Photoshop Launches on Android, Free During Beta
After years of anticipation, Adobe has launched Photoshop for Android. This follows the iPhone release earlier in 2025, marking Adobe’s most serious mobile Photoshop effort yet. Android users can now download the app in beta for free, though that offer only lasts during the testing phase.
Unlike earlier mobile attempts such as Photoshop Touch and Photoshop Express, this new version brings several core desktop features. You’ll find familiar tools like layers, masks, cropping, transformations, and the clone stamp. Additionally, Adobe has integrated generative AI tools that allow users to remove objects, insert elements with text prompts, and isolate subjects—all with impressive accuracy. While the app looks simple at first, tools reveal themselves dynamically as you interact with layers and selections.
Even beginners can dive in, thanks to a built-in tutorial system. Tapping the light bulb icon provides access to a variety of helpful guides, making the learning curve much smoother than with earlier versions. Although some desktop functions are missing, this app feels more complete than its predecessors.
AI Tools Stand Out—but Some Features Are Missing
Adobe emphasizes its cloud-based AI features in the mobile experience. These allow for advanced tasks, such as replacing backgrounds and generating content with text prompts. Because these functions rely on the same back-end as the desktop version, performance remains strong. However, mobile competition has increased. Tools like Google’s Magic Editor now offer similar capabilities, sometimes without requiring a subscription.
That said, not everything made the cut. Currently, there are no traditional filters, and cropping is limited to preset ratios. Content-aware fill is notably absent for now, listed as a “coming soon” feature. Additionally, image resolution settings are restricted, limiting flexibility for professionals. Users must also log in to access the app, which is likely due to future monetization plans.
A Free Beta—But Don’t Wait Too Long
The Photoshop app is free while in beta, but Adobe hasn’t shared when that phase will end. Eventually, it will likely follow the Lightroom model, offering limited free access with advanced tools locked behind a Creative Cloud subscription. Given that Adobe’s subscription starts at $20 per month, the full app experience probably won’t stay free for long.
For now, if you want to try it, act quickly. The app requires Android 11 or higher, 6GB of RAM minimum (though 8GB is recommended), and about 600MB of storage space. While it doesn’t replace the desktop version entirely, Photoshop for Android is Adobe’s most capable mobile image editor to date.
