Luminar AI sees Apple M1 support and better Sky AI in new update

(Image credit: Skylum)

Skylum has recently released its latest update for Luminar AI, making it the third major update to the photo editing software since its release last year. Some of the new features include Apple M1 support, improvements to Sky AI and general upgrades to help users enjoy a better workflow.

As one of the best photo editing software programs, Luminar AI features some fantastic automatic processes that enable you to do anything from replacing a sky to improving your subject's skin texture to adding mist to a vista.

• Read more: Best free photo editing software

Ivan Kutanin, Skylum's CEO, says, "Skylum is built around the concept of continuous improvement. Our goal is to improve the quality and speed of Luminar. Even more important though is inspiring creativity and control for amazing photos. We constantly listen to our community to discover ways to add to their photography. Luminar is all about creativity and making photo editing easier. Update 3 reflects this ethos."

One of the key features of this latest Luminar AI update is support for the new Apple M1 chip. This means that users of the new iMac 2021 or iPad Pro 2021 will be able to take advantage of the M1's zippy speed when using Luminar AI.

Meanwhile, for users who haven't upgraded to an Apple M1 machine, Luminar AI's Sky AI has undergone more improvements, including upgrades to the control and accuracy of the feature. Update 3 is designed to include better horizon detection, refined edge detection and improved sky integration for Sky AI. There have also been improvements made to Luminar AI's ability relight your scene for your newly incorporated sky.

Other improvements include upgrades to the existing Dodge & Burn tool, which now has a new Softness slider to refine the edges of the area you've edited.

If you already have Luminar AI, you can simply update the software for free via the application. Alternatively, if you want to invest in Luminar AI, check out the latest deals on the software below…

With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she's delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW's ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.