Lux Optics, the developer behind the acclaimed iPhone photography app Halide, is pulling back the curtain on the next iteration of its flagship product, Halide Mark III (version 3.0). Embracing a transparent development strategy similar to that employed for their award-winning video app, Kino, Lux is engaging users early by unveiling key features and inviting feedback through a dedicated Discord server. This approach allows the development team to incorporate user insights throughout the creation process, ensuring the final product aligns with the needs and desires of its community. The forthcoming Halide Mark III promises a significant upgrade with a focus on enhancing creative control and streamlining the user experience.
The first major feature highlighted is the introduction of Color Grades, a functionality mirroring Kino’s popular feature. This allows users to apply pre-defined aesthetic looks and color palettes to their photos with a single tap. These palettes will range from Lux’s own meticulously crafted creations to emulations of classic film stocks, reminiscent of Fujifilm’s film simulations. Furthermore, users will be able to import and share “recipes” – custom color grading configurations – expanding the creative possibilities and fostering a community-driven ecosystem of visual styles. This feature empowers users to quickly achieve specific moods and aesthetics, significantly simplifying the post-processing workflow.
Building on the advancements in iOS 18’s Adaptive HDR, Halide Mark III will also introduce an enhanced approach to HDR photography. Apple’s Adaptive HDR technology facilitates greater compatibility across different platforms, and Lux is leveraging this to deliver a more seamless and robust HDR experience within Halide. Specific details about Lux’s implementation are yet to be revealed, but the emphasis suggests a more refined and user-friendly approach to capturing and displaying high-dynamic-range images. This promises to unlock even more detail and dynamic range in photos, allowing users to capture scenes with greater fidelity than before.
Complementing the new features, Halide Mark III will sport a redesigned user interface. While details remain scant, Lux emphasizes a “form follows function” philosophy, suggesting the redesign will prioritize usability and intuitive access to the app’s expanded feature set. If the integration of Instant Grade – the feature allowing quick application of color grades – proves successful, the interface will be centered around this functionality, mimicking the design of Kino. This user-centric approach aims to streamline the photography workflow and empower users to quickly achieve their desired visual results.
Lux Optics is embracing a more open development model for Halide Mark III, allowing subscribed users early access to test and provide feedback on these features. This collaborative development process mirrors the successful strategy employed with Kino, fostering a strong connection between developers and users. By actively incorporating user feedback, Lux aims to create an app that truly meets the needs of its community. The engagement through a dedicated Discord server facilitates direct communication and a sense of community involvement, further strengthening the bond between Lux and its user base.
Although a specific release date remains undisclosed, Halide Mark III is slated for launch sometime in 2025. Pricing details are also yet to be announced, but initial indications from the @halideapp Threads account suggest existing Mark II users will receive the update as part of their subscription, while users of the original Halide app will have an upgrade path. This approach rewards loyal users while offering a clear migration path for those using older versions. The combination of innovative features, a refined interface, and a community-driven development process positions Halide Mark III as a significant evolution of the popular photography app.
In conclusion, Halide Mark III promises a significant leap forward in mobile photography, empowering users with enhanced creative control and a more streamlined workflow. The introduction of Color Grades, improved HDR capabilities, and a redesigned interface all contribute to a more refined and feature-rich experience. Lux Optics’ transparent development strategy, involving early access and community feedback, further solidifies their commitment to crafting an app that truly caters to the needs of its users. The anticipation for Halide Mark III is building, and the planned 2025 release is eagerly awaited by mobile photography enthusiasts.
