Apple Reference Image lets you capture, view, and share reference images, which are like digital negatives, so you can verify exactly what the camera originally captured. On iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, photos taken in Reference mode include reference data.
If a photo includes a reference image, you can develop, view, and share it in Photos to verify whether the photo has been altered or edited. You need an internet connection to develop a reference image, and you can include it when you share a photo or transfer photos to a Mac or PC.
Note: Apple Reference Image is not available in all countries or regions.
Develop a reference image
You need to develop a reference image before you can view or share it, and only photos taken in Reference mode on an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max qualify.
Note: You need an internet connection to develop a reference image, and if you’re offline, it’s developed the next time you’re online.
- Open the Photos app on your iPad.
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Open a photo taken in Reference mode.
Tip: You can find all photos captured with reference images in the Reference album: tap Collections, tap Media Types, then tap Reference.
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Tap Reference at the top of the photo.
The reference image is developed automatically.
View the reference information
Do either of the following after a reference image is developed:
- Tap Reference to view the unedited image, then compare it with the photo to verify whether the photo has been altered or edited.
- Tap Reference, then tap the View Reference Image Data button to view the Reference Image Data.
An iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, or later can show a reference image. For viewing one in the Preview app, see our guide, Open and view PDFs and images in Preview on iPad.
Share a reference image
You can choose whether to include the reference image when you share or export a photo that has one. Turn on Share Reference Image to include it every time you share.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap Apps, tap Photos, and turn on Share Reference Image.
To include or leave out the reference image for a single share, select the photo you want to share, then tap the Share button. Tap Options in the Share window, then turn Reference on or off. Then share the photo—for example, with AirDrop or Messages—or export it to an external device.
Note: You can only view a reference image on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that has iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, or later.
Share a reference image when you transfer photos
When you transfer photos to a Mac or PC, you can include the reference image.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap Apps and tap Photos.
- Tap Transfer to Mac or PC, then turn on Transfer Reference Image.
Transferring includes the reference image data, though you can view a reference image only on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad with macOS 27, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or later.
