Bokeh on iPhone: control background blur before and after the shot

01Adjust the blur while you shoot

Portrait PRO in DSLR Camera adds a digital aperture to the viewfinder. While framing, you adjust the intensity of the blur and the depth at which the effect is applied, and you see the result live. It works for people, and also for objects, plants or a plate of food.

A light blur keeps the place recognisable; a strong one isolates the subject. Decide according to how much the background tells about the moment.

02Change focus after the shot

Version 12 adds two tools for photos you have already taken. Refocus, on supported iPhones and compatible photos, lets you tap a detected subject to keep it sharp while the rest of the image softens, and adjust the intensity.

Aperture works on photos with depth information: choose the focus point and adjust the blur with a digital aperture control from f/16 to f/1.4. Lower numbers mean a more blurred background, as on a camera lens.

03Practical advice

Depth effects need separation. Move the subject away from the wall behind it, and get closer to the subject yourself. Watch the edges: hair, glasses and thin objects are the hardest parts, so check them at full size before sharing.

Dual Filter goes one step further and lets you correct the subject and the background separately.

The DSLR Camera overview lists all the portrait tools, including AR Portrait for LiDAR devices.

Compare subtle and strong blur

Keep the same subject and framing, then make versions with low and stronger background blur. Inspect hair, ears, glasses and gaps between fingers at the same viewing size. A convincing result keeps subject edges natural; more blur is not automatically better.

Digital blur is an image-processing effect, not proof of a physically wider lens aperture. Increasing real distance between subject and background can also improve separation. If outlines look artificial, reduce the effect or choose a simpler background rather than hiding the error with more blur.