Apple has explained how it has made Apple Reference Image as secure as possible, so you definitely know that the iPhone photo you’re looking at hasn’t been edited with AI.
How Apple Reference Image appears to users – Image Credit: Apple
How Apple Reference Image appears to users – Image Credit: Apple
Apple Reference Image was introduced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro as a form of digital negative for an iPhone photo. It is billed as a way to prove that the image appears the same as it was when it was first taken, and that it isn’t an AI-generated or edited shot.
On September 15, Apple Security Research published a post explaining how Apple Reference Image keeps the process as secure as possible. Creating proof of an image being unedited is one thing, but maintaining that level of authenticity against bad actors is another problem entirely.