Apple’s iPhone will soon include a "Reference Image" feature to verify photo authenticity, as discovered in the fifth beta version of iOS 27. The feature, disabled by default, must be enabled in System Settings under Camera. When active, a special "Reference" mode in the Camera app encrypts and uploads a RAW version of the photo, along with metadata and user iPhone information, to an iCloud server. Apple reportedly does not access the photo but analyzes sensor metadata to ensure the sensor has not been tampered with. If a verified photo is shared online or sent to friends, other Apple devices can determine whether the image remains verified or has been altered. The feature could aid photojournalists and help combat scams, such as customers using AI to edit product photos to appear defective and defraud retailers out of refunds. The Content Authenticity Initiative addresses similar issues with Content Credentials, verifying photos and indicating edits when uploaded to supporting websites. Apple is reportedly working on this feature for the iPhone 17 and other models.