Photo Editor app icon

Media · iOS

Photo Editor

by Maple Media Apps, LLC

Free214 MBv5.5.8Ages 17+
4.6Store rating
43KRatings
214 MBSize
2013Released
Photo Editor screenshot 1Photo Editor screenshot 2Photo Editor screenshot 3Photo Editor screenshot 4

Released in 2013 and still pulling a 4.61-star average across 43,000 ratings, Maple Media's Photo Editor has genuine staying power. The 214 MB install bundles filters, typography, masks, borders, textures, light effects, and meme creation into one destination. Version 5.5.8, updated January 2026, confirms active development. The app targets casual users who prioritize speed and variety over technical depth, and on those terms it largely delivers.

Broad toolkit outpaces precision editing

The headline strength here is breadth. Within a single session, a user can apply a texture, layer typography, stamp a watermark, and finish with a border, all without switching apps. That workflow continuity is genuinely valuable for social content assembly. The typography and shape tools feel layered rather than cosmetic, and the meme-creation toolset is more capable than what most competitors bundle in. Where the app thins out is precision editing: color correction controls lack the granularity a serious photographer would expect. Exposure, hue, and curve adjustments exist, but they sit at a casual level. The app does not pretend to be Lightroom, and users who approach it on its own terms will find it competent and surprisingly complete.

Stable performance across 43,000 reviews

At 214 MB, this is a heavier install than many single-purpose photo utilities, which suggests a meaningful asset library rather than a lean codebase. Qualitatively, a 4.61-star rating sustained across 43,000 reviews points to a stable, broadly satisfying experience rather than a crash-prone or laggy one. The January 2026 update also signals that performance complaints are being addressed on a reasonably current schedule. Navigation across the wide feature set can feel busy, and first-time users may spend time orienting themselves before the layout clicks. That said, the sheer number of tools packed into the app makes some interface density unavoidable.

Free tier masks paywall friction

The free download removes the initial financial barrier, but the in-app purchase structure is where hesitation is warranted. The app does not clearly disclose upfront which tools or asset packs sit behind a paywall, so users discover the ceiling only by tapping into locked features. That friction is a deliberate design choice. If core filters, typography, and effects remain accessible, the value proposition holds up well for a free tool. If the most polished assets are gated, the experience degrades quickly. Prospective users should budget for the possibility of subscription or one-time unlock costs and check current pricing in the App Store before committing.

Ad-supported model requires privacy review

The app carries a content rating of 17-plus, which is notable for a photo editor and likely reflects advertising content or user-generated material rather than the editing tools themselves. Maple Media is an ad-supported publisher, so advertising identifiers and related tracking are plausible components of the data model. We recommend reviewing the App Store privacy nutrition label directly on the product page before installing, as that label is the authoritative source for data types collected, data linked to you, and data used for tracking. Pay particular attention to photo library permissions, which any editor requires, and whether analytics or advertising data collection is disclosed.

Feature-dense interface rewards patient exploration

The interface prioritizes discoverability of features over minimalism, which suits the casual audience but can feel cluttered when navigating between tool categories. Visual design follows broadly current iOS conventions, and the icon-driven layout lowers the learning curve for new users. Accessibility accommodations such as Dynamic Type support and VoiceOver compatibility are not prominently documented, which is common across many third-party editing apps. Users who rely on assistive technologies should test the app under their specific settings before committing, as complex canvas-based tools can present challenges for screen readers. The broad feature range does mean the interface rewards some initial exploration before it feels intuitive.

Thirteen years of active development

A release date of March 2013 combined with a January 2026 update is a strong signal of longevity. Very few apps from that era remain in active development, let alone carry a rating volume above 40,000 reviews. Version 5.5.8 suggests a steady cadence of incremental improvements rather than a single legacy release left to drift. Maple Media has a clear commercial incentive to maintain the app given its ad-supported and in-app purchase revenue model. For users concerned about long-term viability, the track record here is more reassuring than most competitors in the crowded casual editing category.

Pros

  • Exceptionally wide feature set combining filters, typography, masks, borders, textures, and meme tools in one app
  • Strong community validation with a 4.61-star average sustained across 43,000 ratings
  • Actively maintained with a January 2026 update, rare for an app released over a decade ago
  • Free entry point makes it accessible for casual users who want to evaluate before spending

Cons

  • In-app purchase scope is not disclosed upfront, leaving users to discover the paywall by tapping into locked features
  • At 214 MB, the install size is on the heavier end for a mobile photo editing utility
  • Color correction and precision editing tools lack the depth needed by serious photographers or advanced creators

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