Apple loves saving flashy features for its newest iPhones, but sometimes the software side spills over to older models, and that’s exactly what just happened.
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 17 lineup, one of the camera highlights was a brand-new Photographic Style called “Bright.” It was pitched as if you’d need the shiny new iPhone hardware to enjoy it. Turns out? Not quite.
With iOS 26, the same feature is making its way to the entire iPhone 16 lineup. Yes, even the non-Pro models.
What Is the New ‘Bright’ Photographic Style?
If you’ve dabbled with Photographic Styles, you know they’re more than filters. Unlike a quick edit you slap on after snapping a picture, these styles are baked into the camera pipeline itself. That means the effect is applied in real time—you see it right in the viewfinder before you press the shutter.
The new Bright style does exactly what the name suggests: it lightens up skin tones, adds a burst of vibrance, and gives your photos a more polished, lively look. Apple demoed it as an iPhone 17 exclusive, but it’s now unlocked for:
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
All you need is iOS 26 installed.
When Can You Try It?
If you’re already running the iOS 26 Release Candidate, the Bright style should be waiting in your Camera app right now. For everyone else, the full rollout hits on Monday, September 15.
Worth checking out: Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event: All the Key Updates You Can’t Miss
So, while Apple might want you drooling over the iPhone 17’s camera chops, it turns out your iPhone 16 just got a little brighter without spending a dime.
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