How to Add 3D Photos on iOS 26

This guide shows you how to create and view 3D photos on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 26. You’ll learn the built-in method using the Camera app, how to view them in the Photos app, and how to share them with friends. No special equipment is needed—just a compatible device and iOS 26.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad with a dual-lens rear camera (or a newer model with the LiDAR scanner for best results).
• iOS 26 or later installed.
• Enough storage space for the 3D photo file (typically a few megabytes).
• For viewing on other devices: an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 26 / macOS 26 or later, or a compatible web browser.

Step-by-Step

1. Update to iOS 26: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 26 if you haven’t already. Your device must meet the compatibility requirements.
2. Open the Camera app: Tap the Camera icon on your home screen or lock screen.
3. Switch to Photo mode: Make sure the mode selector at the bottom is set to “Photo” (not Video, Portrait, or other modes).
4. Enable 3D capture: Look for a new icon that looks like a cube or a pair of overlapping squares in the top toolbar. If you don’t see it, tap the arrow (^) at the top to reveal more options. Tap the 3D icon to turn it on. The icon should highlight to indicate it’s active.
5. Frame your subject: Keep your subject within the frame and at a distance of about 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) for best depth capture. Avoid very close or very far objects.
6. Move slightly as you shoot: Unlike a regular photo, you need to move your phone in a slight arc (left to right or up and down) while pressing the shutter button. Keep the subject centered and move smoothly. A progress indicator will appear—complete the motion to capture the 3D scene.
7. Review the result: The photo is saved automatically in the Photos app. Open it—you’ll see a small 3D badge or icon in the corner. To view the depth effect, tilt your device or drag your finger across the screen to look around the scene.
8. Share the 3D photo: Tap the Share button (square with an up arrow) and choose AirDrop, Messages, or Mail. The recipient needs a compatible device to see the 3D effect. If you share via a link (iCloud Link), they can view it in a web browser that supports the format.

Common Mistakes

• Not moving the phone: A 3D photo requires motion during capture. If you hold the phone perfectly still, you’ll get a regular photo with no depth.
• Moving too fast: Jerky or rapid movement can blur the image and ruin the depth map. Move slowly and steadily.
• Too close or too far: Extreme distances (macro or far landscapes) often fail to produce a good 3D effect. Stick to the recommended range.
• Forgetting to enable the 3D mode: The 3D icon is easy to miss. Always check that it’s highlighted before shooting.
• Sharing as a regular image: If you send the photo as a standard JPEG, the 3D data is lost. Use AirDrop or a link to preserve the depth effect.

Tips

• Use good lighting—bright, even light helps the camera capture a cleaner depth map.
• Choose subjects with clear edges and distinct layers (e.g., a person in front of a tree) for a more dramatic 3D effect.
• If you have a LiDAR-equipped iPhone (Pro models), the 3D capture is more accurate, especially in low light.
• You can convert existing regular photos to 3D? No, iOS 26 does not offer a conversion tool. You must capture new 3D photos.
• To view 3D photos on a Mac, make sure it’s running macOS 26 and use the Photos app.

Troubleshooting

The 3D icon is missing: Your device may not support 3D capture. Check that you have an iPhone 11 or later (or iPad Pro 2020 or later). Also, ensure you’re in Photo mode, not Portrait or Video.

The photo saves as a regular image: You probably didn’t move the phone during capture. Try again, moving in a slow arc.

The 3D effect doesn’t display: Open the photo in the Photos app and make sure you’re viewing it in full screen. Tilt your device or drag your finger. If it still doesn’t work, the photo may not have captured depth data—retake it.

Sharing doesn’t preserve 3D: Avoid sending via SMS/MMS or as a file attachment in email. Use AirDrop or iCloud Link. The recipient must also have a compatible device.

Storage space is low: 3D photos take up more space than standard photos. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to free up space if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take 3D photos on any iPhone with iOS 26? No, only models with a dual-lens camera (iPhone 11 and later) or LiDAR (Pro models) support 3D capture.

Do 3D photos work in third-party apps? Most third-party apps will display them as regular images. Only Apple’s Photos app and certain supported viewers show the 3D effect.

Can I edit a 3D photo? You can apply basic edits (crop, filter) in the Photos app, but the depth data may be lost if you export to a non-Apple format.

How do I delete a 3D photo? Just like any photo—select it and tap the trash icon in the Photos app.

Will 3D photos work on Android? No, the format is proprietary to Apple. Android devices will see a regular image.

Can I convert a 3D photo to a regular photo? Yes, share it as a standard image (e.g., via email) and it will be converted to a flat JPEG.

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