In an exhilarating announcement for photography enthusiasts, Lux Optics has unveiled an early glimpse of its upcoming iPhone photo app, Halide 3.0, fondly dubbed Halide Mark III. Following their transparency in developing the acclaimed Kino video app—recently crowned Apple's iPhone App of the Year for 2024—Lux is taking a refreshing indie approach to the next iteration of its beloved photography tool.

Cofounder Ben Sandofsky has already begun generating buzz with a detailed blog post outlining three groundbreaking features that subscribers will get to experience early. These include the highly anticipated Color Grades, HDR capabilities, and a complete app redesign!

Color Grades: A New Era of Aesthetics

The Color Grades feature will enhance photo editing by allowing users to apply various aesthetic looks and color palettes, drawing inspiration from Lux's unique creations, popular film stocks, and even user-generated recipes. Similar to Fujifilm’s film emulations, this will empower users to create stunning visuals with just a few clicks. The community-driven element adds an exciting twist, enabling users to share and explore diverse styles.

HDR Photos: A Step into the Future

Halide Mark III is also set to revolutionize how users capture and enjoy images with its new HDR functionality. With iOS 18's Adaptive HDR feature making strides, this update aims to offer a seamless experience that allows photographers to showcase high-resolution images that boast enhanced detail and dynamic range, all while being optimized for various displays.

Redesigned Interface: Functionality Meets Elegance

While the specifics of Halide 3.0's revamped interface remain largely under wraps, Sandofsky hinted that "form follows function." This ethos will drive the app's UI development, with a focus on a smooth user experience. If the Instant Grade feature performs as envisioned, selecting and applying grades will become a key aspect of the app’s design, mirroring the successful interface of Kino.

What’s Next? Stay Tuned!

Though details about the release date are sparse—mentioning a launch window coming in 2025—there’s speculation that current Mark II users may receive this upgrade without any additional cost. However, Mark I users might have to prepare for an upgrade fee.

As Halide Mark III approaches, it’s clear that Lux Optics is committed to enhancing the mobile photography landscape, allowing users to unleash their creativity through groundbreaking features and community engagements. For those eager to be part of shaping this exciting journey, a Discord server is set to be launched for real-time feedback and collaborations!

Stay tuned for more information as Lux Optics continues to develop this eagerly awaited app! Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your photography experience!