Photography has evolved rapidly in the age of smartphones, and for anyone serious about capturing professional-grade photos, the right tools are essential. Halide Mark II isn’t just another camera app—it’s a carefully crafted toolkit that transforms your iPhone and iPad into portable photography studios. Designed for photographers, enthusiasts, and professionals alike, this app goes above and beyond with features like ProRAW support, Instant RAW processing, and advanced manual controls, all while maintaining a sleek, intuitive interface. With a recent update to version 2.17.0, Halide Mark II now supports iOS 18, leveraging the latest iPhone hardware to deliver unparalleled results.

Here’s why Halide Mark II continues to hold its place as one of the best camera apps for iOS.

The app’s seamless integration with cutting-edge iPhone 16 hardware is a game-changer. Halide Mark II’s support for the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a level of precision previously unheard of. With the ability to adjust exposure compensation in 0.1 EV increments—far superior to the native camera app’s limit of +/- 2 EV—users can fine-tune their shots with confidence. The innovative focus scale, ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 with precise 0.02 focus adjustments, gives photographers ultimate control over sharpness.

When paired with the iPhone 16’s advanced 48-megapixel Fusion camera sensor, the app’s Process Zero feature shines. Halide can capture minimally processed 12MP shots or fully utilize the new Zero Shutter Lag ProRAW for high-resolution, AI-free images. This feature caters to users who want complete creative control over their photos.

On the iPad, Halide Mark II embraces the larger screen with a customized Pro View interface. This clean, scaled-down view ensures photographers can compose their shots without distractions while providing ample room for pro-level tools like histograms, color zebras, and waveforms. Whether you’re using an iPhone or iPad, Halide’s redesigned interface—complete with gestures and tactile interactions—delivers a cohesive and enjoyable experience.

In the world of iPhone photography, Apple’s ProRAW has already garnered significant attention for its ability to combine the versatility of RAW files with computational photography. Halide Mark II takes ProRAW to new heights by introducing Instant RAW, a feature that develops RAW files with stunning results in seconds. For those who crave complete creative freedom, Process Zero is a revolutionary mode that saves RAW sensor data with minimal processing and absolutely no AI interference. This film-like mode gives photographers the cleanest possible canvas to edit their images.

The new Image Lab is another standout feature. It allows users to re-develop their shots, experimenting with different exposures or color tones post-capture. This flexibility ensures you’re never locked into a single look and can adapt your photos to match your artistic vision.

Halide Mark II draws inspiration from the design philosophy of classic film cameras. Intuitive gestures mimic the tactile nature of dials, with swipes for exposure adjustment and focus control. The interface is refreshingly uncluttered, allowing users to focus entirely on their shots. Even small details like Halide’s three new custom typefaces pay homage to the aesthetics of vintage camera engravings.

Manual mode is a highlight for those who want full control over settings. Adjust shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus with ease. For those who prefer automated assistance, Halide blends the best of machine learning with its Smart RAW feature, balancing detail and noise reduction in your images.

Photographers using Halide Mark II will appreciate the Pro Tools XDR suite, which includes:

• 14-bit Color Zebras and waveforms for precise exposure checks.
• A customizable histogram, available in both monochrome and color, to help monitor tones.
• Enhanced focus peaking and a focus loupe for perfect sharpness in every shot.

These tools go far beyond what the stock iOS Camera app offers, making Halide an indispensable addition for anyone serious about mobile photography.

With iOS 18, Halide Mark II introduces even greater ease of use by adding Lock Screen access. Now, you can instantly launch the app with a swipe, ensuring you’re always ready to capture fleeting moments. For photographers who prioritize speed, this integration is invaluable.

Halide’s developers have also optimized the app for the latest iOS devices, ensuring that users can harness the full power of Apple’s hardware advancements. Whether you’re shooting on an iPhone 16 Pro or an earlier model, Halide Mark II delivers consistent performance and stunning results.

In an era when many apps track user data, Halide Mark II stands out with its privacy-first approach. The app collects no personal information and doesn’t upload photos to third-party servers. This commitment ensures photographers can work confidently, knowing their data remains private.

Halide Mark II isn’t just another photography app; it’s a labor of love from a small team of developers dedicated to perfecting the mobile photography experience. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Learn As You Shoot: Halide includes built-in lessons that teach users photography fundamentals. This feature is perfect for beginners and ensures users get the most out of the app.
• Depth Mode: Capture stunning portrait shots of people, pets, or objects, even in challenging conditions where the stock Camera app struggles.
• Customizable Interface: Adapt the app to your workflow, whether you’re a casual shooter or a seasoned pro.

Halide Mark II is free to try for seven days, making it accessible for anyone curious about improving their photography. After the trial, the app requires an in-app purchase, with flexible options starting at $2.99 per month. For those who plan to use Halide extensively, the lifetime license is a worthwhile investment.

Halide Mark II continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with mobile photography. From its intuitive design and advanced tools to its seamless integration with the latest iOS features and hardware, this app is a must-have for photographers of all skill levels. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, experimenting with abstracts, or documenting your daily life, Halide Mark II empowers you to create with confidence.

For iPhone and iPad users looking to elevate their photography, Halide Mark II is more than just an app—it’s an essential tool that unlocks the true potential of your device’s camera.