**Apple’s Spatial Scenes: Enhancing 2D Images into Engaging 3D Experiences**
Today, Apple announced a thrilling new capability for iOS 26 known as Spatial Scenes, which transforms how users engage with their images by turning flat 2D photos into captivating 3D visuals. This groundbreaking technology is available even for users on older iPhone models that may lack support for Apple Intelligence, representing a major improvement for a diverse array of devices.
### How Spatial Scenes Operate
Spatial Scenes employs sophisticated computer vision techniques fueled by the Neural Engine to derive depth from two-dimensional images. This method yields a lively, spatially responsive rendition of a picture that subtly changes and animates as the user adjusts their device. The resulting effect offers a stunning, nearly video-like experience, enabling users to relive their memories in a refreshing way.
Initially presented as part of a refreshed Lock Screen, Apple later emphasized that the 3D effect would also feature within the Photos app. This allows users to look back on their cherished moments with an enriched sense of depth and movement, revitalizing mundane images into remarkable experiences.
### Availability Across Devices
One of the notable advantages of Spatial Scenes is its broad accessibility. Although it utilizes on-device AI to produce the 3D effect, it does not rely on the complete Apple Intelligence framework. This ensures that users with older iPhones, provided they run iOS 26, can still take pleasure in the feature. Additionally, Spatial Scenes works with nearly every photo saved in the user’s Photo Library, enhancing its practicality.
### A Move Towards Spatial Computing
Spatial Scenes can be seen as a progression of the Spatial Photos format introduced alongside Apple Vision Pro. In contrast to the latter, which depends on dual-camera depth information or stereoscopic image pairs, Spatial Scenes uses advanced monocular computer vision methods to generate 3D depth directly on the device. This innovation marks a pivotal advancement in spatial computing, delivering a core experience to millions who have not yet tried Apple Vision Pro.
By integrating depth and movement into everyday photographs, Apple is transforming the Photos app into a more immersive and emotionally resonant platform, mirroring the essential selling points of its headset. This evolution not only enriches user engagement with their memories but also establishes Apple as a frontrunner in the incorporation of spatial computing into daily technology.
For ongoing news and thorough coverage of WWDC25, readers are invited to check the dedicated news hub.
Are you enthusiastic about the possibilities that Spatial Scenes offer? Share your opinions in the comments.
