Apple Introduces New RAW 9 Image Processing Engine in iOS 27

Apple has introduced a significant update to its image processing capabilities with the release of iOS 27 Beta 3, integrating the new RAW 9 engine. This enhancement aims to substantially improve the quality and processing speed of RAW image files on user devices.

The RAW 9 system is built upon Apple's Core Image framework and utilizes machine learning models in conjunction with the Apple Neural Engine. The goal is to optimize the rendering of image files by effectively combining demosaicing and noise reduction to achieve superior image quality. The platform reportedly supports close to 800 different camera models, offering model-specific calibrations.

Demonstrations by developers have shown RAW 9 producing sharper and more detailed images compared to the previous RAW 8 version. The improvements are particularly evident in low-light and high-ISO shots, with reduced noise and enhanced color accuracy. Example comparisons using images from cameras like the Sony Alpha 7 II, Canon 5D Mark III, and Fujifilm X-T5 highlighted RAW 9's ability to reveal subtle details and maintain color fidelity under challenging conditions.

The Core Image team focused on RAW 9's performance by ensuring the entire processing pipeline operates efficiently using on-device components like the Neural Engine. This allows for complex image processing tasks to be handled in real-time with minimal delay. The update is primarily targeted at photographers and professionals who rely on RAW capture for maximum quality and post-processing flexibility.