Quick Summary
Google is bringing Magic Editor, its photo-editing wizardry, to more Pixel (and Android) phones.
Previously only on the Pixel 8 lineup, it's coming to a range of devices along with other AI-enhanced image editing options.
Google is rolling out a welcome photo upgrade for a range of slightly older Pixel phones.
It's bringing the much-hyped Magic Editor system to all of its Pixel phones, not just those on the best phones list. Although there are some constraints that stop it from being quite as powerful as it is on the flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Despite the impression that some of these editing features depended on the newest Google Tensor chipset onboard the phone, it would seem that Google can in fact make them work on older hardware.
As it promised, then, it's now rolling out the software to older Pixel phones, although normal Google Photos users will by default only be able to make 10 Magic Editor library saves each month (meaning 10 images, rather than 10 individual edits on those images).
If you're a Google One Premium (2+TB) member, though, you'll have unlimited edits, and the same is true if you own any Pixel phone, apparently.
The hardware restriction that does exist, though, is on the technical side – to run Magic Editor, your phone needs to have Android OS 8.0 or newer installed, at least 4GB of RAM, and a 64-bit chipset. Anything weedier than this, and you won't be able to run it.
Google is also offering a whole bunch of its recent AI tools up for use in Google Photos in the latest version of the app, comprising the following list:
- Magic Eraser
- Unblur
- Sky suggestions
- Colour pop
- HDR effect for photos & videos
- Portrait blur
- Portrait light: Add light/Balance light features in the Portrait light tool
- Cinematic photos
- Styles in collage editor
- Video effects
That means that the in-app editing options have just taken a major uplift to make it possible to do way more without swapping to a dedicated photo-editing suite.
Google had previously indicated that this would all roll out in the second half of May, and users are indeed now starting to report that they've got the new features on older phones, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them if you're eligible to try them out.
It's a welcome offering, given that many of these tools were previously locked into a Google One subscription, and Magic Editor is a pretty miraculous bit of software in our experience.
-
Your Pixel phone just got the biggest update of the year – Android 16 rolling out nowGoogle has started to roll out the full Android 16 update to supported Pixel phones
-
Google's Android redesign is available to some already – just check your MessagesMaterial 3 Expressive is rolling out to different apps before the Android 16 launch
-
Google Pixel 10 launch date tipped and it's unlucky for someBut then again, it's not a Friday so maybe it'll be fine
-
Now that's a camera bar – Pixel 10 Pro leaks and puts iPhone 17 in its placeIf you're a fan of slick design, look away now
-
Google Pixel 10 to be unveiled at a secret event that isn't so secret anymoreThe Pixel 10 will be previewed much sooner than expected
-
Google Photos getting a free feature update on Android – and it's coming to iPhone tooGoogle celebrates 10 years of Google Photos with new features and updates
-
A Google Pixel update is coming to remind us why we own a phone in the first placeIt offers extra customisation
-
Instagram blamed for Google Pixel battery woes – but there's a fixPixel owners have reported battery drain issues, but there's a simple explanation
