Apple Photos: Remove image background on iPhone

Apple Photos Try it →Watch full video →@TheFigCo · Jan 2026

Demo summary

The user demonstrates the built-in iOS feature where holding down on a subject in the Photos app creates a background-free cutout.

Step-by-step

Open the image in your iPhone camera roll
Hold down on the subject of the photo until it highlights
Select Copy, Save Image, or Share from the menu

Options

Copy the cutout to paste it elsewhere
Save the cutout directly to your camera roll
Share the cutout via Airdrop or other apps

Watch out for

The cutout may struggle with complex edges like hair or side profiles

Highlights

“This actually isn't all that bad”

All demos from “How to Remove the Background of a Picture for Free with AI in 2026”

0:000:34Remove image background with ChatGPTThe user attempts to remove an image background using ChatGPT, resulting in a distorted image with incorrect colors and missing body parts.ChatGPT· AI Background Remover
0:340:08Remove image background with ClaudeThe video shows the failed result of using Claude to remove a background, which deleted parts of the subject's face and neck.Claude· AI Background Remover
0:420:12Remove image background with GrokThe user demonstrates Grok's attempt at background removal, which produced a JPEG with a white background and artifacts around the hair.Grok· AI Background Remover
0:540:22Remove image background with Google GeminiThe demonstration shows Gemini replacing the original background with a checkered pattern rather than creating a true transparent PNG.Gemini· AI Background Remover
1:210:22Remove image background with Remove.bgThe user demonstrates the Remove.bg web tool, showing the successful removal but highlighting the low-resolution limitation of the free tier.Remove.Bg· AI Background Remover
1:430:21Remove image background with PixelcutThe video shows Pixelcut removing an image background and discusses the resolution limits for free users.Pixelcut· AI Background Remover
2:040:23Remove image background on iPhoneCurrentThe user demonstrates the built-in iOS feature where holding down on a subject in the Photos app creates a background-free cutout.Apple Photos· AI Background Remover
2:440:24Remove image background with Adobe ExpressThe user demonstrates uploading a photo to Adobe Express to remove the background, resulting in a high-resolution transparent image for free.Adobe Express· AI Background Remover
Watch “How to Remove the Background of a Picture for Free with AI in 2026” →

AI Background Remover

2:040:23Remove image background on iPhoneCurrentThe user demonstrates the built-in iOS feature where holding down on a subject in the Photos app creates a background-free cutout.@TheFigCo