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Hands-on with the new Portrait Mode beta on iPhone 7 Plus [Video]

iphone-7-plus-portrait-mode-10-1-beta-1

Today Apple released several new betas, but the most interesting new release among the flood of new software is the iOS 10.1 beta for the iPhone 7 Plus. That’s because the iOS 10.1 beta includes a preview of the new Portrait Mode in the iPhone 7 Plus Camera app, and we’ve taken the new feature for a brief test drive on video.

Portrait mode was the much-hyped depth of field effect showcased by Phil Schiller at the recent iPhone 7 event. Unfortunately, the feature wasn’t ready in time for the iPhone 7 Plus launch, so the hardware launched without the feature. Apple promised that Portrait mode would be made available later via a free software update.

Not even a week after the iPhone 7’s release, Apple has shipped Portrait Mode to developers with public beta testers scheduled to get their first hands-on shortly thereafter. As iPhone 7 Plus owners, we were more than happy to jump on the beta to check out the new Portrait mode. Have a look at our brief hands-on video walkthrough as we showcase how the feature works at a high level.

Hands-on with Portrait Mode in iOS 10.1

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Things to note:

  • Portrait Mode requires plenty of light. Shots won’t turn out as well in low light, and at times you’ll get a “more light required” warning.
  • Portrait Mode only works with the iSight Duo (rear facing) Camera on the iPhone 7 Plus.
  • Portrait Mode does not work with video.
  • You’ll need to be at least eight feet away from your subject.
  • Portrait Mode works with people and inanimate objects.
  • Portrait Mode contains a 3 or 10-second timer.
  • Portrait Mode is still in beta, thus, the results won’t always be perfect.
  • TechCrunch’s Matt Panzarino got an early hands-on look at Portrait Mode, and talked about some of the feature’s technical aspects and limitations.

Here are the before and after shots:

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Without the Portrait Mode’s depth effect

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With the Portrait Mode’s depth effect

What’s most impressive to me is the fact that the depth effect works on people and objects. I was almost sure that it would be a people-only thing, at least initially, due to the way Apple was wording the feature during its event and in its press materials. As Apple often does, it under-promised and over-delivered; that much is obvious, even in this early beta stage of the game.

What are your thoughts on the new Portrait mode?

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Avatar for Jeff Benjamin Jeff Benjamin

Jeff is the head of video content production for 9to5. He initially joined 9to5Mac in 2016, producing videos, walkthroughs, how-tos, written tutorials, and reviews. He takes pride in explaining things simply, clearly, and concisely. Jeff’s videos have been watched hundreds of millions of times by people seeking to learn more about today’s tech. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube to catch Jeff’s latest videos.