App for cleaning up pictures

I would just use AI to do that. You can use ChatGPT or Claude or any number of them, and they will do a decent job of removing them. Even the free versions will do it, although you will be limited as to the number of photos per day you can adjust. Just be specific about what you want and if you don’t like it, give it further instructions.

I used it to fix a recent photo that was a bit blurry and it did a great job.

I use the feature on my iPhone, but also have the Lightroom app from before I had this phone. I was able to do a lot with that app, including erasing all those other tourists;)

I will try both of these methods and let you know how they worked.

What phone do you have now? iPhone? Android?

I have a Google Pixel phone (Android) and the magic eraser function is embedded in the resident photo app, and has been there for many years. According to the interwebs you can get Google Photos for the iPhone (with some conditions like iOS version and Google account).

What phone do have now? If iPhone, you will need a recent one that can operate iOS 18
Then follow the instructions below:

Using the Native Photos App (iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence)

If your device supports Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro or newer, and iOS 18+), you can use the built-in AI cleanup tool.

Open the Photos app and select the picture you want to edit.T

ap the Edit icon (the sliders at the bottom of the screen).Select Clean Up from the editing menu.

Your iPhone will automatically detect and highlight people or distracting objects in the background. Simply tap a highlighted subject to remove it.

For more precise control, you can zoom in (using two fingers) and manually brush, scrub, or draw a circle around the person you want to remove.
Once the person is gone and you are happy with the results, tap Done. If the edit isn't quite right, you can tap the Undo button or Reset and try again.

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-apple-intelligence-in-photos-iphf7de217f0/ios

I have a iPhone 14 pro.

I downloaded the Lightroom, at least i tried. I had to Download Adobe first, get an authorization code, go through my e-mail account, then sign up for a free 7 day Trial. It isn’t expensive, just $49.99 per year, but i had a hard time erasing items - i first took off not enough, then too much (my cousin’s leg), then had to start over. Then I had to open a New album to save the picture. I have to admit, after an hour of doing all this I gave up and deleted everything.

Maybe the saying is true, you can’t teach an old dog New Tricks, at least not this one.

My husband said He’s just gonna get me an updated phone before our next trip at the end of August.

I find it amusing to see people trying to use their phone as a PC.

The new version of Photoshop Elements should do what you want, but it's a desktop app, not mobile - either Windows or Mac. You can usually find it on sale for $69 - which buys you a three year license.

Barbara you should be able to download Google photos app and use it to edit photos. Worth a shot until you get an upgrade :) https://support.google.com/photos/answer/6220402?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS

Markcw - I don’t have any photos on my desktop so that’s out.

CL - I’ll try google tomorrow, thanks

Barbara,

If you're mostly interested in the Magic Eraser function, you can to do that with the built-in camera app on your present iPhone 14. Look for the "Eraser" in the bottom right of the menu. Once you've finished the edit, tap the "Done" button at the top right. The current built-in photo app in the iPhones is very capable of editing many of the aspects of photos.

If you want something more advanced and powerful, have a look at Snapseed - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snapseed-photo-editor/id439438619 . It's a free app and provides extensive editing capabilities. However you'll have to spend some time to learn how to use it. The nice thing about these apps is that it's easy to revert to the original if you don't like the edit.

Ken, the 14 pro does not have clean up editing capabilities. But I will check out the app you recommended.

Barbara, just so you know, it doesn't have to be the newest phone. My 16 Pro does this and it is wonderful. When I upgrade my phone, the reason is always because I want the better camera, since I don't use any camera except my phone.

I have an iPhone 15 pro and I can edit my photos to “clean up” anything I would like to remove from the picture.

We couldn’t find the function on either of our phones. Maybe next time I pass by an Apple Store I’ll pop in and ask them to help me.

Barbara,

I believe only an iPhone 15 or newer phone, running iOS 18.1 or later will have the "Eraser" function. Apparently older iPhone models can have a similar object-removal feature by downloading the free Google Photos app and using its Magic Eraser tool under edit tools. I don't use the Google app but hopefully someone else on the forum can confirm that.

It would be a good idea to upgrade your phone in the near future so that you can have the newest iOS with the most up-to-date security and other features. The new phones will be released in early September and at that time, prices on older models are often reduced. I'd recommend upgrading to either a 16 or 17 series phone, as they will be "current" for a longer period than a 15 series. At some point, your 14 will be put on the "vintage" list and will no longer be supported, so you'll have to upgrade eventually.

Hey Barbara, I just wanted to let you know that I just bought the iPhone 17 Pro, and it is absolutely wonderful. I’m so glad I got it. I had the 14 before and the difference in the camera is just amazing. Plus it has the AI edit feature. It was so worth the money.

You might check with your cell phone carrier. Many offer deals on newer phones. I opted to buy mine outright from Apple because I get a military discount and because I don’t like being tied to a certain carrier for a period of time, but it might be worth it.