By Sophie Green

Updated on 2025-06-13

100 % Helpful

How to Set iOS 26 3D Wallpaper/Photos? Step‑by‑Step Tutorial

By Sophie Green

2025-06-13 / iOS 26

With the arrival of iOS 26, Apple has introduced a new 3D photo feature — an enhancement of Live Photos that leverages depth data and motion to create immersive parallax effects. These images can now be used as animated wallpapers and shared across supported apps.

This guide explores how to set iOS 26 3D wallpaper/photos on compatible iPhones.

Part 1. Quick Overview: iOS 26 3D Wallpaper & Photos

Part 2. Device Compatibility and Requirements for 3D Photos

Part 3. How to Set iOS 26 3D Wallpaper/Photos [Step-by-Step]

Part 4. iOS 26 3D Photos Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bonus Tip: Try Recommended Tool for iOS 26 Photo Management

Part 1. Quick Overview: iOS 26 3D Wallpapers & Photos

iOS 26, unveiled at Apple’s WWDC 2025, brings a fresh Liquid Glass redesign and powerful new visual effects—most notably 3D Photos. Users can now transform regular 2D photos into stunning 3D effects directly within the Photos app or Lock Screen, thanks to on-device processing—no internet connection required.

This feature transforms static Portrait-mode images into dynamic, depth-enhanced wallpapers that pop off the screen when you tilt or press your device. In essence, 3D Photos in iOS 26 elevate Live Photos to an interactive experience—perfect for users looking to personalize their iPhone with lifelike, motion-aware imagery.

Community Feedback from iOS 26 Beta

Excitement across devices: Users rave about the “wild” depth effect—even when applied to imported photos—and confirm Spatial Scene appears in both Photos and photo widgets.
Model support & quality: Works reliably on iPhone 12 and newer. Some report slight image clarity loss or inconsistent widget performance.
Shared limitations: Exporting Spatial Scene photos isn’t supported yet—not surprising for developer beta stage.
Early stability: Despite minor bugs, many find the Spatial Scene feature “shockingly stable” and far ahead of last year’s testing builds.

Part 2. Device Compatibility and Requirements for 3D Photos

Despite iOS 26 supporting many devices, achieving stellar 3D photos requires certain hardware:

Supported iPhones: iPhone 12 and newer.
iOS 26 Beta/Public Release: Ensure your device is on iOS 26 beta or has received the general update.

Part 3. How to Set iOS 26 3D Wallpaper/Photos [Step-by-Step]

How to Add 3D Photos on iOS 26

Turning your flat photos in stunning 3D depth using the new Spatial Scene feature in iOS 26. Ready to transform your camera roll into lifelike moments? Here's how:

Open the Photos app and select any image you'd like to add.
Tap the icon in the top-right corner—this activates the Turn On Spatial Scene option.
Wait a few seconds. iOS 26 processes the image and generates the spatial scene.
Done! Enjoy your 3D photo on iOS 26 device.

How to Make iOS 26 3D Wallpaper

Capturing a 3D photo on iOS 26 involves more than simply snapping a shot. You’re not just taking a photo—you’re recording depth information and subtle motion to create an immersive parallax effect. Think of it like creating your own mini hologram that shifts as you tilt or move your phone. Get 3D background with iOS 26 easily!

Follow these steps make iOS 26 3D wallpaper:

Swipe and tap Customize under the Lock Screen or Home Screen you want to edit.
In the customization view, tap the small hexagon icon in the bottom-right corner to enable the 3D (spatial) effect.
iOS 26 device will process the image and create a spatial scene automatically. This may take a few seconds.
Once the effect is ready, tap Done to save your new iOS 26 3D wallpaper.

How to Set Photos into 3D Wallpapers on iOS 26

Follow these steps:

Open the Photos app, select the image you want, then tap the icon in the top-right corner.
From the menu, tap Turn On Spatial Scene. This activates the 3D rendering feature for that photo.
Tap Use as Wallpaper, and the system will take you to the wallpaper preview screen.
In the preview, tap the 3D hexagon icon. Wait a few seconds while iOS 26 generates the spatial (3D) scene.
Once rendering is complete, tap Done. Your iOS 26 3D wallpaper is now successfully set!

Pro Tips

Best used on Portrait or live-shot images—depth is more realistic when the subject is separated from the background.
Works even on standard photos—AI depth estimation fills in depth maps.
After enabling a Spatial Scene, you can set it as a lock screen wallpaper to enjoy 3D movement when unlocking your device.
Keep updating through the iOS 26 beta cycle—user feedback suggests future fixes will improve clarity, widget consistency, and sharing/export capability.

Part 4. iOS 26 3D Photos Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some possible iOS 26 3D Photos issues and fixes:

Spatial Scene Icon Not Showing: Try using a Portrait Mode photo or a Live Photo taken with the main camera. Avoid screenshots or downloaded images.
“Turn On Spatial Scene” Option Missing: This feature requires iPhone 12 or newer with iOS 26. Ensure your device is eligible and fully updated.
3D Effect Not Working After Tapping the Hexagon: Restart the phone or reselect the photo. If issue persists, try to reset wallpaper settings.
Long Loading Time When Generating 3D Wallpaper: Try force-quitting other apps. Ensure your photo isn’t heavily edited or overly large in resolution.
Set As Wallpaper Button Grayed Out: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and ensure personalization is allowed.
iPhone Freezes During 3D Wallpaper Generation: Use tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot to exit system bugs or freezing issues without data loss.

Bonus Tip: Try Recommended Tool for iOS 26 Photo Management

Once you've captured photos on iOS 26 devices, ensuring they're safely stored and backed up is essential. Tenorshare iCareFone is an excellent tool for managing your growing photo library.

If you’re serious about preserving photos or any types of photo and videos, Tenorshare iCareFone is a powerful companion—keeping your visual memories safe, organized, and easily transferable between devices and PC.

Key Advantages of Tenorshare iCareFone

Selective Export & Backup: Easily export or restore high-resolution files or convert them to JPG/PNG
One-click Transfer: Preserve depth information when transferring to another device/PC—no iTunes, no cloud limitations
Full Control: Backup photos, messages, contacts, app data independently—no risk of overwriting or limited storage
Space Optimization: Clean duplicates and compress bulky media to free storage while retaining depth files
User Praise: Reviewers highlight its intuitive interface: “Wireless photo transfer”, “comprehensive data backup”, “privacy space”

How to Backup/Export/Manage iPhone Photos with iCareFone

Download and install iCareFone on your PC. Then Launch it and connect your iPhone to the PC. On the main interface, click “Export Photos” button.
Now wait for the export process to complete. Please keep connecting during the process.

one click best app to transfer photos from iphone to pc

Within minutes, the process will complete and you can now open the Folder and check them on your computer.

If you’d like to change the exported photos format, click on the icon with three horizontal lines in the upper right corner, and then select "Export Settings". Here you can set the format in which you want to convert your photos.

Conclusion

iOS 26 brings 3D wallpaper/photo into your creative toolkit: capture immersive depth portraits, personalize your phone’s look, and share more engaging images.

For any photography enthusiast, combining these capabilities with a robust manager like Tenorshare iCareFone ensures your gallery stays secure and accessible. You’ll be ready for every tilt!