Leica is making its most serious attempt so far to turn the iPhone into a proper camera. The German camera maker has announced Leica LUX 2.0, the largest update to its iPhone camera app since the app debuted in 2024. Alongside it come a new silver version of the LUX Grip and leather cases designed for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Each product works on its own, but combine all three and the iPhone starts to feel like a small Leica system.
A Steve McCurry look for your photos
The headline feature in the app is a new Artist Look created with photographer Steve McCurry, best known for his vivid colour work in portraits and reportage. The goal is not to turn an average holiday snap into a McCurry picture at the tap of a button, but to give images a colour palette inspired by his style.
This is the second Artist Look from Leica, following one developed with photographer Greg Williams. The McCurry look is part of the paid Leica LUX PRO tier, and owners of the Leica Q3 and SL3 can also use it through the Leica FOTOS app.
A cleaner, faster app
LUX 2.0 is about more than new looks. The photo gallery has been rebuilt to work more like Leica FOTOS, the app used with the brand’s dedicated cameras. A new filmstrip view makes it quicker to scroll through shots, and several photos can now be selected at once.
The interface has also been refreshed with elements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass design, and fans can choose alternative app icons that nod to classic Leica cameras. Photos can be sent straight to editing apps such as Lightroom, Capture One and Darkroom.
Tuned for the iPhone 18 Pro
Leica says the new version is optimised for the cameras in Apple’s latest Pro models. The app offers manual control over focus, exposure, ISO and white balance.
One detail is missing from the announcement, though: Leica does not explicitly promise control of the iPhone 18 Pro’s variable aperture. Until that is confirmed, it is too early to say how deeply the app can take advantage of Apple’s new camera hardware.
A real shutter button with the LUX Grip
For those who want more than software, the LUX Grip attaches to the back of the iPhone via MagSafe and connects over Bluetooth. It adds a two-stage shutter button (half-press to focus, full press to shoot), a control dial and two programmable buttons. The battery is rated for around 1,000 shots, the grip weighs roughly 130 grams, and it works with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone.
The grip itself is not new, but it now comes in silver. The LUX Grip Silver costs EUR 300 (around DKK 2,250) and includes one year of LUX PRO. For comparison, the existing black version has an official Danish recommended price of DKK 2,350.
Leather cases with a physical camera button
The new black leather cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are lined with red microfibre, support MagSafe and include a built-in physical button in place of an open cut-out over Apple’s Camera Control. Each case costs EUR 95, or roughly DKK 710.
Price and availability
No accessories are needed to try the app. The basic version of Leica LUX is free, while LUX PRO currently costs DKK 59 per month or DKK 599 per year in the Danish App Store. The Steve McCurry look and iPhone 18 Pro support became available on 24 September. According to Leica, the full LUX 2.0 update with the new gallery and redesigned interface will reach the App Store in early October.
