Following the release of iOS 27.2, Apple has quietly introduced an invisible watermarking feature for images generated or edited using artificial intelligence tools within the Photos app.
According to official documentation, the system automatically embeds a SynthID tag when users utilize specific Apple Intelligence capabilities, such as the Clean Up tool, Expand, Spatial Framing, Image Playground, and Image Wand. Consequently, both entirely new AI-generated creations and heavily edited authentic photos receive this hidden digital signature.
Image without AI manipulation
Importantly, the watermark remains completely imperceptible to the naked eye. Detection is only possible through specialized readers designed for the SynthID standard. Users wishing to verify whether an image contains the tag can upload it to the synthid.com website for a diagnostic check.
Image expanded using iOS 27’s “Expand” feature, creating extra space with AI
Developed by Google, SynthID technology is designed to identify synthetic media by embedding a digital watermark directly into the content without compromising visual quality. However, it does possess limitations and cannot detect every instance of AI-assisted content.
This invisible watermarking capability is integrated across the Apple ecosystem starting with iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2.
Filed in . Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Apple Intelligence and iOS 27.