Photo Retouch-Object Removal

Simple removal workflow struggles with complex scenes

The paint-and-erase removal workflow keeps the learning curve close to zero. Brush over an unwanted person, object, or blemish, tap to process, and the AI attempts to fill the gap with surrounding content. For clean, uncluttered backgrounds this works reliably well. Busier or textured scenes stress the fill algorithm, and results can appear smeared or patchy. Video object removal is a genuine differentiator that most competing free apps skip entirely. The face-reshaping suite adds granular controls covering cheekbone width, eye angle, philtrum thinning, nasolabial fold reduction, and dark circle correction, a surprising depth for a free tool. The app does what it promises at a basic level, though precision on complex images remains elusive.

Heavy install size and cluttered feature navigation

At 202 MB, the install footprint is on the heavier side for a utility app, and users on storage-limited devices should factor that in before downloading. Processing speed for object removal will depend on device generation and image resolution, but the app's large rating volume of 120,000 reviews suggests the core workflow runs without widespread crashing complaints. The interface, however, carries a real cognitive cost. Object removal, face reshaping, skin tools, filters, makeup editing, and text overlays are packed into one app, and navigating between them can feel disorganized. Daily casual use is comfortable enough, but anyone editing frequently will notice the lack of a clean, focused layout.

Free tier sufficient for casual edits only

The free download removes the upfront risk entirely, which is the right way to evaluate this app. Test the removal tool on your own photos before considering any purchase. In-app purchases are present, and based on category norms, the more capable or higher-resolution processing options are likely gated behind them. For occasional social-media touch-ups, the free tier may be sufficient. For anyone expecting consistent, high-quality results on complex images, the ceiling of the free tier will appear quickly. Competing apps at similar price points offer comparable or sharper AI fill, so the value proposition depends heavily on how much the video removal feature matters to you.

Review App Store privacy label before installing

Photo editing apps in this category typically request access to the photo library, and some request camera access. The specific permissions Photo Retouch requests, along with its data collection and tracking practices, are disclosed in the App Store privacy label on the app's product page. We recommend reviewing that label before installing, paying particular attention to whether the developer links any collected data to your identity or shares it with third parties. The app carries a 4+ content rating, which indicates Apple found no objectionable content, but that rating does not speak to data practices. As with any free, ad-supported app, advertising identifiers may be in use.

Intuitive brush interface undermined by feature sprawl

The paint-brush removal interface is visually straightforward, and the tap-to-process flow is intuitive enough for first-time users. Visual design is functional rather than refined, and the feature sprawl across removal, face reshaping, skin tools, and filters creates a menu structure that can feel unfocused. Standard iOS accessibility features such as display zoom and larger text should function at the system level, but the app does not appear to be purpose-built with accessibility as a priority. Users who rely on VoiceOver should check the current version directly, as labeling of custom brush controls and processing buttons varies across apps in this category and we cannot verify specifics without testing.

Nine years of continuous updates through 2026

The maintenance record here is genuinely strong. The app launched in May 2017 and has received updates continuously since, with the most recent version, 5.26, dated July 2026. That combination of a nine-year lifespan and a very recent update is a meaningful signal that the developer is still investing in the product rather than coasting on legacy downloads. A rating count of 120,000 also indicates a large enough user base to surface bugs and prompt fixes. Version numbers in the mid-twenties suggest iterative, ongoing development rather than occasional patches. For a free app, that level of sustained maintenance is above average for the category.