How to make 3D photos on iPhone
Three ways to make a 3D photo on iPhone: Spatial Scenes in iOS 26, the Lock Screen 3D effect, and an online tool that turns any photo into a 3D video you can post or share.
By the Deep Photo team · · 6 min read
iPhones have quietly become very good at depth. Portrait mode has saved depth data for years, and iOS 26 added Spatial Scenes, which make your photos move in 3D when you tilt the phone. But depending on what you want to do with the 3D photo, the built-in features may or may not be enough. Here are the three ways to make a 3D photo on iPhone, and when to use each.
1. Spatial Scenes in the Photos app (iOS 26)
Spatial Scenes use on-device AI to estimate depth in an ordinary 2D photo. When it is on, the picture shifts with real parallax as you tilt your iPhone.
- Update your iPhone to iOS 26 or later.
- Open the Photos app and open a photo.
- Tap the Spatial Scene button near the top of the screen. If a photo can't be converted, the button doesn't appear.
- Tilt the phone to see the depth.
Good for: enjoying your own photos on your own phone. Limits: the moving version is meant to be viewed on your iPhone. There is no simple way to post it as a video to TikTok or Reels, send it to an Android friend, or put it on a website. Support also depends on your iPhone model.
2. 3D Lock Screen wallpaper
The same effect works on the Lock Screen, and it is the most popular way people discover it.
- Touch and hold the Lock Screen, then tap the + button or Customize.
- Choose Photos and pick a picture.
- Tap the Spatial Scene button (the hexagon icon) in the corner to turn on the 3D effect.
- Tap Add or Done.
3. An online 3D photo tool (to post and share)
If you want to use your 3D photo, for a Reel, a TikTok, a story, a website or a link you can send to anyone, make it with an online tool. It works in Safari, with any photo in your library, and gives you a file instead of an effect locked in one app.
- Open deep-photo.app in Safari.
- Tap the upload box and choose a photo from your library.
- Wait a few seconds while the AI builds the depth, then drag your finger over the photo to see it in 3D.
- Export an HD MP4 in 9:16 for Reels, TikTok and Stories, or 1:1 for the feed. It goes to your camera roll like any video.
- Or save it to your free library to get a share link and an embed code.
Turn an iPhone photo into 3D
Works in Safari with any photo from your library. Free to try.
Make a 3D photoWhich one should you use?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| See your memories with depth | Spatial Scenes in Photos |
| A moving 3D wallpaper | Lock Screen Spatial Scene |
| Post a 3D photo to TikTok, Reels or Facebook | Online tool, export MP4 |
| Send a 3D photo to anyone, any phone | Online tool, share link |
| Put a 3D photo on a website | Online tool, embed code |
| Turn a video into 3D | Video to 3D converter |
Spatial photos are something else
On iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and newer, the Camera app can also record spatial photos and videos. Those are stereo recordings made with two lenses, meant to be watched in Apple Vision Pro. They are a different thing from Spatial Scenes and from the parallax 3D photos in this guide, which you can watch on any flat screen without a headset.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can an iPhone make 3D photos?
Yes. iOS 26 can show many photos as Spatial Scenes, which move with depth when you tilt the phone, in the Photos app and on the Lock Screen. To post a 3D photo to social media or a website, use an online tool such as Deep Photo, which exports a video and gives you a share link.
Are Spatial Scenes the same as spatial photos?
No. Spatial photos and videos are recorded in stereo for Apple Vision Pro. Spatial Scenes are an iOS 26 effect that adds AI depth to an ordinary 2D photo so it moves on the iPhone screen.
How do I post an iPhone 3D photo on Instagram or TikTok?
Instagram and TikTok don't play interactive 3D photos, so you post a short video of the effect. Upload the photo to Deep Photo in Safari and export an HD MP4 in 9:16, then post it from your camera roll.