For years, iPhone users have requested a native background‑removal tool. Apple’s latest iOS 16 finally delivers this feature directly within the Photos app, eliminating the need for Photoshop or third‑party apps.
This guide walks you through the entire process—cutting out subjects from still images, creating photo collages for Instagram Stories, and even removing backgrounds from video frames. It also covers the limitations of the built‑in tool and offers a reliable online alternative via FlexClip.
What You’ll Learn:
- Removing backgrounds from photos on iPhone 8 or newer.
- Creating Instagram‑ready collages with cut‑out images.
- Extracting subjects from video frames in iOS 16.
- Using FlexClip to overcome native feature constraints.
Removing Backgrounds from Images (iOS 16)
1. Update your device to iOS 16 and open the Photos app. Locate the image you want to edit.
2. Long‑press the subject you wish to isolate. A bright rim appears, confirming the subject has been selected.
3. Tap “Copy” to duplicate the cut‑out. Paste it into Notes, Messages, or any app that accepts images, or choose Share to post directly to social media. To save it as a new photo, select Save as New in the Share sheet.
Apple’s Photo Editing Guide confirms this method works on iPhone 8 or newer.
Creating Photo Collages for Instagram Stories
1. Cut out the subject as described above and tap Copy.
2. Open Instagram, swipe right to start a Story, and upload a background photo.
3. Return to the Story canvas, long‑press the background, and choose Paste to overlay the cut‑out. Resize with pinch gestures.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 to add more cut‑outs.
5. Tap the three dots, select Save to store the collage in your Camera Roll, or post it immediately.
Removing Backgrounds from Video Frames
1. In Photos, find the video and pause at the desired frame.
2. Long‑press the subject until the rim appears, indicating it’s been selected.
3. Choose Copy or Save Image to export the cut‑out as a PNG.
When iOS 16 Isn’t Enough – An Online Work‑Around
Although iOS 16’s cut‑out tool is powerful, it can miss fine details like hair or small limbs. If you encounter such gaps, FlexClip’s online background remover offers a robust alternative.
Step 1: Scan the QR code to upload photos from your iPhone to FlexClip.
Step 2: Choose a solid color or image as the background layer.
Step 3: Drag the photo onto the timeline, click Remove Background, and let FlexClip automatically isolate the subject. Use the Erase and Restore brushes to fine‑tune edges. The resulting PNG is saved to your device.
Step 4: (Optional) Animate the cut‑out with Zoom, Fade, or Bounce effects via the Motion panel.
Step 5: Enhance the video with animated text, motion graphics, stickers, and royalty‑free music from the Elements tab.
Step 6: Preview, then download or share directly to YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
With FlexClip, you can create polished collages or slideshow videos in minutes, bypassing the occasional inaccuracies of iOS 16’s native tool.
Feel free to share this tutorial on Facebook or Twitter and tag us for feedback!
FlexClip Editor
As video editing and marketing professionals, we’re here to offer more tips and tricks to elevate your projects.