Is the Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16?
Since Apple hasn’t really been introducing major changes to the user interface in the past few iOS updates, people weren’t expecting much in the iOS 16 release either. But the incredible customization, especially for the lock screen, and improvements in the Visual Lookup have gotten the iPhone lovers shocked to the core.
Photo Cutout is one feature that has been instantly loved as it saves you from spending hours in a third-party app feathering edges. With just a single tap, your iPhone will use intense AI-based image processing to isolate your subjects from the background. The feature works for both photos and videos.
But what if you run into an unknown issue and can’t Use Photo Cutout on iOS 16 anymore? Well, don’t fret, as you’re not alone in the situation. Many users have reported the Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16, and we’re here to help. Read this guide to find out what you can do to combat the problem on your own.
So let’s jump straight in!
1. Ensure File Format Is Compatible.
Photo Cutout on iOS 16 is only compatible with a few photos and video formats. So, if this feature isn’t working on your device, the first thing you should do is check whether Photo Cutout supports the image or video you’re using.
Following are the file formats that work with Photo Cutout on iOS 16:
- Images: JPEG, GIF, CUR, PNG, TIFF, XBM, and ICO.
- Videos: MOV, MP4, AVI, and M4V.
If the file you’re using is unsupported, we suggest you use another image or video or try to convert its format. On the other hand, if you’ve ensured that you’re using the supported media, the next step is to check whether the application you intend to use supports the feature. This is because Photo Cutout selectively works with specific apps, including Messages, Photos, etc.
2. Check Your Device Compatibility.
Photo Cutout requires complex image processing, which is only available with iPhone models embedded with A12 Bionic chips or higher. This means that not all the devices running on iOS 16 will be compatible with this feature. So, if you can’t get Photo Cutout to work, consider checking if the feature supports your device.
Here is the list of Apple devices that are compatible with Photo Cutout:
- iPhone XS and later series
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE 2nd Gen
- iPad Mini 5th Gen and later
- iPad Air (3rd generation) and later
- iPad (8th generation) and later
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
3. Ensure the Subjects Are Clear.
If you have a supported device and the file format is accurate, the problem might be in the image itself. Since the Photo Cutout feature is automatic and uses AI-based technology, it will only work if the subject is clear and easily recognizable.
Therefore, you will experience Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16 if the image has multiple subjects or an abstract theme. Try to use a different picture that’s easy to interpret and see if the feature works. If the issue persists, move to other methods listed below.
4. Force Restart Your Device.
Force-restarting your device is a quick yet efficient way to resolve various common iOS issues. It will eliminate any temporary bugs or glitches within the system, giving your iPhone a fresh restart.
Here’s how to do it:
- Begin by pressing and holding the Volume Up button and releasing it.
- Now, press and hold the Volume Down button and release it quickly.
- Afterward, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and release it once you see an Apple logo on your screen. Your iPhone will restart shortly.
Once your device restarts, check if Photo Cutout is working or not.
5. Ensure Visual Lookup Is Working on Your Device.
Visual Lookup is a visual search engine that identifies subjects and text in your images to provide you with information like Siri knowledge, similar images on the web, and so on. Since Photo Cutout is part of Visual Lookup, you need to ensure its proper functionality to diagnose the true cause behind Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16.
Here’s how to do it:
- Head to the Photos app and select a photo with a clear subject.
- Tap on the info icon at the bottom.
- Then, tap on Look Up. this will display information related to the subject in the photo.
If the Look Up icon isn’t showing or the feature is not working, ensure it is enabled in your Settings. Here’s how:
- Open Settings and go to Siri & Search.
- Now, make sure all the toggles under Content From Apple and Suggestions From Apple are switched on.
6. Change Your Region.
Some features that Apple releases are not immediately available in every country and region. Moreover, certain features may even be restricted in a few regions. So, it might be possible that Photo Cutout is limited to a few areas.
To know for sure, change your region from the iPhone’s settings, and check if that restores the Photo Cutout feature. Here’s how:
- Head to the Settings app and select General.
- Scroll down and tap on Language & Region.
- Select Region.
- Scroll down and tap on United States. Alternatively, tap on the search bar located at the top. Type in ‘united states’ and choose the same from the results.
- Confirm your selection by tapping on Change to United States from the prompt that appears.
7. Reset All Settings.
If you’re still unable to get Photo Cutout to work, consider resetting all settings on your device. This will make your device reconfigure the settings and the related feature, and hopefully fix the Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16 issue.
Follow the steps below:
- Navigate to Settings and choose General.
- After, scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset.
- Then, tap on Reset All Settings and enter your passcode when prompted.
If it doesn’t resolve your issue, move to the next method in this guide.
8. Reinstall iOS Using IPSW.
Since the Photo Cutout feature is introduced in the latest iOS 16, you cannot roll back to the previous version and use the feature. Hence, you only have an option to reinstall the current iOS version. You can do so by restoring your device using IPSW after entering the recovery mode.
You can download the IPSW, an iOS firmware file, directly from Apple and install it on your device. Afterward, check if the previously existing bug or corrupted backup has disappeared, rendering the Photo Cutout feature operable.
9. Contact Apple Support.
If you’re still unable to use the Photo Cutout feature on your iPhone or iPad, the issue may be specific to your device. In this situation, you must opt for professional help for further diagnosis.
It is recommended to reach out to Apple Support so that the official team inspects and fixes whatever problem prevents the Photo Cutout feature from working properly.
This sums up our guide on how to fix Photo Cutout not working on iOS 16. In case of any queries or confusion, reach out to us by using the comments section below. We’ll gladly provide further assistance.
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