Halide Mark III: Redefining iPhone Photography with HDR, Color Grades, and a Bold Redesign

Photography enthusiasts and iPhone users, rejoice! Lux Optics has announced its upcoming version of the beloved Halide app, dubbed Halide Mark III. Set to launch in 2025, this new iteration promises groundbreaking features such as HDR photography, color grading tools, and a redesigned interface. As one of the most advanced iPhone camera apps, Halide Mark III aims to set new benchmarks for mobile photography.

An App Inspired by the Indie Dev Spirit

Lux Optics, riding high on the success of its Kino video app (awarded Apple’s iPhone App of the Year for 2024), is now adopting a more transparent and interactive development process for Halide Mark III. Similar to how indie game developers engage with their communities on platforms like Steam, Lux is involving its users early via a dedicated Discord server. This initiative will enable users to try pre-release features, offer feedback, and influence the app’s evolution.

Key Features of Halide Mark III

1. Color Grades: Cinematic Control at Your Fingertips

Halide Mark III brings sophisticated color grading tools inspired by the Kino app. With this feature, users can:

• Apply aesthetic looks and color palettes crafted by Lux.

• Emulate popular film stocks for a nostalgic touch.

• Import and share color grading “recipes” within the community.

This feature is a nod to Fujifilm’s film emulations, empowering users to create custom, cinematic vibes for their photos effortlessly.

2. HDR Photography: Brilliance in Every Shot

With the rise of iOS 18’s Adaptive HDR, Halide Mark III introduces its own take on HDR photography. This feature will leverage iOS 18’s expanded platform compatibility, ensuring HDR images look stunning across devices. Users can expect deeper dynamic range, richer colors, and exceptional clarity in high-contrast scenes.

3. Redesigned Interface: Form Meets Function

While details about the new interface are limited, cofounder Ben Sandofsky hints at a design philosophy where “form follows function.” The app redesign aims to streamline workflows, making features like Instant Grade central to the experience. If executed as envisioned, grade-picking could become an intuitive, core element of Halide’s UI.

Community-Driven Development

Lux Optics isn’t just delivering new features; it’s rethinking how users engage with its apps. By fostering a community through Discord, the company is giving subscribers early access to Halide Mark III features. This feedback loop ensures the app caters to real-world needs while retaining its professional appeal.

What About Pricing and Upgrades?

Lux hasn’t revealed specific pricing for Halide Mark III yet, but early comments from the @halideapp account on Threads confirm that existing Mark II users will receive the upgrade for free. Meanwhile, users of version 1 will have access to an upgrade path, ensuring the transition to Mark III is accessible to all.

A Glimpse into the Future of iPhone Photography

Halide Mark III is more than an app update; it’s a bold step forward for mobile photography. By combining powerful tools like HDR and color grading with a community-driven approach, Lux Optics is setting the stage for an app that appeals to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

While the exact release date remains vague, the promise of 2025 has photography aficionados eagerly awaiting the next evolution in iPhone imaging.

Conclusion

Halide Mark III represents the cutting edge of what’s possible on an iPhone camera. With its fusion of professional-grade tools, innovative design, and user collaboration, it’s poised to remain a must-have app for photographers.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for the latest updates on Halide Mark III, as well as insights into how it’s reshaping the mobile photography landscape!