Halide camera yesterday released a new update with version number 2.5 finally enabling macro mode across all iPhone models. The feature is called Neural Macro and can be accessed through the in-app focus mode.
When the mode is enabled, the app will automatically select the lens with the least focal length and applies a 2x digital zoom on top of it to get as close as possible to the subject. But since digital zooming always leads to a loss in quality, Halide makes use of the neural engine found on iPhone 8 and above to restore lost detail. The app even allows a 3x zoom if you wish to get even closer.
The result is an image that not only has a superior closeup but also a minimal loss in quality. The mode shoots JPEG images with a 4K resolution.
But perhaps the best part is that the 2x and 3x zooms are only edits that are applied to the image. Thus, if you wish to undo them, you can simply head over to the Photos app, edit the photo, and hit Restore.
That said, the Halide Neural Macro mode obviously works differently on the iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max. This is because the app can simply tap into the native macro functionality of the ultra-wide lens found on the device. Photos shot using this mode are said to be even better than the ones captured via the default Camera app.
Halide can be downloaded through the App Store via a subscription costing $9.99 a month. It can also be availed through a one-time purchase for $49.99. Halide 2.5 is a free update to existing subscribers.
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