Technology · 11 August 2026

Apple developing tool to verify iPhone photos are real

Apple is working on a new feature called Reference Image to prove photos were taken on an iPhone, not created by AI. Reference Image, found in the iOS 27 beta, uses photo metadata and sensor information for verification via Apple’s Private Cloud Compute. To manually authenticate images, individuals must activate "Reference Mode" within their camera settings.

By BriefTea Editorial · 11 August 2026 at 21:21

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How does Apple verify? What is 'beta' software? Why 'Reference Mode'? Why verify photos now?

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