Adobe is rolling out a significant AI-focused update to Photoshop, introducing a new optional interface that consolidates the software’s artificial intelligence tools in one place. The update, announced in 2026, is launching in beta.
The centerpiece of the update is the “AI Assisted Editor” view, a dedicated toolbar that brings together Photoshop’s existing AI features — including its prompt-based image editor, background remover, and AI image extender — into a single, accessible panel.
Beyond the consolidated interface, Adobe is introducing a “markup” feature that allows users to draw directly on an image to indicate what they want changed. According to Adobe, this means users can “select areas to recolor, sketch arrows to indicate position, or brush in rough shapes to suggest new elements” without needing to type a text prompt.
Adobe is also updating its “Instruct Edit with Masks” feature, which enables mask editing through natural language prompts. The company says its Firefly Image 5 model now understands the full context of an image, removing the need to manually mark every area intended for editing. Users can instead describe a desired change — such as opening closed eyes or placing a hat on someone’s head — and the model will interpret the instruction accordingly.
The update is being positioned as optional, meaning users are not required to switch to the AI Assisted Editor view. This may appeal to longtime Photoshop users who prefer the traditional workspace while still having access to the expanded AI capabilities when needed.
Source: The Verge