It was inevitable, I think. We've already seen a version of Luminar on an iPad, but most people are taking photos on their smartphones, which often have better cameras, so editing directly on an iPhone just makes sense.
Now, Skylum has done just that, bringing some sophisticated AI-based editing to smartphones running iOS. (They are not saying anything official about Android yet.)
They call this latest incarnation of their software Luminar Mobile, and it's an update to Luminar for iPad, which debuted in March, along with a version for the Apple Vision Pro. The company says Luminar Mobile brings a unique editing experience to iPhone device users, empowering both amateur and professional photographers to create stunning images on the go.
Ivan Kutanin, CEO of Skylum says:
With Luminar for iPad, we developed a superior mobile solution, but it's undeniable that many people prefer the convenience of being able to shoot, edit, and share photos using a smartphone while on the go. With Luminar Mobile, iPhone users have cutting-edge tools right in the palm of their hand, allowing them to achieve professional results that they can share immediately.
On top of Luminar for iPad’s existing suite of photo editing tools for photographers of all skill levels — including AI-powered features like EnhanceAI, SkyAI, StructureAI, and RelightAI — Luminar Mobile comes with two new specialized portrait tools, SkinAI and BodyAI, for enhancing photos and capturing people in their best light.
For a more immersive experience, Apple Vision Pro owners can enjoy enhancing their photos in a VR environment with an adapted application interface. And for those who prefer the comfort and convenience of a larger handheld screen for post-processing, the iPad is the ideal mobile editing station — with the added benefit of Apple Pencil functionality.
Using Luminar Mobile on an iPhone
We were provided an early copy of the software. I didn't see any obvious bugs and gave it a quick image to enhance of an old mining town at Goldfield, Arizona.
I found some useful skies that were included and started my usual Luminar Neo routine, using my iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of my laptop. The tools I use a lot on my Mac were there, even the relight tool I find very valuable.
I added some golden time, moved the sky to where it made some sense with my existing shadows, and made a few other tweaks. (I couldn't find a perfect sky for my shadows.)
There's even a useful curves tool.
The eraser tool is a good one as well and seems like it has some AI fill built in just like the Mac and PC versions.
I was pleased with the results, although working on a small screen is a challenge. Compared to the mobile options from Adobe, I think the Skylum tool has an edge because it's got more of the features I, as a landscape photographer, want.
Pros and Cons
I Like
- Works as advertised and allows you to edit in a very similar fashion, and with similar features to Luminar Neo.
- It uses an interesting and powerful GUI adapted for a mobile device.
- Includes portrait commands like SkinAI and BodyAI, which will be popular for quick, in-the-field edits for people and portraits.
I Don't Like
- No Android version (Skylum says under consideration).
- It's a subscription, not my favorite way of buying software, but it's becoming universal.
Buying Luminar Mobile
Luminar Mobile is now available as a subscription, with pricing starting at $4.99 for 1 month, $19.99 for 6 months, or $29.99 plus a 7-day free trial for a yearly subscription.
Existing Luminar for iPad users will receive an update to Luminar Mobile for free, granting them access to the application on iPad, iPhone, and Vision Pro, using their current subscription.
For more information and to download the app, please visit the App Store.
Final Thoughts
I'm glad to see Skylum expanding beyond the desktop apps that have been so successful for them. I think Luminar Mobile will be a hit with photographers who find the iPhone a viable camera for imaging. I thought the software worked smoothly and was stable. Although, as I have already said, I'm not a fan of subscriptions, Luminar Mobile is reasonably priced if you buy a yearly subscription. I don't think it's a bargain as a monthly purchase, and a lifetime subscription would be nice to see.
