Comparison

Iris vs Hidden Layer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Iris

This app offers photographers extensive manual control over their shots, including RAW capture and film-inspired effects. It provides professional tools like histograms and focus peaking for precise image creation, with an optional AI workflow for natural rendering.

Highlights
  • Zero AI Capture
  • Full Manual Camera Controls
  • RAW & ProRAW Capture
  • Film Simulations & Creative Effects
  • Professional Exposure Tools
  • HDR Bracketing
  • Fast RAW Workflow
Features
Read full description

# Iris Pro: Zero AI Manual Camera Capture photos with complete creative control. Iris Pro is a professional manual camera app for iPhone built for photographers who want manual settings, RAW capture, film-inspired rendering, and full control over the image-making process. Unlike standard camera apps that heavily process photos, Iris Pro gives you the option to capture images with a dedicated Zero AI workflow designed to preserve natural texture, authentic light, and the character of the original scene. Whether you're shooting street photography, landscapes, portraits, long exposures, or everyday moments, Iris Pro puts professional camera tools directly in your pocket. ## Why Photographers Choose Iris Pro ### Zero AI Capture Capture photos with minimal computational processing. Iris Pro's Zero AI mode is designed for photographers who prefer natural detail, organic grain, realistic contrast, and images that stay true to the scene. ### Full Manual Camera Controls Take complete control of every exposure. • Manual ISO • Manual Shutter Speed • Manual Focus • Manual White Balance • Exposure Compensation • Focus Peaking • 1:1 Focus Loupe Designed for one-handed operation with responsive tactile controls. ### RAW & ProRAW Capture Choose the workflow that fits your editing style. Supported formats include: • Bayer RAW (DNG) • Apple ProRAW • RAW + HEIC • ProRAW + HEIC • HEIC • JPEG Perfect for Lightroom, Capture One, Darkroom, and other professional editing tools. ### Film Simulations & Creative Effects Create distinctive images directly in camera. Features include: • Film Simulations • Natural Film Grain • Halation • Bloom • Prism Effects • Vignette Controls Preview your creative look before you press the shutter. ### Professional Exposure Tools Make confident exposure decisions with advanced monitoring tools. • Histogram • Luma Waveform • Zebra Stripes • Electronic Level • Composition Grid Built for photographers who care about precision. ### HDR Bracketing Capture additional dynamic range for challenging lighting situations. Bracket exposures at: • ±1 EV • ±2 EV • ±3 EV ### Fast RAW Workflow Export original RAW files instantly from the built-in gallery. No unnecessary steps. No complicated workflow. Your digital negatives remain accessible whenever you need them. ## Additional Features • Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto Lens Support • Self Timer • Haptic Feedback Controls • Real-Time Viewfinder Preview • Professional Photography Tools • Optimized for iPhone ## Built For Photographers Iris Pro is designed for creators who want more than automatic photography. Whether you're shooting RAW, exploring film-inspired looks, using manual focus, or working with professional exposure tools, Iris Pro helps you create photographs with intention. Capture the scene. Control the process. Iris Pro. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.bytenpixels.com/privacy

About

Hidden Layer

Features
Read full description

The photos we take often hide a dozen or so layers! Let's go see what's inside. This app lets you view every layer in a photo, and it also has a few useful or fun photo tools! View Layers Pick a photo and you'll see all kinds of layers inside it — maybe a depth map, a glasses mask, and more. Every layer comes with a detailed explanation. You'll discover a lot! For example, I found out that with ProRAW, what I usually see in my photo library is just the JPG preview layer inside… Of course, you can export layers too. For example, export the Low-Processing Rendering of a ProRAW main photo — a special rendering you've probably never seen. It's closer to the raw data and great for editing! You can also export the depth map and use it in Photoshop for more accurate background blur. Photo Tools Oh, and using these hidden layers, we can also process photos. For example, add a depth map to a regular photo and it becomes a Portrait mode photo, so you can refocus and add background blur right in the Photos app! There's also Remove Sharpening and Natural Key Photo — really useful if you prefer less sharpening, or want your Live Photo key photo to keep its colors. This is just the beginning. If you have a good idea, let me know!

Screenshots

Iris4 screens
Hidden Layer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Iris at Free against Hidden Layer's $0.99. Hidden Layer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Iris is free to download; Hidden Layer costs $0.99 up front. Iris sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per year. Hidden Layer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Iris versus Hidden Layer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIrisHidden Layer
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJiten Siddhpura北北 宋

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Iris

Subscriptions1
  • Iris Pro — Annual3 Days trial$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Iris Pro — Lifetime$14.99
None

Hidden Layer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Iris free?
Iris is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hidden Layer free?
Hidden Layer costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Iris or Hidden Layer have ads?
Neither Iris nor Hidden Layer shows ads.

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