Leica is expanding its mobile photography ecosystem for iPhone users with new software features and accessories. Announced on September 24, 2026, Leica LUX 2.0 introduces a redesigned gallery interface, an Artist Look color profile developed with Steve McCurry, and support for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The company is also introducing its existing LUX Grip in a new silver finish, along with new leather cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
One important detail is worth noting: the Leica LUX Grip itself is not a new product. First introduced in February 2025, the accessory is now being offered in a silver version. The main focus of the update is on improvements to the LUX app and the new profile inspired by Steve McCurry’s approach to color.
Leica LUX 2.0 brings a redesigned app interface
Leica LUX 2.0 is described as one of the most comprehensive updates to the company’s iPhone camera app to date. The new version brings the gallery interface used in the Leica FOTOS app to LUX, creating a more consistent mobile photography experience across Leica’s ecosystem. The redesigned interface incorporates elements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, along with alternative app icons based on legendary Leica cameras. The familiar layout of the photography controls remains unchanged.
The update also makes photo management easier. A new filmstrip view allows users to switch between images while viewing a photo in detail. Meanwhile, the grid view’s multiselect functionality makes it easier to manage large photo collections. With Leica LUX 2.0, editing applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Capture One can also be launched directly alongside Darkroom.
The app supports the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. These optimizations are designed to take advantage of the photography capabilities of Apple’s latest-generation iPhones.
Steve McCurry Artist Look: A new color profile
One of the key highlights of the update is the Artist Look color profile developed in collaboration with renowned photographer Steve McCurry. McCurry’s photographs are known for their strong use of color, natural light, portraits, and visual storytelling centered on human experiences. Leica has developed a new color profile to bring this approach to mobile photography.
Artist Look is not simply designed to apply a specific color effect to an image. Instead, it considers color palettes, the relationship between light and color, the subject, and the composition as a whole. Leica emphasizes that the profile is not a filter that automatically makes photographs resemble Steve McCurry’s work. Rather, it provides photographers with a creative starting point for developing their own visual language.
This is the second collaboration in Leica’s Artist Look series. The first profile was developed with British photographer Greg Williams in May 2025. Steve McCurry’s Artist Look is included in the Leica LUX PRO subscription. The profile is also available for the Leica Q3 and Leica SL3 through the Leica FOTOS app.
Leica LUX Grip is now available in silver
Leica’s LUX Grip is designed to bring the handling and control of a traditional camera to smartphone photography. However, the accessory’s basic design and functionality were introduced in 2025. The new addition announced in 2026 is a silver finish for the existing product.
The grip features a two-stage mechanical shutter button. A light press activates autofocus, while pressing the button fully captures the image. A control wheel and two customizable function buttons provide direct access to essential camera settings.
The accessory attaches to compatible iPhone models via MagSafe and communicates with the phone over Bluetooth. Its rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C, is designed to support up to 1,000 images on a single charge.
The LUX Grip is compatible with the iPhone 12 and later models. Therefore, the new silver version is not exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro series.
New Leica cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Alongside the LUX Grip, Leica is introducing new cases specifically designed for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Featuring a black leather exterior and a red microfiber lining, the cases bring Leica’s design aesthetic to mobile accessories. An integrated camera button makes shooting more convenient, while a more enclosed design replaces the open cutout around the camera button found in the previous design. Thanks to MagSafe support, the cases can be used with the LUX Grip and other compatible accessories.
The silver LUX Grip, priced at €300 in Europe, includes a one-year LUX PRO subscription. Its release date and pricing for the Turkish market have not yet been announced.
