Apple introduced space photos and videos last year with the incredible Vision Pro space computer. The company then brought support for spatial photo capture to the iPhone 16 series, which allows users to take 3D photos that can then be enjoyed on the Vision Pro. Fast forward to 2025, and one of the new features in iOS 26 includes using Space Scenes to convert any image saved on your phone into a 3D photo. The iPhone’s AI processes the depth information of the image to create a 3D version of it. This feature can be used for entertainment purposes, to see what a particular photograph would look like in 3D, or to customize your phone’s wallpaper, which supports space scenes.
You can turn any image into a space scene, it doesn’t have to be a photo you took with your current iPhone, but the 3D effect varies depending on factors like portrait style versus wide landscapes. Some will look better than others, depending on the contrast of the subject and background, because the iOS 26 algorithm separates the two to create a motion effect.
To enjoy the image, you have to tilt the iPhone from one side to the other. It’s worth noting that the Space Scene effect won’t be saved permanently in the Photos app. So a good place to take advantage of it would be on your iPhone’s personalized home screen. Before you get started, you should know that Spatial Scenes requires an iPhone 12 or newer to work.
How to Turn Any iPhone Photo into a Space Scene
Open the Photos app on your iPhone to get started and select the image you want to see in 3D using the Space Scene effect. You will see a new button in the upper right corner called Space Scene (the hexagonal icon). Tap it and the Photos app will create a spatial scene, with a visual indication that iPhone is analyzing depth data.
Once the space scene is generated, you can tilt the phone and observe the 3D effect. The subject of the image will be slightly enlarged. It will appear as if it is moving, with the background changing at the same time. The screenshots above show what it looks like using the Spatial Scene features for a photo taken with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Flip 6 handset. Be aware that the effect isn’t permanent in the Photos app, and you can’t share spatial scenes.
One of the best places to enjoy space scenes is the lock screen, where the 3D effect is permanent. To set a space scene wallpaper, go to the lock screen and long press it until the personalization menu appears. Tap the “+” button to set a new wallpaper. Choose an image in the Photos app, then find the new Space Scenes toggle and tap it. Like in the Photos app, it’s a hexagonal icon, but this time it’s placed in the lower right corner. Tap Add to finish. Once done, your wallpaper will display a 3D effect until you change it.
