Apple Reference Image is a new feature on the iPhone 18 Pro that provides verifiable evidence of photo authenticity. It uses a new sensor in the Main camera to sign every pixel, and in Reference mode, captures signed sensor data that Private Cloud Compute transforms into an unalterable reference image. The Photos app displays this reference beside the main photo, letting viewers compare and see if edits were made. Designed for photojournalists, photographers, and everyday users, it offers a defense against AI-generated and edited images.

Apple Reference Image first appeared in beta code in August. Apple has now confirmed that APIs in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 will allow third-party apps to display reference images. Additionally, support for Google's Synth ID standard will help identify AI-generated or edited pictures, with the update rolling out later this year.

The feature provides evidence of capture and editing history, but it cannot establish whether a scene was staged or provide context. Apple Reference Image will not be available in China at launch, and capture will be unavailable on iPhone 18 Pro models in the European Union initially. However, devices running OS 27 versions will still be able to develop and view reference images.