The Verge
Apple’s new iPhone camera mode promises to prove your photo isn’t AI
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Apple announced a new iPhone 18 Pro feature called "Reference Image" that generates a digital signature for photos taken with the device's camera sensor. The feature is designed to verify that an image has not been manipulated by artificial intelligence. Apple stated the technology "signs every pixel it sees" using the new camera sensor. The feature will be available with the iPhone 18 Pro lineup release later this month.
Original reporting: https://www.theverge.com/tech/992766/apple-iphone-18-pro-reference-image