Google is making its AI photo editing tools free and available to more users — yes, even iPhone users.
On Wednesday, Google announced that Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light are available to Google Photos users, even if you don’t have a Google Pixel 8 or a Google One subscription.
Google is making on-device AI for everyone
2024 is shaping up to be the year of on-device AI. Samsung went all in on generative AI with this year’s batch of Galaxy devices, dubbing the Galaxy S24 the “first AI smartphone” and packing it with AI features. Even Apple is preparing to make a major AI announcement likely at WWDC this coming June. And Google’s generative AI features on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were a selling point at its October event.
Previously, photo-editing tools like Magic Eraser (uses AI to erase unwanted objects in photos), Photo Unblur (automatically focuses blurry photos), and Portrait Light (adjusts the light source on photos) were only available on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — or as paid features with a the company’s cloud storage subscription, Google One.
Now, anyone with a Google Photos account can use these tools free of charge. Well, almost anyone since there are some limitations. For ChromeOS users, the device must be a Chromebook Plus with version 118+ or at 3 GB RAM. For mobile users, the device must be Android 8.0 or iOS 15 or higher. Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light will also be available on Pixel tablets.
Google also shared that it’s giving Magic Editor access to any users with the Google Photos app (yep, Android and iOS). Unveiled at the Google Pixel event last year, Magic Editor gives users many of the same capabilities as Photoshop, but without the need for technical know-how. Using generative AI, users can move objects or edit certain areas of a photo by highlighting them.
Android and iOS users get 10 free Magic Editor saves per month on Google Photos, but you’ll need a Google Pixel or paid Google One account for use beyond that.
Expanded access to Google’s AI photo editing tools are rolling out on May 15 and you can download Google Photos for free on the App Store.
