Apple to Authenticate iPhone 18 Pro Photos with a Negative

Apple is preparing Apple Reference Image, a feature designed to certify the authenticity of photos taken with the iPhone 18 Pro. An "unalterable" reference image will be generated and viewable in Photos, with APIs planned for developers. The company also announces support for the SynthID standard to help identify content created or modified by AI.

Reference visible in Photos at launch and APIs announced

Apple specifies that the reference image will initially be accessible only within the Photos app. APIs will be provided to allow developers to integrate this verification into their own applications. Additionally, the company announces its support for the SynthID standard, aimed at helping users identify images created or modified by AI. Apple considers this feature essential for photojournalists and photographers.

Expected operation: signed data and "unalterable" image

When a photo is taken, the main sensor of the iPhone 18 Pro records signed sensor data. This data is then processed by Apple's Private Cloud Compute service, which generates an image deemed unalterable and viewable in the Photos app. This reference image can be compared to other versions of the same shot to verify if any modifications have been made. Apple likens this reference image to a digital negative.

Announcement made during Surprise and Shine and iPhone 18 Pro scope

The announcement of this feature took place on a Wednesday during the Surprise and Shine event. Apple plans to introduce Apple Reference Image and asserts that this tool will be able to prove the authenticity of images taken with the iPhone 18 Pro.