Breaking: Adobe Photoshop’s New AI Runs Locally, Demands Powerful PCs
Adobe today released Photoshop version 27.7, featuring an on-device AI model powering the popular Remove tool. The update promises faster, privacy-focused editing without sending data to the cloud.
However, the new capability comes with a significant catch: it requires a system with at least 16GB of RAM and a modern GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or Metal. This leaves many users on older machines unable to access the feature.
Expert Reaction
“This is a double-edged sword,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a digital imaging researcher at MIT. “On-device AI reduces latency and protects user data, but the hardware barrier could alienate a large portion of the creative community.”
Adobe product manager Jason Li acknowledged the trade-off: “We optimized for performance and privacy, but local processing does require advanced hardware. We’re exploring options for lower-end systems in future releases.”
Background
Adobe has been gradually integrating AI into Photoshop since 2023, initially relying on cloud-based models. The Remove tool—which erases objects seamlessly—was one of the first features to benefit from this shift.
Version 27.7 marks the first time a key editing AI runs entirely on the user’s machine. The move aligns with industry trends toward edge computing, but also raises concerns about unequal access to advanced tools.
What This Means
For professionals using high-end workstations, the update offers near-instant results and enhanced privacy. But for hobbyists or those with older laptops, the Remove tool reverts to the previous cloud-based version, which may be slower and less reliable.
“This creates a two-tiered user experience,” said Mark Chen, a freelance graphic designer in Berlin. “I love the idea of local AI, but my five-year-old MacBook can’t run it. That feels like a step backward.”
Adobe plans to release a detailed hardware compatibility list next week. For now, users can check their system specs against the minimum requirements shared on the official support page.
Stay updated: See our performance benchmarks and explore hardware upgrade recommendations.