Review
Adobe Photoshop 2025 Review: Generative AI Finally Earns Its Place
Generative Fill went from gimmick to daily tool in this release. Photoshop is still the heaviest, most expensive option — and still the only one that does everything.
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The verdict
Photoshop 2025 is the first version where the AI features are good enough that we actually use them on paid work. Generative Fill handles distractions, extensions, and composites that used to take 20 minutes of clone-stamp work. For retouchers, product photographers, and compositors, it's indispensable.
What changed in 2025
- Generative Fill (Firefly Image 3) — Output quality jumped significantly. Skin, hair, and architecture now render convincingly at print sizes.
- Remove tool — One-click distraction removal that actually understands context.
- Reference image — Feed a reference for style transfer in generative outputs.
Performance
On a M2 Pro with 32GB RAM, working on 100MP files (Fujifilm GFX) feels effortless. The same files on a 16GB M1 still work but spinner-up on heavy filters.
Pricing reality
Photoshop alone is $22.99/mo. The Photography Plan ($11.99) is the obvious move since it includes Lightroom. Single-app Photoshop only makes sense for non-photographers (designers, illustrators).
What we love
- ✓Generative Fill is finally production-ready
- ✓Unmatched layer, mask, and compositing toolset
- ✓Best plugin ecosystem of any image editor
- ✓Smooth on Apple Silicon and modern GPUs
Where it falls short
- –$22.99/mo standalone is steep
- –Steep learning curve for new users
- –Generative features require cloud connection
FAQ
Do I need Photoshop if I have Lightroom?
Only if you do compositing, heavy retouching, or graphic design. Lightroom Classic alone handles 90% of pure photography work.
Is Affinity Photo a real replacement?
For one-off image work, yes — and the perpetual license is appealing. For AI features and ecosystem, Photoshop is still well ahead.
Can Photoshop run on iPad?
Yes, and the iPad version has reached near-feature parity for most photo tasks in 2025.
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