Apple is reportedly developing an iOS feature that can verify when a photograph was taken using an iPhone camera, according to 9to5Mac, which found code references in the iOS 27 beta 5 for an “Apple Reference Image” system. This system would embed provenance metadata into iPhone photographs at the point of capture, enabling users to prove where the photo originated and that it isn’t AI fakery. The feature is not currently live, but a privacy disclosure in the iOS beta notes it will be off by default. When or if it rolls out, 9to5Mac says it can be enabled via Settings > Camera > Reference Image > Reference Mode, and only photographs taken using a new “Reference” option in the iPhone Camera app will include the provenance information required for authentication. MacRumors reports the authentication process does not occur automatically and requires users to tap a Reference badge on the photograph, which sends the raw image and its embedded provenance data—including sensor signatures, capture time frame, and unique hardware identifiers—to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers for verification, then returns the authenticated version with a uniquely assigned ID. Apple does not access the raw photo itself during this process, but it may receive sensor data that allows it to prevent images connected to compromised sensors from being authenticated, or retroactively revoke prior authentication on images associated with the sensor.