Google has begun rolling out new AI-powered editing features for its Google Photos service, introducing a "Touch up" menu with tools designed to subtly enhance portraits. The features, which include options to smooth skin and whiten teeth, leverage on-device machine learning to apply adjustments automatically or with user control.
The announcement was made by Google in April 2026, confirming the gradual release to users. The tools are positioned as a way to make quick, subtle improvements to photos without requiring advanced editing skills. They appear as part of the existing editing suite within the Google Photos app on mobile devices.
This update follows a broader industry trend of integrating generative AI and machine learning into consumer photo applications. Google emphasizes that the changes are designed to be subtle, aiming to enhance rather than drastically alter a person's appearance. The features process images locally on the device to maintain user privacy.
Availability of the new "Touch up" menu may vary by region and device as the rollout continues. The tools are part of Google's ongoing efforts to compete with other photo services that offer similar AI-enhanced editing capabilities.
