Method 1 - IOS Subject Lift (Built-In, iOS 16+)
Apple's subject lift works directly in the Photos app:
- Open the photo in the Photos app
- Long-press the subject (person, animal, or object) until you feel a haptic tap and a glow appears around the subject
- A menu appears - Tap Copy to copy just the subject (with transparency)
- Paste into Messages, Notes, or any other app
Limitation: This copies the subject to the clipboard but doesn't save it as a standalone transparent PNG file. It also only works when iOS successfully detects a clear subject - Complex backgrounds or multiple subjects may not work reliably.
Method 2 - Jpg.now in Safari (Full Transparent PNG)
For a downloadable transparent PNG with more control:
- Open jpg.now/remove-background in Safari
- Tap the upload area and select your photo from the camera roll
- The AI removes the background automatically in a few seconds
- Tap Download PNG - The file saves to your Photos or Files app
You can also use the manual brush to touch up any edges the AI missed before downloading.
Which Method Is Better?
Use iOS subject lift for quick compositing within Apple apps - It's instant and requires no browser. Use jpg.now when you need a proper transparent PNG file saved to your device, need to refine complex edges, or when subject lift fails to detect your subject (common with objects, logos, and non-animal subjects).
Editing the Background After Removal
Once you have your transparent PNG, open it in the Photo Editor to place the subject on a new background. The editor works in Safari on iPhone and lets you fill the background with a solid colour, gradient, or paste a new image behind the subject.