Apple has told developers that iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate feature revised RAW image processing, which they can exploit to bring better sharpness and color in camera and image editing apps.

In principle, RAW photos are ones where there hasn't been any of the kind of processing that JPEG or PNG ones do. But in practice, Apple takes the RAW sensor data and does some processing to make it viewable.

Now in one of WWDC's developer sessions, the company has revealed a comprehensive update to this RAW processing. The new version 9 of its Core Image RAW improves denoising, color correction, and more, across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

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In the 16-minute developer briefing, David Hayward, Apple Core Image Engineer, explains that this is not something that users will see in the regular Photos app. Instead, it is intended for developers to adopt for third-party camera apps such as Halide, or image editors such as Apple's Pixelmator Pro.

It's also not related to the new Apple Intelligence photo features, such as extending or reframing images.

While Apple has regularly improved RAW processing, Hayward called this the biggest update yet. He says that this "dramatically improves the rendering of Raw Files."

It uses Machine Learning, and "the model is run on device using the Apple neural engine cores for optimal performance," he continued.

Sidebyside comparison of two rows of colorful crayon tips in a box, left side blurrier and darker, right side sharper and brighter with clearer individual colors

Left: how Apple's RAW processing looked. Right: the new, improved version - image credit: Apple

In the video, Hayward demonstrates images that proved problematic for the previous RAW 8 version, such as ones with high or low noise. More detail is now correctly shown, and colors are claimed to be more accurate and well-defined.

Sidebyside closeups of an analog gauge face showing numbers around 70-80, with needle and markings; small black data boxes overlay the lower left corners of both views

Apple's example of improved detail in the new RAW processing - image credit: Apple

Most of the video is about specific issues for developers accessing the new version. It will take some time for the new RAW 9 to be part of third-party apps.

RAW 9 is the first major update since RAW 8, which was released in 2017. Neither version should be confused with the separate ProRAW which Apple launched in 2020.