photo Upscaler enhances them locally, with no account and no upload. ## More guides - [How to increase image resolution on iPhone, without uploading the photo](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/iphone-image-upscaler-increase-resolution) - [How big can you print an upscaled photo?](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/photo-upscale-print-size-guide) - [Denoise grainy photos on iPhone without uploading them](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/denoise-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Fixing blurry photos on iPhone: what sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [Improve old family photos and scans on iPhone, privately](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/restore-old-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) - [All guides →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/) ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) Local Photo Upscaler ## Keep the photo. Lose the upload. Enhance photos on your own iPhone, iPad, or Mac. $9.99 once on the U.S. App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads. [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962)[Read the FAQ →](https://localphotoupscaler.com/faq/) --- ## Privacy Policy | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/privacy/ Local Photo Upscaler processes photos on device, needs no account, runs no photo-processing servers, and collects no personal information. Website analytics explained. Privacy policy # Privacy policy Local Photo Upscaler (shown in the app as Local Upscale) is designed to work entirely on your device. Last updated: September 25, 2026 ## Overview This policy explains how Local Photo Upscaler handles information. The app does not require an account, and it does not run a backend server for processing your photos. ## Information we collect The Local Photo Upscaler app does not collect, store, or sell personal information. - **No app analytics SDKs:** the app does not use analytics SDKs to track you. - **No advertising:** we do not show ads. - **No tracking:** we do not track you across apps or websites. ## Website analytics This website may use Google Analytics to understand aggregate page visits and App Store link clicks. Website analytics do not receive your photos, edited images, Photos library content, or app usage inside Local Photo Upscaler. The site skips analytics when your browser sends Do Not Track, and you can also use browser controls or content blockers. The app’s local photo processing does not depend on Google Analytics. ## Photos and content When you select a photo to upscale, denoise, sharpen, or restore faces, the photo is processed locally on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. - Your photos are not uploaded to our servers. - The app does not transmit your photos to third parties. If you choose to export, save, share, or otherwise send an enhanced image using system features such as the Share Sheet, that action is handled by Apple and/or the third-party app or service you select. Their privacy practices apply to any data you share with them. ## Purchases Local Photo Upscaler is a paid app. Payments and refunds are processed by Apple through the App Store. We do not receive your payment card details. ## Permissions The app may request access to your Photos library so you can choose images to enhance and save results. On Mac you can also open image files you choose. This access is used only to perform the actions you request within the app. ## Data retention We do not collect data from you, so we do not retain personal data on our servers. If you email us for support, we keep that correspondence only as long as needed to help you. ## Children’s privacy We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. ## Changes to this policy If we change this policy, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. The September 25, 2026 update added Mac, the support address, and support-email retention; the app’s data practices did not change. ## Contact Questions about this policy: [help@localphotoupscaler.com](mailto:help@localphotoupscaler.com) or [swingdraw@gmail.com](mailto:swingdraw@gmail.com). ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) --- ## Support | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/support/ Help for Local Photo Upscaler: contact email, the 17 MP output limit, face detection messages, Photos permission, purchases, and refunds. Support # Get help with Local Photo Upscaler Email [help@localphotoupscaler.com](mailto:help@localphotoupscaler.com) with your device model, iOS, iPadOS, or macOS version, and what happened. You can also use Feedback or Bug Report in the app’s menu. ## Common questions ### “Output size limit” appeared Upscale output is capped at about 17 megapixels. Choose *Use This Size* to continue with a smaller enlargement, or crop the photo to the area you need and try again for the full 4×. ### “No clear faces were found” Faces needs a visible, reasonably large face. Try a closer crop of the portrait, or use Upscale, Denoise, or Sharpen instead. Your photo is not changed. ### The result looks worse than the original Try a different mode. Denoise can over-smooth fine texture, and Sharpen only helps slight softness. Don’t save a result you don’t like; the original stays in Photos. ### I can’t pick or save photos Check Settings › Privacy & Security › Photos and allow Local Photo Upscaler to access your library, then try again. ### Processing is slow or the app closes on a huge image Very large photos take more memory. Crop first, close other heavy apps, and make sure you are on version 1.1.9 