In Photoshop 26.0, a new update to the AI-powered removal tool, introduced in Photoshop 24.5, brings enhanced functionality. In the original version, users could manually paint over unwanted objects, and Photoshop would intelligently synthesize a clean background to replace the removed content. The latest update adds a "Distraction Finder" feature, which automatically identifies potential distractions in the image. These objects are highlighted in pink, allowing users to manually refine their selections before removal.
The tool has been shown to work with people and cables, although it is still unclear whether Photoshop can currently recognize other types of objects as distractions. Additionally, users can now choose to use generative AI to create a replacement background through a new dropdown menu, offering more flexibility in the editing process.

In Photoshop 26.0, two new AI features have moved out of beta and into the stable version. The "Background Generator" function automatically detects and replaces the background of an image, allowing users to control the output by providing a brief text description. Photoshop adjusts the new background to match the lighting and perspective of the foreground objects. Additionally, the "Generate Similar" function is now available as an option in several generative AI tools, including Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Generate Image, and Generate Background. This feature automatically creates variations of the original image.
Moreover, the tools "Generative Fill," "Generative Expand," and "Generate Similar" now operate based on Adobe’s new Firefly Image 3 AI model. This upgrade offers significantly improved photographic quality and faster processing of complex textual prompts, enhancing overall performance in generating creative content.

For artists using Photoshop in visual effects, motion graphics, or animation, another important change in Photoshop 26.0 is the support for OpenColorIO (OCIO). This open color management standard makes Photoshop more compatible for texturing or post-production work in film production. The implementation also includes built-in support for the ACES color management system. Additionally, Photoshop 26.0 expands HDR image support, providing a wider set of tools for working with 32-bit HDR images.

The software also received an update for the web-based version of Photoshop, which is available through the Creative Cloud Photoshop subscription. This update includes several new features from the desktop version, such as the distraction removal tool and the ability to generate similar images. A new AI-based object selection system has also been introduced, which automatically detects key elements in an image for selection. Unlike previous major annual releases, this update does not include any new features for Photoshop on iPad.

Photoshop 26.0 is available for Windows 10 and above, and macOS 12.0 and above. In the online documentation, it is also referred to as the October 2024 version or Photoshop 2025. The software is available exclusively via subscription to the Photography plan, which includes access to Photoshop and Lightroom, starting at $119.88 per year. The subscription for Photoshop as a single app costs $34.49 per month or $263.88 per year.