Halide users who have updated their iPhone to iOS 18 can now quickly access the enhanced Camera app directly from their phone's lock screen without having to unlock it first. Previously, this was the only convenient way to access the native iOS Camera app.
Although Halide offers advanced features like manual shutter speed adjustments and a “Process Zero” option that delivers images without AI processing, accessing Apple's camera app was always faster thanks to the lock screen shortcut. Halide could be accessed via a lock screen widget, but to actually access the third-party camera app, an iPhone had to be unlocked via Face ID, Touch ID, or by entering a passcode.
With iOS 18 and the new Halide 2.16 update, iPhone users can replace either the default camera or flashlight shortcut with one that launches Halide immediately without unlocking it. After long-pressing the iPhone's lock screen, tap the “Customize” button and then tap the lock screen again. You'll then have the option to remove either the default flashlight or camera shortcut and then replace it by pressing the remaining “+.” Other options include default iPhone apps like the calculator or magnifier, but the Capture section now lists Halide.
Unlike the iPhone's default camera app, however, Halide isn't free. It's available as a monthly subscription for $2.99, a cheaper annual subscription for $19.99, or a one-time purchase for $59.99.