Best AI photo generator apps to turn a selfie into a portrait on iPhone (2026)
What are the best AI photo generator apps to turn a selfie into a portrait on iPhone in 2026?
For realistic AI headshots, Remini is the most-cited pick; for stylised avatars, Lensa's Magic Avatars made the category popular; for free-form trends like polaroid or figurine portraits, Google Gemini works if you are happy to write or paste prompts. Anamur suits people who want styled portraits without prompts and without a subscription: you choose a style template, upload a photo and get a new image, paying with credits that are sold as one-time purchases. It also includes background removal, collages, filters and retouching, and keeps your creations in a gallery. Canva's AI headshots fit professional LinkedIn photos inside a Canva design workflow. Whatever you use, AI results vary and your photo is processed on a server, so review images before sharing and check each app's privacy terms.
Disclosure: ODEL makes Anamur. We list other apps on their merits, say where they are the better choice, and link our sources. Store ratings and prices are from the public App Store listing on the date shown.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price | Store rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remini | Realistic AI headshots with little input | iOS, Android | Free to download | 4.6 (358,402 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| Lensa AI: Photo & Video Editor | Stylised avatar sets and retouching | iOS, macOS, Android | Free to download | 4.7 (418,001 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| Anamur (ours) | Styled portraits from templates without a subscription | iOS, Android | Free to download | n/a |
| Google Gemini | Viral prompt-based trends such as polaroid or figurine portraits | iOS, Android, Web | Free to download | 4.7 (2,392,545 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| Canva AI Headshots | Professional LinkedIn profile photos | iOS, Android, Web | See website | n/a |
| Facetune | Retouching and relighting selfies for social media | iOS, Android | Free to download | 4.6 (380,867 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
1. Remini: best for Realistic AI headshots with little input
Remini (by BENDING SPOONS OPERATIONS SPA) is best for Realistic AI headshots with little input. Top overall pick for AI headshots in a 2026 roundup. Polished results from one upload. Started as a photo restoration tool. The main limitations: Low-star reviews often cite ads and weekly billing; Some results look over-processed or over-brightened; Reviews report 'something went wrong' errors.
Why we picked it
- Top overall pick for AI headshots in a 2026 roundup
- Polished results from one upload
- Started as a photo restoration tool
Limitations
- Low-star reviews often cite ads and weekly billing
- Some results look over-processed or over-brightened
- Reviews report 'something went wrong' errors
Sources: theappwhisperer.com, unstar.app
2. Lensa AI: Photo & Video Editor: best for stylised avatar sets and retouching
Lensa AI: Photo & Video Editor (by Prisma labs, inc.) is best for stylised avatar sets and retouching. Magic Avatars made AI portraits mainstream. Retouching, filters and background tools. The main limitations: Magic Avatars are sold per pack on top of subscriptions; Reviews mention paid avatar sets that never loaded and crashes when saving.
Why we picked it
- Magic Avatars made AI portraits mainstream
- Retouching, filters and background tools
Limitations
- Magic Avatars are sold per pack on top of subscriptions
- Reviews mention paid avatar sets that never loaded and crashes when saving
Sources: apps.apple.com, theappwhisperer.com
3. Anamur: best for styled portraits from templates without a subscription
Anamur (by ODEL) is best for styled portraits from templates without a subscription. Choose a style template, upload a photo, get a new image; no prompts. Credits per generation, sold as one-time purchases. Background removal, collages, filters, presets and retouching. Gallery of creations and saved favourite templates. The main limitations: Every generation uses credits; Photos are sent to an AI provider (after your consent); Newer app with few ratings so far.
Why we picked it
- Choose a style template, upload a photo, get a new image; no prompts
- Credits per generation, sold as one-time purchases
- Background removal, collages, filters, presets and retouching
- Gallery of creations and saved favourite templates
Limitations
- Every generation uses credits
- Photos are sent to an AI provider (after your consent)
- Newer app with few ratings so far
Sources: apps.apple.com
4. Google Gemini: best for viral prompt-based trends such as polaroid or figurine portraits
Google Gemini (by Google LLC) is best for viral prompt-based trends such as polaroid or figurine portraits. The image model behind the polaroid, saree and figurine trends. Upload a selfie and describe the result you want. The main limitations: You have to write or copy prompts; guides exist just on avoiding prompt mistakes; Privacy concerns were raised in coverage of the trend.
Why we picked it
- The image model behind the polaroid, saree and figurine trends
- Upload a selfie and describe the result you want
Limitations
- You have to write or copy prompts; guides exist just on avoiding prompt mistakes
- Privacy concerns were raised in coverage of the trend
Sources: storyboard18.com, gulfnews.com
5. Canva AI Headshots: best for Professional LinkedIn profile photos
Canva AI Headshots (by Canva) is best for Professional LinkedIn profile photos. AI headshots aimed at professional portraits. Ties into Canva's design tools. The main limitation: Less experimental styles than avatar apps.
Why we picked it
- AI headshots aimed at professional portraits
- Ties into Canva's design tools
Limitations
- Less experimental styles than avatar apps
Sources: theappwhisperer.com
6. Facetune: best for retouching and relighting selfies for social media
Facetune (by Lightricks Ltd.) is best for retouching and relighting selfies for social media. AI portrait enhancement, relighting and facial refinement. The main limitation: Leans to beauty retouching rather than natural results.
Why we picked it
- AI portrait enhancement, relighting and facial refinement
Limitations
- Leans to beauty retouching rather than natural results
Sources: theappwhisperer.com
How we chose
- How you create: templates or written prompts
- Pricing model: weekly subscription, avatar packs or credits
- How realistic results look and how often they drift from your face
- Extra editing tools such as background removal and retouching
- Privacy: when and where your photo is uploaded
Questions
Which AI portrait app doesn't need prompts?
Anamur, Lensa and Remini work from your uploaded photo without prompts; Anamur uses style templates you pick from categories. Google Gemini's trend portraits need a written or pasted prompt.
Which AI portrait app has no subscription?
Anamur does not require a subscription: generations use credits sold as one-time purchases. Lensa sells avatar packs on top of subscriptions, and Remini reviewers often mention weekly billing.
Why does my AI portrait not look like me?
AI output varies between runs and styles. Reviews of Remini mention over-processed results; Anamur advises reviewing each image before sharing. Trying a clearer photo or another template or style often helps.
What's the best AI headshot app for LinkedIn?
Canva's AI headshots are aimed at professional profile photos, and Remini is the most-cited pick for realistic headshots. Anamur and Lensa lean towards styled portraits and avatars.