App Showcase: Adobe Photoshop

What it does

Adobe Photoshop for mobile brings the power of its desktop counterpart to smartphones and tablets. The app is a comprehensive image editor designed for both quick touch-ups and complex, multi-layer compositions. It combines traditional tools like masking, retouching, and adjustments with cutting-edge generative AI features, such as Generative Fill, allowing users to create and manipulate images with text prompts.

Where it shines

Photoshop truly excels in its implementation of advanced features in a mobile-friendly interface. The Generative Fill workflow is a standout example. After making a selection, the user can type a simple prompt like "Make her smile without teeth" (01:42) and the AI delivers multiple high-quality options (02:11). Another strength is the contextual, interactive tutorial. Instead of a boring intro, the app guides the user's first edit with tooltips (00:51), demonstrating value immediately and effectively.

UX highlights

• Contextual Learning: The app forgoes a traditional onboarding for in-context tooltips that teach features as the user needs them. The tutorial for selection tools (00:55) is a great example.
• Generative AI Variations: The app provides multiple results for AI prompts, giving users creative control and increasing the likelihood of a successful edit (02:11).
• Comprehensive Toolset: It offers a deep set of professional tools, from layer blend modes (02:46) and transform options (07:28) to precise retouching with the Clone Stamp (08:08).
• Robust File Management: The home screen isn't just a gallery. It provides useful file management options like renaming, duplicating, and making files available offline (12:22).
• Integrated Learning Hub: The 'Learn' section (10:17) offers a rich library of video tutorials, helping users master the app's more complex features.

Monetization & growth

The app employs a soft paywall strategy, allowing users to explore the interface and basic features before encountering a subscription prompt. The paywall is triggered when attempting to use a premium tool, such as advanced blend modes (02:59). The paywall itself is highly effective, using an animated carousel to visually demonstrate the power of each paid feature (03:11). It presents two subscription options (yearly and monthly) with a free trial and highlights the savings on the annual plan.

Who it’s for

This app is designed for a wide range of users, from social media creators looking for powerful mobile editing tools to professional designers who want to continue their work on the go. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners, while the depth of features like layer management and generative AI caters to power users who are likely already familiar with the Adobe ecosystem. The ability to sync files with Creative Cloud further solidifies its position as a tool for serious creatives.

Notes & opportunities

The initial sign-in requirement before seeing the main app (00:04) could be a point of friction for users who want to explore without committing to an account. While the interactive tutorial is excellent, some users might benefit from an optional, skippable overview of the main UI layout upon first launch. Finally, the process to delete an account (14:42) is complex, requiring users to first cancel all active subscriptions through the App Store, which could be a frustrating experience.