or later. ## Purchases Local Photo Upscaler costs $9.99 once in the U.S. Payments, refunds, and purchase history are handled by Apple: request refunds at [reportaproblem.apple.com](https://reportaproblem.apple.com/). To reinstall, open your purchased apps in the App Store with the same Apple Account. Family Sharing is supported. ## Privacy The app processes photos on your device, has no account, and does not collect data. Read the [privacy policy](https://localphotoupscaler.com/privacy/). ## Other contact If the address above bounces, write to [swingdraw@gmail.com](mailto:swingdraw@gmail.com). ## Local Photo Upscaler Upscale, Denoise, Sharpen, and Faces, all on device. - **$9.99 once** · no subscription - No uploads, account, or ads - iPhone & iPad (iOS 18.2+) - Mac with Apple silicon (macOS 15.2+) [Download on the**App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-photo-upscaler/id6758233962) --- ## Local Photo Upscaler press resources | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/press/ Current Local Photo Upscaler facts, official download, existing product visuals, limitations, and developer contact for independent reviews. Product information and press resources # Local Photo Upscaler Local Photo Upscaler enlarges small images, reduces noise, sharpens soft edges, and improves faces on the user’s device. It is a one-time purchase with no account, upload, subscription, or in-app purchase. [View on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6758233962?pt=126867818&ct=photo_press&mt=8) Developer : David Balderston U.S. price : $9.99 once. No subscription or in-app purchases. Apple displays your local price before purchase. Version : 1.1.9 iPhone / iPad : iOS / iPadOS 18.2 or later App Store ID : 6758233962 Checked : October 10, 2026, against Apple’s public U.S. listing ## Product visuals These are existing screenshots or comparison crops from the product website. For an independent test, use your own original file and record the device, app version, settings, and processing time. Existing website crop of the small source image, resized for comparison. [Download this image](https://localphotoupscaler.com/assets/compare/cat-upscale-face-before.webp) Existing website crop of the app’s upscaled output. These crops are display assets, rather than full-resolution originals. [Download this image](https://localphotoupscaler.com/assets/compare/cat-upscale-face-after.webp) ## What to check in a review Results depend on the source. Upscaling increases image dimensions and can produce plausible detail; it does not prove that missing detail was recovered. Sharpen is intended for slight softness, rather than heavy motion blur. Review face detail closely. [A practical photo enhancement checklist](https://localphotoupscaler.com/photo-enhancement-checklist/) · [What sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) ## Developer contact I’m David Balderston, the developer. For product questions, corrections, or review requests, email [help@localphotoupscaler.com](mailto:help@localphotoupscaler.com). Independent feedback is welcome. --- ## A practical photo enhancement checklist | Local Photo Upscaler Canonical source: https://localphotoupscaler.com/photo-enhancement-checklist/ Choose the right enhancement, compare the same crop, inspect important details, and save a new copy. A printable checklist for private photo editing on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Printable checklist # A practical photo enhancement checklist Choose the right enhancement, compare the same crop, inspect important details, and save a new copy. A printable checklist for private photo editing on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 1. **Keep the original.** Start with the largest original file you have, rather than a screenshot or a repeatedly compressed copy. Save the result as a new image so you can compare or undo your choice. 2. **Identify the problem.** A small image that becomes pixelated when enlarged calls for Upscale. A grainy image calls for Denoise. A full-size image with slightly soft edges may benefit from Sharpen. Try Faces only when a face is the part you want to improve. 3. **Change one thing at a time.** Preview one tool first. Compare the same area at the same display size before deciding whether to apply another tool. More processing does not always produce a better photograph. 4. **Inspect the details that matter.** Check eyes, teeth, hair, whiskers, text, straight edges, and fine texture. Sharpening can exaggerate edges; generated detail can differ from what was photographed. Keep the original when a result looks unnatural. 5. **Separate enlargement from recovery.** Increasing pixel dimensions does not guarantee that missing detail has been recovered. Heavy motion blur, missed focus, or a heavily compressed source can remain poor after enhancement. 6. **Record what you tried.** For a useful comparison or review, note the original and output pixel dimensions, tool, app version, device, and elapsed time. Retain both files. Label an enhanced archive image so it is not mistaken for an untouched scan. Results depend on the source. Upscaling increases image dimensions and can produce plausible detail; it does not prove that missing detail was recovered. Sharpen is intended for slight softness, rather than heavy motion blur. Review face detail closely. [What sharpening can and cannot do](https://localphotoupscaler.com/posts/unblur-photos-on-iphone-no-upload) · [App facts and product images](https://localphotoupscaler.com/press/) [View Local Photo Upscaler on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6758233962?pt=126867818&ct=photo_checklist&mt=8)