Adobe Launches “Project Indigo” Camera App for iPhone, Blending Computational Photography with AI Precision

Adobe has unveiled its latest mobile app, Project Indigo, designed exclusively for iPhones, aiming to redefine smartphone photography by merging computational imaging technologies with professional-grade controls and AI-powered features.

The app bears the creative hallmark of Marc Levoy and Florian Kainz, former engineers behind Google Pixel’s groundbreaking camera system. Both joined Adobe in 2020 with a mission to build a comprehensive camera app that pushes the boundaries of mobile photography.

Project Indigo directly addresses common criticisms of smartphone cameras — such as over-processed images and limited manual control — by offering a more natural, DSLR-like aesthetic with minimal processing. The app applies light-touch adjustments to contrast and sharpness while preserving authentic image quality.

Photographers gain full manual control over settings and can capture ultra-high-quality images using computational techniques, supporting both JPEG and RAW formats. Impressively, Indigo merges up to 32 frames into a single image, employing intentional underexposure to enhance the final output’s dynamic range and detail.

Among its standout features is an experimental AI tool for glare and reflection removal, allowing users to eliminate unwanted reflections from their shots.

According to Adobe, Project Indigo is available for free on the App Store for iPhone 12 and newer models. The company has confirmed that an Android version is currently in development.

Ultimately, Project Indigo serves as a compelling test of whether third-party apps can challenge the dominance of built-in camera software on smartphones. While native camera apps benefit from seamless OS integration and ease of use, many photography enthusiasts and professionals seek greater control and higher image fidelity—something Indigo strives to deliver.