iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Smart Take is described as an iPhone Duo feature that uses on-device AI to take a photo when everyone in the scene is posed. To try it, open Camera, frame the group, enable Smart Take if the option appears, then keep the phone steady and wait. Those steps are provisional: Apple had not published the control’s location or an official how-to when the available guide was written. The reported availability date is October 23, 2026, which is after the October 7, 2026 research timestamp.
What Smart Take does—and which iPhone supports it
Apple’s event presentation described Smart Take this way: “Powered by A20 Pro and on-device models, our new Smart Take feature follows the scene in real time and automatically snaps the photo when everyone is posed and ready.” The wording appears in a September 2026 event transcript hosted by Rev, not in an Apple support document.
A secondary how-to guide reports Smart Take as an iPhone Duo exclusive. It does not establish that other iPhones support the feature. The same guide was published before the reported October 23, 2026 availability date, so availability and the final Camera interface should be checked on the device after release. The Mac Observer’s guide is the source for the device scope and provisional steps.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to try Smart Take
These are suggested steps from the secondary guide, not a confirmed Apple procedure. Follow the labels and instructions actually shown on your device if they differ.
#1 Best Overall
- CONVENIENT AND EASY HANDS-FREE SHUTTER CONTROL FOR MOBILE DEVICES: Perfect for taking selfies and steady tripod shots.【Update】: compatible with Instagram and Snapchat(long press for taking video and short press for photo
- SMALL ENOUGH TO KEEP ON A KEYCHAIN OR IN YOUR POCKET: The remote is very small and lightweight, so it is convenient to carry with you
- OPERATIONAL UP TO 30 FEET (10M): Take photos even when at a distance from your device
- COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID 4.2.2 OS AND UP / APPLE IOS 6.0 AND UP: Option to use in-built app or Google Camera 360 app
- COMPATIBLE WITH WIDE RANGE OF DEVICES: Including iPhone17 17 pro 17pro max 17 air, iPhone 16,16 Pro,16 Pro max, iPhone 15 15 pro 15 Pro max , 14, 14pro, 14 pro max, 13 13 pro max, iPhone 12 pro max, 12 pro, 12, 11, 11 pro, 11 Pro max, Xs, Xs max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6, 6 Plus, ; iPad 3, 4,5,6, Mini , Pro, Air; Samsung Galaxy S24 S23,S22,S21,S10, Note 20, NOTE 10 NOTE 10 PLUS S9+, S9, S8, S7, S7 Edge, S6, ; and other smart andriod device.
- Open Camera. Use the built-in Camera app.
- Frame the group. Make sure the people you want in the picture are in view. The guide mentions 48MP Fusion Main and 48MP Ultra Wide rear cameras, but does not confirm which camera Smart Take supports; do not assume either lens is required or compatible.
- Look for Smart Take in the capture options. Enable it if the option is available. Apple had not published where the control appears, so its location and wording are not established.
- Keep the phone steady and wait. The guide suggests holding or propping up the phone while Smart Take looks for a posed moment. This behavior has not been independently tested or documented in an Apple support guide.
- Review the result in Photos. If no image is taken or the result is not usable, the guide suggests using the conventional shutter instead.
What is not yet established
The available reporting does not say where the control will appear in Camera, which phone positions or cameras it supports, how many people it can track, or whether it captures one image or several. It also does not establish whether Smart Take works with the front camera, with the phone open or closed, or at a particular hinge angle. There is no confirmed information about per-shot tuning, disabling it for a particular capture, or access from third-party camera apps.
Those details may be clarified in Apple’s instructions or the released Camera interface. Until then, treat any specific claim about lens, position, group size, or capture behavior as unconfirmed.
Rank #2
- CONVENIENT AND EASY OPERATION: Just by pushing the on/off of the remote, open your phone Bluet function on and fine the "ab shutter3" from the list, and select to connect. Perfect for taking selfies and steady tripod shots.
- SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The remote is very small and lightweight, also it come with a wrist strap, so it is convenient to carry with you.
- [UPDATE] OPERATIONAL UP TO 50 FEET (15M): you can take photos easily even when at a long distance from your device. A nice gift for your family and friend
- COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID 4.2.2 OS AND UP / APPLE IOS 6.0 AND UP: Option to use in-built app or Google Camera 360 app.
- COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SMART DEVICES: compatible with iphone 16, 15, 14, 13, 13pro,13 pro max, 12, 12 pro,12 pro max, 12 mini, iPhone 11, 11 pro, 11 Pro max, Xs, Xs max, XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 6, 6 Plus, ; tablet like: iPad 2, 3, 4, ipad mini, ipad air, ipad pro; Samsung Galaxy note 20 S20 S10, S10+, NOTE 10 NOTE 10 PLUS S9+, S9, S8, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge,; and other devices.
If Smart Take does not take the picture
Apple has not published a troubleshooting checklist in the sources available here. As practical, non-official checks, make sure the people you want photographed are visible and give the feature time while keeping the phone steady. If it still does not capture the moment, take the picture with the regular shutter control.
A stand or tripod may help keep a phone steady for a hands-free group photo, but no particular accessory or fit has been verified for this feature. Check compatibility with your device before choosing one.
Rank #3
- 100% LIFETIME PROTECTION: Enjoy reliable performance with lifetime coverage, guaranteeing your tripod is always protected against any defects or issues.
- Ultimate Materials & Engineerin: EUCOS's phone tripod utilizes modified Nylon PA6/6 for all-weather durability. The engineered polymer delivers exceptional crush/shear resistance and toughness, achieving optimal rigidity-flexibility balance.
- Rapid Extension Tripod for Phone: Glide the rod in a single, fluid motion to convert it from a compact tripod into a full 62" selfie stick. Achieve instant elevation for dynamic filming.
- Studio-Grade Phone Rig: Safely harness phones from 2.2" to 3.6" wide with pro-level clamping and effortless framing. Built-in cold shoe expands your creative options with lights and mics.
- Hands-Free Control: The Wireless remote enables instant pairing with smartphone and remote capture from up to 33ft/10m. Ensures rock-solid stability for blur-free photography and Start/Stop video recordings effortlessly—all without device contact.
Smart Take versus using a timer
| Workflow | Setup effort | Can the photographer join? | Control over shutter timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Take | Frame the group, enable the feature if available, and wait for a posed moment; these steps are provisional. | Potentially, if the phone is positioned to include the photographer. | The phone is described as choosing when to take the picture. |
| Timer and regular shutter | Set a timer, position the phone, and move into the frame before it fires. | Yes, with time to get into position. | The photographer chooses the delay and starts the countdown. |
This is a workflow comparison, not a performance comparison: no test results or measured success rates are available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 - Whether you have an iPhone or Android, the UniMount 360 Phone Tripod Mount will hold it securely on any tripod, even with a thick case! Including iPhone 17 Pro Max, 16 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, S24+, S24 FE, Note 21, Pixel 10 Pro XL & more!
- 𝟯𝟲𝟬° 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Easily rotate between landscape or portrait mode. Great for photos, videos & video calls. The ultimate iPhone tripod mount adapter.
- 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 - Features 2x standard 1/4” screw threads, so you can mount it on any standard tripod or monopod. Also features a cold shoe mount, so you can mount more accessories to it.
- 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 - The UniMount 360 Phone Tripod Mount including a bonus Bluetooth Remote Shutter, so you can take wireless photos & videos from up to 30 ft away with the included remote shutter.
- 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 - The UniMount 360 iPhone Tripod Mount was designed to be rugged, durable and fuctional, so you can rely on it everytime.
Rank #4
- Handy Little Gadget ►This Bluetooth remote makes it exciting to take selfies, group and steady shots hands-free! Post amazing photos and videos on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube with the help of this shutter.
- Lightweight and Convenient to Carry ►The remote is easy to store. You can bring it anywhere! Just slip it in your pocket and keep it on a keychain. It comes with an adjustable wrist strap for quick access when in use.
- Smooth Pairing Guaranteed ►The CamKix Remote Control Camera Shutter uses Certified Bluetooth Wireless Technology for maximum reliability and fast operation. It can trigger your phone and tablet even if it is 30ft (10m) away. You only need to pair it once and it will be automatically recognized on your next use.
- Capture Pictures and Video Instantly ►The remote has two buttons for taking photos and videos. Press the small button for Android and the big button for iPhone. It also has a separate ON/OFF switch.
- Compatible with a wide range of Devices ►The remote pairs perfectly with phones and tablets operating on Android 4.2.2 OS and up / Apple iOS 6.0 and up. Option to use in-built app or Camera 360 app. It can be used with a wide range of devices including iPhone Xs, Xs Max, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, 5S, 5C, 5, 4s, 4; iPad Pro, 4, 3, 2, Mini 2, Mini, Air; Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, S5, S5 Mini, S4, S4 Mini, Note 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
