Halide Mark III adds a built-in editor to the popular camera app
Source: Engadget
Overview
Halide, a popular alternative to the iPhone’s built‑in camera app, is receiving a major upgrade. Lux Optics is releasing Halide Mark III, a paid update that adds a built‑in photo editor and a set of film‑stock simulation filters. This follows the introduction of a way to circumvent Apple’s image‑processing pipeline with Halide Mark II in 2024.
New Film Simulation Looks
Halide Mark III introduces a “film simulation engine” with five new looks, in addition to Process Zero (the zero‑processing option) and Apple’s default processing. Each look can be customized or disabled, and includes HDR support for extra detail in highlights and shadows.
| Look | Description |
|---|---|
| Valencia | Designed for landscapes and cityscapes, offering thick contrast, deep saturation, and solid color separation. |
| Rembrandt | Tailored for portraits, featuring thick contrast in the mid‑tones and abundant color in the low end to highlight bone structure and uniform skin tones. |
| Nova | Works best with landscapes; exceptionally colorful with tight contrast and smooth peachy highlights. |
| Zephyr | The most subtle and restrained look, providing filmic contrast and the character of a traditional print. |
| Chroma Noir | A black‑and‑white option with medium contrast and a touch of extra grain. |
All looks can be edited and tweaked with Halide’s new Photo Lab editor.
Photo Lab Editor
The built‑in editor is designed to be approachable:
- Quick Edit tab for fast switching between film simulations or toggling HDR.
- Dedicated sections for in‑depth adjustments such as color balance and exposure.
- iPad version features a two‑panel layout, making it ideal for detailed editing.
Design and Interface Updates
Halide Mark III also brings a refreshed UI that adopts some of Apple’s Liquid Glass design principles. Key controls—focus, aspect ratio, lens picker—are now more accessible, reducing the need to dig through menus.
Pricing and Availability
- Monthly subscription: $10
- Yearly subscription: $20
- One‑time purchase: $60
Existing subscribers and anyone who purchased Halide Mark II receive the update for free.
Company Background
This is the first major Halide update since co‑founder Sebastiaan de With left Lux Optics to join Apple in January 2026. The departure was reportedly more complex than initially presented: Apple had previously considered acquiring the company, and de With was reportedly dismissed after co‑founder Ben Sandofsky began investigating alleged fund misuse.
Halide Mark III product page
Article on de With’s move to Apple
Apple’s earlier acquisition interest