Lux Optics released Halide Mark III for iPhone and iPad in May 2026, delivering the most significant update to its camera app since Halide Mark II. First announced in December 2024, the new version centers on a film simulation engine featuring five preset “Looks” that can be applied to photos as they are taken.
The five Looks — Valencia, Rembrandt, Nova, Zephyr, and Chroma Noir — were co-developed with Cullen Kelly, described as a Hollywood colorist. The collection includes options tailored for landscapes, portraits, and cityscapes, along with a black-and-white look with added film grain.
Halide Mark III also introduces Photo Lab, a built-in photo editor the company describes as “streamlined and approachable.” It opens with a Quick Edit section for applying Looks, toggling HDR, and adjusting exposure. More advanced controls cover cropping, aspect ratio, white balance, and a Tone Fusion tool for recovering shadow and highlight detail. The app can now also process RAW files imported from Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, and Leica cameras, though Lux Optics currently considers that capability a beta feature.
The interface has been redesigned to keep frequently used controls within easy reach, with more advanced options tucked behind an iOS three-dot menu. Users who prefer the previous layout can revert to the Halide Mark II interface at any time.
Halide Mark III is available on the App Store for a one-time purchase of $59.99 or through a $19.99-per-year subscription. Existing Halide Mark II owners receive the upgrade at no charge. The app requires iOS 18 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 18 or later on iPad.
Source: The Verge