iPhone Old Gen Photo Apps

Photoforge2 by Ghostbird Software

Photoforge2 is the second iteration of Photoforge, later formatted for the iPhone. Working with a smaller screen size, the developers completely redesigned the UI, providing the same extended functionality within a small screen. There are several things that make this application great. The pop-up-scrolling-wheel menu provides layers of controls that otherwise would be difficult to access on an iPhone. And like Photoshop, you have the ability to add layers, masks, and even chart your history in case you need to return to an earlier stage. You also have over 10 options for saving and sharing your photos. By far, Photoforge2 is one of the best photo apps available.  

Note: The developers for Photoforge2 and KitCam ceased production when the company was purchased by Yahoo in June of 2013. This was a huge lost to this genre of photo editing apps. In 2018, it is still rare to find a mobile app of this caliber.

Photocopier by Digital Film Tools

We often draw inspiration from other art forms (film, painting, etc). Photocopier provides thumbnail samples from movies, paintings, photographers, and photo processes that become the guide for creating analogous effects. Advanced tools enable you to control the amount of the filter applied, the tone and texture, as well as vignettes. What better way to enhance your photos than by adding filters inspired by the greatest photographers, filmmakers, and artists who have ever lived. Photocopier released its first version in 2011 and updated the app once for iOS 11, indicating the developers firm commitment to its longevity.

Superimpose by Pankaj Goswami

There are several apps available that enable you to layer your images, but Superimpose does it in a simple and precise manner. The app is designed to combine background and foreground layers, with a range of options for photo adjustments, such as transparency, brightness and contrast, painting and erase tools, and more. Superimpose was succeeded by Superimpose X, which is also considered the latest iteration of Leonardo, another photo editor by Goswami.

Gridditor by Tai Shimizu

Grids are fundamental to mapping out most designs, whether it's for the web or app development. Grids have also been used to structure pictorial compositions. Gridditor capitalizes on this fundamental design principal, while making the user interface intuitive and fun. Four cardinal points are designated by assigned filters. As you move the grid left to right, and top the bottom, your photograph takes on the properties of the filters assigned to each area. Each area of the grid becomes a gradation or synthesis of the adjacent filters. It's best to see this app in action. Check out the screenshots below to learn more.