Apple's creative AI hub Image Playground will be capable of creating "photorealistic" AI images, thanks to new AI models running behind the scenes. Apple announced the news at WWDC 2026, the company's annual developers conference.
Image Playground is one of Apple's original AI hubs, where you can create images with generative AI. Now, that content should be more customizable and look less like plastic AI slop. You will be able to edit specific parts of an image -- an important capability for error-prone AI -- by tapping on it and describing the change you want with a simple text prompt.
Note the Apple Intelligence purple glow on the cake as the AI edits it.
Apple/Screenshot by CNETYou'll be able to use these AI creations across your device, including to make contact posters and backgrounds.
This WWDC, we're getting our first look at the next generation of Apple software, including iOS 27. It's also Tim Cook's last event as CEO, with hardware chief John Ternus expected to step up into the top role before its September iPhone 18 event.
Every major tech company has become invested in AI in recent years. Apple isn't an exception, but it has taken a more measured approach since launching its AI two years ago. That's all changing today as the company is expected to unveil its most significant updates to Apple Intelligence yet, specifically in the form of a new-and-improved Siri.
