By Hartley Charlton
Lux, the developers of Halide and Kino, have announced their plans for Halide 3.0, a major update scheduled for release in 2025 with a number of new features.
Halide “Mark III” will get one-tap color correction. Color correction has been a sought-after addition since the launch of Process Zero, Halide’s proprietary image processing system, which debuted in 2024. The feature is expected to allow users to instantly apply a professional film look, similar to the capabilities offered in Lux’s Kino app. Lux envisions the feature going beyond presets, potentially allowing users to import custom looks created by others.
While iPhones have long supported HDR through Apple’s own algorithms, Halide has held off on adopting the technology due to concerns about aesthetic preferences and technical compatibility. Lux aims to address these concerns by introducing a subtle, tasteful implementation of HDR that avoids the garish look often associated with poorly executed HDR. The timing coincides with advances in iOS 18, particularly the introduction of Adaptive HDR, which extends HDR compatibility to legacy file formats like JPEG. Lux believes this development marks a tipping point for wider HDR adoption, and plans to integrate the feature alongside color correction tools.
Lux also plans to introduce a complete redesign of Halide’s user interface. With Halide Mark II set to turn five years old in 2025, Lux decided it was time for a visual and functional refresh. The company hinted that the changes will be tightly integrated with new features, such as making the color correction interface the center of the app experience.
Lux has launched an official Discord server, allowing Halide subscribers to access early builds, share ideas, and participate in discussions to help shape the next version of the app. The server will also host a year-long photo challenge, offering weekly tips and resources to inspire photographers and encourage community engagement.
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