VSCO just made its biggest leap into AI-powered photo editing. The creator platform launched AI Labs today, bringing intelligent object removal and RAW file support to compete directly with Google and Apple's native tools while targeting professional photographers who've been waiting for precision editing on mobile.
VSCO is making its play for the AI editing wars. The photo platform just rolled out AI Labs, a suite of intelligent editing tools that puts it head-to-head with Google Photos and Apple's built-in object removal features.
The centerpiece is an AI-powered object removal tool that lets users highlight or circle unwanted elements in photos. VSCO claims its "intelligent area detection" seamlessly blends backgrounds after removal without compromising resolution or color accuracy. That's a direct shot at competitors whose tools often leave telltale artifacts.
"Since our inception, VSCO has supported authentic creative expression," CEO Eric Wittman said in a statement to TechCrunch. "We see how much AI is impacting photography, and are focused on bringing AI tools to our community that are designed specifically to support photographers."
The timing couldn't be more strategic. While Google and Apple have been integrating AI editing into their core camera apps, VSCO is betting professional photographers want more precision and control. The company is powering these features with Black Forest Labs' FLUX.1 Kontext model, positioning itself as the premium alternative.
But object removal is just the opening move. VSCO is also adding support for high-resolution RAW files and non-destructive editing - features that put it in direct competition with desktop powerhouses like Adobe Lightroom. An upcoming "Upscale" feature promises to boost image resolution while preserving details, addressing one of mobile photography's biggest limitations.
The financial model shows VSCO's confidence in these tools. AI Labs comes with unlimited usage for Pro subscribers at $12.99 monthly or $60 annually - no per-edit charges like some competitors impose. That pricing strategy suggests the company expects heavy adoption among its core creator base.
VSCO has been steadily building its professional toolkit this year. In May, it launched an AI-powered collaborative whiteboard for client projects, and last year introduced a marketplace connecting photographers with brands. The company also rolled out Workspace for managing bookings and schedules.
The competitive landscape is heating up fast. Adobe dominates desktop editing, while Google and Apple control the casual mobile market. VSCO's bet is that there's room for a premium mobile solution that bridges the gap between phone cameras and professional workflows.
For now, AI Labs is iOS-only through the VSCO Studio app. Android users and desktop photographers will have to wait, giving competitors time to respond. But if VSCO can deliver on its precision promises, it might just carve out a sustainable niche in the increasingly crowded AI editing space.
VSCO's AI Labs represents a calculated move to claim the professional mobile editing space before bigger players lock it down. While the features aren't revolutionary, the execution and pricing model could give it an edge with serious photographers who want desktop-quality tools on their phones. The real test will be whether VSCO can maintain its quality advantage as Google and Apple inevitably improve their own AI editing capabilities.
