Adobe Photoshop: Photo Editor

Adobe Photoshop on mobile has matured considerably since its 2019 launch, now sitting at version 7.8 with a solid 4.46 rating across 91,000 reviews. At 516 MB it is a hefty install, but that footprint reflects a genuine toolkit rather than a bloated shell. AI-assisted tools like Generative Fill and background removal do real work, and the app bridges casual editing and serious compositing in a way few mobile photo editors attempt. Free access is a good starting point, though deeper features lean on Adobe subscriptions.

Where It Earns Its Name

The standout here is background handling. Tap Select isolates subjects quickly, and Generative Fill lets you replace or extend backgrounds using AI without leaving the app. For a mobile tool, that is a meaningful capability. Multi-image compositing also holds up, allowing layer-style blending that feels closer to desktop Photoshop than most competitors dare to attempt. Regular updates, the most recent in May 2026, suggest Adobe is actively maintaining parity with its AI roadmap.

The Friction Points

A 516 MB download is a real ask for older or storage-limited devices. The free tier gets you in the door, but in-app purchases gate enough features that new users may feel steered toward a subscription before they have decided if the app suits them. The interface, while functional, carries over some desktop-era complexity that can confuse users who have never touched Photoshop before, making the learning curve steeper than rival mobile-first editors.

Who Should Install This

Existing Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers get the most value here, since the app fits naturally into a broader workflow. Content creators who need quick AI background swaps or composites on the go will find it genuinely useful. Casual users who just want to crop and filter photos will likely find the 516 MB overhead and subscription prompts more trouble than the task demands, and a lighter app would serve them better.