Adobe’s Project Indigo Now Available on Select iPads and iPhone 17e
Adobe has recently expanded the reach of its experimental camera application, Project Indigo, to include select iPad models and the iPhone 17e. This development marks a significant step in Adobe’s commitment to providing advanced photographic tools across a broader range of Apple devices.
Introduction to Project Indigo
Launched in June 2025, Project Indigo emerged as Adobe’s response to the growing demand for more natural-looking smartphone photography. Traditional smartphone cameras often produce images that are overly bright, with high contrast and saturation, leading to an artificial appearance. Project Indigo addresses these concerns by employing a custom computational photography pipeline designed to deliver images with a more natural, DSLR-like quality. The app offers users full manual control over various settings, including focus, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure compensation, catering to both amateur and professional photographers seeking greater creative control.
Initial Challenges and iPhone 17 Compatibility
Following the release of the iPhone 17 series, Adobe encountered technical challenges in making Project Indigo compatible with the new devices. These issues were primarily related to the front camera functionality and required collaboration with Apple to resolve. Adobe communicated these challenges to its user base, explaining that certain bugs needed to be addressed in upcoming iOS updates. With the release of iOS 26.1, many of these issues were resolved, allowing Adobe to update Project Indigo to support the iPhone 17 lineup, albeit with some initial limitations.
Expansion to iPads and iPhone 17e
In April 2026, Adobe announced an update to Project Indigo, extending its compatibility to include select iPad models and the iPhone 17e. This expansion is particularly noteworthy for iPad users, as it brings advanced photographic capabilities to devices with larger screens, enhancing the editing and shooting experience. The update includes several new features:
– Grid View in Filmstrip: A new grid view has been added to the filmstrip, allowing users to find photos more easily. This feature includes multi-selection for sharing or deletion, streamlining the photo management process.
– Multi-Selection Import to Lightroom: Users can now select multiple photos in the grid view and import them into the Lightroom mobile app in one go, facilitating a more efficient workflow for those who use both applications.
– Photo Filtering Options: The update introduces filtering options in the filmstrip and grid, enabling users to select between viewing all photos, the Indigo album, or favorites, thereby improving navigation and organization within the app.
– 35mm Equivalent Focal Length Display: A new option allows users to display the 35mm equivalent focal length for rear cameras, providing photographers with a better understanding of their lens’ field of view. This feature can be enabled in the capture settings.
– Support for iPhone 17e Devices: The app now supports the iPhone 17e, expanding its accessibility to a wider range of iPhone users.
iPad Compatibility Details
The update brings initial support for iPads equipped with at least 6GB of RAM. This includes:
– iPad Pro Models (2020 and Later): These models are known for their powerful performance and are well-suited to handle the advanced features of Project Indigo.
– iPad Air Models (M1 and Later): The inclusion of M1 and newer iPad Air models ensures that users with these devices can also benefit from the app’s capabilities.
– Latest iPad Mini: The most recent iPad Mini, with its compact form factor and sufficient RAM, is now compatible with Project Indigo.
– 11th-Generation iPad: This model rounds out the list of compatible devices, offering users of the standard iPad line access to the app.
Adobe notes that this update introduces only initial support for iPads and that the app is not yet tuned for these devices. Users may experience some limitations or performance issues as Adobe continues to optimize the app for the larger screen and different hardware configurations of iPads.
User Experience and Feedback
The expansion of Project Indigo to iPads and the iPhone 17e has been met with enthusiasm from the photography community. Users appreciate the app’s ability to produce images with a more natural aesthetic, moving away from the heavily processed look common in smartphone photography. The manual controls offer a level of customization that appeals to both hobbyists and professionals seeking to fine-tune their shots.
However, as with any new software release, some users have reported minor bugs and performance issues, particularly on iPad devices. Adobe has acknowledged these concerns and is actively working on updates to address them. The company encourages users to provide feedback through the app’s settings, where a new questionnaire has been added to gather insights and suggestions for future improvements.
Looking Ahead
Adobe’s commitment to expanding and refining Project Indigo demonstrates its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of mobile photographers. Future updates are expected to further optimize the app for iPad use, enhance performance across all supported devices, and introduce new features based on user feedback.
Photographers interested in exploring Project Indigo can download the app for free from the App Store. While an Adobe account is not required to use the app, creating one can unlock additional features and integration with Adobe’s broader suite of creative tools.
Conclusion
The expansion of Project Indigo to select iPads and the iPhone 17e marks a significant milestone in Adobe’s efforts to provide advanced photographic tools to a wider audience. By addressing initial compatibility challenges and incorporating user feedback, Adobe continues to enhance the mobile photography experience, offering users greater control and the ability to produce images with a natural, professional quality.
