Learn how to use the new Spatial Scene feature in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to view photos in 3D with depth that responds to device motion.
One of the major highlights of the latest iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and visionOS 26 that has largely gone unnoticed is the “Spatial Scenes” feature. It’s an on-device generative AI algorithm that adds depth to regular 2D images, which allows for subtle motion and creates a realistic 3D view.
Now, given the nature of flat screen devices that the iPhone and iPad are, Spatial Scenes here isn’t as rich as that on Apple Vision Pro, but it’s there nonetheless for a couple of unique experiences.
For starters, you can use a 3D Lock Screen wallpaper on your iPhone and iPad by adding lifelike depth to most normal photos with a tap. Then, when your device tilts sideways or up and down, the depth between the main subject and background of the Lock Screen image makes it come to life and appear more immersive.
On that same note, the Apple Photos app in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 allows you to create Spatial Scenes in existing images with a tap of the button. But it may not work with some images that have flat subjects, elements, and backgrounds.
One more thing to note is that even though the Spatial Scenes feature uses AI, it’s not Apple Intelligence per se. As a result, you can view photos in 3D on iPhone 12 and later, as well as comparable iPad models running the latest beta software. However, iPhone 11, which can be updated to iOS 26, doesn’t get this feature.
View regular photos as 3D spatial scenes on iPhone and iPad
- Open the Photos app and tap a picture to view it on the full screen.
- Tap the spatial scenes button, which is a tiny hexagonal picture icon.
- The app will take a couple of seconds to work its magic and turn your still, 2D picture into 3D. Now, tilt your iPhone or iPad to either of its four sides and you’ll notice the 3D effect.
One important thing to note is that this effect isn’t added to the photo like regular edits or annotations. The Photos app creates a Spatial Scene only for your viewing, and once you exit the app, the effect will disappear. Similarly, when you share such an image on iMessage, WhatsApp, or elsewhere, the normal picture is sent, without the 3D effect.
View multiple photos in 3D on iPhone or iPad
Imagine you took several photos on your recent hike and want to view them all in this new Spatial Scene depth effect. Now, unlike photo edits, you can’t select a bunch of pictures and enable Spatial Scene for them all. However, you can follow this simple method to view multiple adjacent photos in 3D without having to tap the Spatial Scene icon each time.
- Go to the iOS 26 Photos app and tap to open a picture. You can also plan things more effectively by organizing all related images in an album and viewing them there.
- Tap the Spatial Scene icon, and this particular picture will now appear with depth and tilt motion.
- With the spatial scene icon in blue (confirming it’s active), swipe left or right to go to your other adjacent pictures. The Photos app will automatically enable Spatial Scene effect for those media as well; you won’t have to tap the icon each time.
Creating a Spatial Scene from a 2D image may initially take a couple of seconds to process everything. Spatial Scenes are cached in Photos, so re-visiting the same photo in the future should display it instantly without any wait time or wavy animation.
You may not see the Spatial Scene icon for some images
While Apple’s computational expertise works well for most pictures, it doesn’t for screenshots. Similarly, it may not work or the Spatial Scene effect may not look much for a few images with totally flat subjects, elements, and backgrounds.
What’s your take on this new feature? Is it actually useful to you or just a gimmick that you won’t bother with after a few tries? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And for more, check out these 40 quick tips to supercharge your iPhone Photos app experience.