No iPhone XS? This App Brings Depth Control to Older Dual-Lens iPhones

Apple’s iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the upcoming iPhone XR all have a new feature called Depth Control.

Basically, the new setting lets users adjust the depth of field and background blurring in Portrait Mode photos — even after the picture is already taken. In the upcoming iOS 12.1, users will even be able to edit the blurring while taking a photo.

But, of course, the feature is only available on Apple’s new 2018 iPhones, which feature upgraded image signal processors, sensors and computational photography abilities via the next-generation A12 Bionic chip.

That means you’re sort of out of luck if you have an iPhone X, an iPhone 8 or an older device. But for iPhones with a dual-lens camera setup, there is a third-party alternative.

How to Adjust Depth on Older iPhones

The alternative is an app called Focos, which is available on the iOS App Store. And on dual-lens iPhones, it brings a suite of bokeh and Portrait Mode-like effects to Apple’s handsets.

Most notably, like Apple’s Depth Control feature, the Focos app uses computational photography to let users control the depth of field after a photo is already taken.

Focos has been around for a while. And, to be fair, other devices from Android OEMs, like Huawei and Samsung, have allowed post-capture depth control editing. But it’s worth noting a few differences between these platforms and Apple’s own Depth Control feature.

For one, Apple’s Depth Control will result in better-looking Portrait Mode pictures because it’s doing a lot more under-the-hood work than Focos or other smartphones. Generally, the edges will be crisper and less detail on the subject will be lumped together into the background.

That being said, Focos is still a decent option for owners of the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Focos is a free download, but some premium features locked behind in-app purchases.