iOS 27 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative updates to Apple’s mobile operating system in years, and a new report from a reliable source suggests the Camera app will receive a particularly significant upgrade: full customization. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is planning to make the Camera app “fully customizable,” allowing users to decide exactly which controls appear and where they are placed on the screen. This would mark a dramatic departure from the rigid, one-size-fits-all interface that has defined the Camera app since the original iPhone.
The report builds on earlier rumors that iOS 27’s Camera app would gain a new ‘Siri’ mode for visual intelligence, but the customization feature appears to be far more ambitious. Users will be able to choose from a range of controls—including flash, exposure, timer, and resolution—and arrange them to suit their personal shooting style. Each different mode within the Camera app, such as Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama, will offer its own set of customizable controls. These will be accessible via a transparent “Add Widgets” tray that slides up from the bottom of the app, reminiscent of the widget customization introduced in iOS 14 but applied directly to camera functionality.
For example, in the standard Photo mode, advanced options like depth-of-field and exposure controls could be swapped in alongside Photographic Styles, the timer, and other frequently used tools. This level of granularity means that a professional photographer might prioritize manual exposure and focus controls, while a casual user might prefer quick access to flash and filter options. The result is an interface that adapts to the user, rather than forcing the user to adapt to a fixed layout.
The concept of a customizable camera interface is not entirely new in the smartphone world. Third-party apps like Halide and ProCamera have long offered extensive customization for serious photographers, but Apple has historically kept its own Camera app relatively simple and standardized. The move toward customization signals a recognition that iPhone users have diverse needs—from quick snapshots to advanced creative captures—and that a single interface cannot serve everyone equally well. It also aligns with a broader industry trend toward user-configurable interfaces, as seen in Android phones from Samsung and Google, which have offered customizable camera layouts for several years.
The underlying technology that enables this customization is still under wraps, but it likely builds on the composable UI framework introduced in iOS 16 and refined in subsequent versions. The 'Add Widgets' tray suggests a live, drag-and-drop system where controls can be added, removed, and repositioned without leaving the camera viewfinder. This would require significant reengineering of the Camera app’s codebase, but reports indicate that Apple has been working on this for at least two internal cycles. The customization is expected to be part of a broader set of user interface changes in iOS 27, which Gurman has previously described as including “Liquid Glass” refinements—a new visual style that adds subtle transparency, depth, and light effects to system elements.
Historical context adds depth to this update. The iPhone Camera app has evolved dramatically over the years, from the simple tap-to-focus interface of the original iPhone to the feature-rich system in iOS 26 that includes ProRAW, ProRes, Cinematic mode, and Action mode. Yet despite these additions, the basic layout has remained largely unchanged: a shutter button at the bottom, a mode selector above it, and a strip of control icons at the top. With iOS 27, Apple appears ready to break that mold entirely. The ability to hide or reorder controls could reduce clutter for users who only need a handful of options, while power users can assign their most-used settings to easily accessible positions.
The implications for photography enthusiasts and professionals are substantial. Many users have long complained about having to dive deep into Settings to change resolution or frame rate, or having to deal with a cluttered interface when they only need basic controls. With customization, these common pain points could disappear. Additionally, the update could open the door for more advanced functions in the future—such as custom color profiles or shortcut-based controls—since the framework for user choice will already be in place. It also positions the Camera app to better compete with the aforementioned third-party apps, which have dominated the pro photography space on iOS due to their flexibility.
Beyond the Camera app, the iOS 27 update is expected to include other major changes. The Liquid Glass design language mentioned by Gurman suggests a more fluid and translucent aesthetic across the system, potentially affecting the Lock Screen, Control Center, and the overall visual experience. This design philosophy aligns with the “glass” motif Apple has used in hardware, like the back of recent iPhones, and would represent a step away from the frosted glass effect introduced in iOS 7. The Camera app’s transparent tray is a natural extension of this idea, blending seamlessly with the viewfinder.
Developers and beta testers are likely to get their first hands-on experience with iOS 27 at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2026, which is just weeks away. The public launch will follow in the fall alongside the new iPhone 27 lineup. Given that the Camera is one of the most-used apps on the iPhone, this customization feature could be a key selling point for the upcoming software update. It also continues Apple’s recent trend of giving users more control over their experience, following the introduction of customizable Lock Screens, Focus modes, and Control Center modules.
Some analysts have pointed out that a fully customizable Camera app could also improve accessibility. Users with disabilities or motor impairments could prioritize large, easy-to-reach buttons for essential functions, while minimizing or removing less critical controls. The ‘Add Widgets’ tray appears to be designed with this kind of flexibility in mind, allowing users to build an interface that fits their physical needs as well as their creative preferences.
In summary, the reported changes to the Camera app in iOS 27 represent a fundamental shift in how Apple approaches its built-in photography tools. By putting control in the hands of users, the company is acknowledging that one size does not fit all—and that the best camera software is the one that adapts to its user. With the full details expected at WWDC 2026, anticipation is building among both casual shooters and serious photographers. The era of the fixed camera interface may soon be over, replaced by a flexible, personalized system that makes every tap and swipe more intuitive.
Source: 9to5Mac News