Halide Mark III Launches With Built-In RAW Photo Lab and Analog-Inspired Looks

Lux Optics has launched Halide Mark III, delivering a major update to the popular third-party iPhone camera app. Built around the goal of producing beautiful photos straight out of the camera, the latest version introduces custom film-inspired Looks, an integrated RAW editing workspace, and a redesigned interface focused on simplifying photography on the iPhone.



At the center of the update is a new set of image presets called Looks. Developed in partnership with Hollywood colorist Cullen Kelly, the profiles use Halide's new film simulation engine to recreate characteristics associated with traditional film photography. Users can shoot with Looks like Valencia for saturated landscapes and cityscapes, Rembrandt for portrait lighting and skin tones, or Chroma Noir for high-contrast black-and-white photography. Every Look supports HDR to preserve highlight and shadow detail on modern iPhone displays. Lux says all Looks are included with the app at no additional cost.



For users who prefer more control over their images, Halide Mark III introduces the Photo Lab. The built-in editing workspace supports DNG and ProRAW files and includes a Quick Edit pane for fast adjustments. Users can fine-tune grain, halation, micro-contrast, white balance, exposure, and other image parameters directly inside the app. The interface also expands naturally onto the iPad for a roomier editing experience. Lux additionally added beta support for importing RAW files from standalone digital cameras for processing inside Halide.



The app's interface also received a major redesign influenced by Apple's Liquid Glass design language. Composition tools such as aspect ratio controls and the new golden ratio guide remain directly accessible from the main toolbar, while less frequently used manual settings are tucked into simplified menus. Halide Mark III also adds new Shutter Priority and ISO Priority shooting modes alongside an analog-style exposure meter designed to provide improved metering feedback while composing a shot.



Long-time users who prefer the previous layout can switch back to the classic Mark II interface from the settings menu.


Halide Mark III is available now on the App Store. The update is free for existing purchasers and active subscribers. New users can subscribe for $19.99 per year or purchase the app outright for $59.99.


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