iOS 17 lets you crop photos with just a pinch — here's how to use it on your iPhone

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Adjusting your images gets even easier

iPhone 15 Pro shown in hand
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

It was hardly difficult to edit photos you took with your iPhone in the Photos app to begin with, but Apple has made it even simpler by introducing zoom to crop in iOS 17.

Now, when zooming in on an image in the Photos app, a Crop prompt appears (in the top corner) that will let you quickly cut the photo down to the size you just made it with your zoom-in. It's rather handy when you've not quite framed a shot how you wanted when taking the photo, and are zooming in to see if the photo can still be salvaged.

So once you've got iOS 17 installed (we have a guide on how to download iOS 17 if you need it), read on for the run-down of what to do.

How to zoom to crop images in iOS 17

1. Open an image in the Photos app

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Pick any image where the subject is not as large or central as you want it to be.

2. Zoom in the desired amount, then tap Crop

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

The Crop button's in the top right corner, in case you haven't spotted it.

A screenshot showing the preset aspect ratios available when zooming to crop in Photos in iOS 17

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Tapping the Crop button sends you to the editing screen to confirm your choice. Tapping and holding Crop lets you pick one of four pre-set aspect ratios that will then become the default for all future zoom crops.

3. Adjust your crop, then tap Done when you're finished

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Use the handles to more precisely position the area of the image you want to remain after cropping. Alternatively, tap one of the aspect ratio presets at the top of the screen to get a more accurate framing.

When you're happy, the Done button's in the top right, but you're free to select other editing tools from the toolbar at the bottom if you want to adjust other aspects of your photo.

A screenshot showing a cropped image of a bagel in iOS 17

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

And here's the final result, which shows off this delicious bagel in all its glory.

We've got plenty more tips for your Apple gear if you want to become a true power user. Have a look at our guides on how to enable AirPods Pro Conversation Awareness on iPhone if you want to talk normally while keeping your AirPods Pro in, how to enable 48MP Max photos on iPhone 15 to make full use of the upgraded main camera, or how to change the iOS 17 text tone back if you simply can't let go of the familiar Tri-Tone jingle.

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • rtkegger
    My wife has Alzheimer's and this looks like it is perfect for this use case. She can't cope with too many options/choices and only needs/wants to make phone calls, texts and take picture, then look at the pictures she has taken. Four simple things. I have tried many phones and apps (mostly Android) with "assistive" technologies and NONE of them truly lock the phone into a known state that she can't accidently change or require too many options on screen. Having gone through several phones in the last year to 18 months, this is the only thing I have seen that locks down the home screen, yet allows me to make changes if I need to. While this feature really requires an administrator, it is the best I have seen for people with cognitive challenges. While I don't know the developers intent or motivation, this feature feels like someone on the team was dealing with a family member with cognitive challenges or just has a lot of empathy. I don't believe this feature is intended for someone that wants to make their "smart" phone into a "dumb" phone.
    My only issue is that when the iPhone I bought her didn't work out I took it over and got an Apple watch to go with it and paired an Apple watch with cellular for her. So, I will need to buy yet another phone for her......
    Reply