- Prop iPhone Duo up and step into the frame
- It takes the picture when everyone is ready
- No timer to race and no shutter to press
Group photos have always had the same problem: whoever is holding the phone isn’t in the picture, and the self-timer has everyone scrambling. Smart Take fixes both. It watches the scene and takes the photo when everyone is posed and looking at the camera, so you can be part of the moment instead of photographing it.
This feature is exclusive to iPhone Duo.
How to use Smart Take
- Open the Camera app in Photo mode.
- Tap the controls button in the lower-right corner to show the camera settings.
- Tap Smart Take.
- Fold iPhone Duo partway and stand it on a table, shelf or the ground, pointing at where you’ll be.
- Step into the frame and strike a pose.
When everyone is still and looking at the camera, iPhone Duo takes the picture. A small flash on screen tells you each time it does.
It keeps going
Smart Take doesn’t stop after one photo. Change your pose and it takes another, so you can work through a few ideas without going back to the phone. You can still press the shutter yourself at any time.
When you’re done, tap the pause button. Then head to Photos to pick your favorites, as you may have quite a few to choose from.
Make it work better
- Make sure everyone’s face is in view. Smart Take needs to see people in the frame.
- Hold each pose for a moment. It’s waiting for you to be still, so it captures fewer awkward in-between shots.
- It’s great with kids, as it waits until they’re actually looking at the camera.
- Don’t leave it running too long. Smart Take works the processor hard, and iPhone Duo can get warm.
Add a Smart Take button
If you take a lot of group shots, you can keep Smart Take one tap away. Open the camera settings with the controls button in the lower-right corner, tap Edit, and add Smart Take to your controls.
Pro tip: pair Smart Take with Duo Preview when you’re holding the phone, so your subjects can see how they look on the outer display while Smart Take picks the moment.

