Today, Google has unexpectedly unveiled a significant 3.0 update for Snapseed, offering a complete redesign of the photo editing application for iPhone and iPad.
After several years of minimal updates, many assumed Google had left Snapseed behind. Since the app operates locally without server dependencies, it appeared the company was content to let the popular editing tool remain stagnant. The last major update for Snapseed on iOS occurred in 2021, followed by only minor updates in 2023 and 2024.
With the release of version 3.0.0, Google has stated that “some new things [are] sprouting around here.” There’s also a revamped app icon:
Old vs. new
The interface has been completely revamped, showcasing your edited photos in a grid layout. To begin editing, simply tap the circular ‘plus’ button (FAB) located at the bottom of your screen.
The editor is now structured into three tabs: Looks, Faves (a new feature), and Tools. The export option has been relocated to the top-right corner. The Faves tab allows users to save their favorite tools for quick access, while the final tab contains all available options. Notable tools include:
- Adjust & Correct: Adjust, Details, Tonality, Curves, White Balance, Lens Blur, Vignette
- Retouch & Transform: Selective, Brush, Healing, Portrait, Crop, Perspective, Expand, Head Pose
- Style: Film (new), Glow, Retrolux, Vintage, Black & White, HDR Scape, Drama, Noir, Grunge
- Creative: Double Exposure, Frames, and Text
Previous interface
As per usual, you can drag left or right to adjust values, but now an arc-based controller is available at the bottom of the screen. In select tools, swiping up or down allows you to access different options.
Additionally, a teaser hints at “More to come, stay tuned.” It’s unclear if the Snapseed 3.0 update will also be available for Android users.
