Adobe has officially brought its iconic design and editing software Photoshop to mobile devices, starting with an iOS launch, with an Android app slated to arrive later this year. The new Photoshop for iPhone app offers a mobile-friendly design, providing users with access to both free and paid features, including layering and masking, optimized for use on mobile screens.

The app integrates seamlessly with Photoshop on the web, allowing users to work across devices and platforms. To access premium features and Photoshop on the web, Adobe has introduced a $7.99 monthly subscription plan. Notably, all current Photoshop paid plans already include access to Photoshop on mobile.

By expanding Photoshop to mobile, Adobe aims to attract a new generation of image and design enthusiasts, particularly younger users who are accustomed to using their phones for creative purposes. The company built the app "from the ground up to welcome a new generation of image and design enthusiasts to the limitless potential of Photoshop."

The move also enables Adobe to compete with popular editing apps such as Snapseed, Picsart, and even Canva. For existing Photoshop users on desktop, web, and iPad, the new app provides the flexibility to make edits anywhere and work across devices.

Free users can leverage Photoshop's core tools, including selections, layers, and masks, to combine and blend images. They can also utilize the "Tap Select" tool, removal tools like the "Spot Healing Brush," and generative AI tools powered by Adobe Firefly, including "Generative Fill" and "Generative Expand." Additionally, free users can access hundreds of thousands of free Adobe Stock assets and navigate across workflows thanks to direct integration with Adobe Express, Adobe Fresco, and Adobe Lightroom.

Paid users, on the other hand, can transition from Photoshop mobile to Photoshop on the web for added precision and control. They will also gain access to additional Firefly-powered AI tools, including "Generate Similar" and "Reference Image," as well as over 20,000 fonts and the ability to import additional options. Other premium features include "Object Select," "Magic Wand," "Remove Tool," "Clone Stamp," and "Content-Aware Fill," allowing for advanced editing capabilities.

According to Shambhavi Kadam, senior director of product management at Adobe Photoshop, the company spent a significant amount of time understanding the unique use cases of creatives and creators on mobile devices. Early testers of the app have used it to create a wide range of content, including digital art, mood boards, podcast art, album cover art, fashion lookbooks, video thumbnails, memes, and more.

Photoshop on iPhone is now generally available worldwide in the Apple App Store. With this significant expansion, Adobe is poised to further cement its position in the creative software market, offering users unparalleled flexibility and editing capabilities across devices and platforms.