Leica has introduced new hardware and software features for its LUX smartphone photography system, designed specifically for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The updates include a silver Leica LUX Grip, matching leather cases, and app refinements that replicate the tactile experience of using a traditional camera.
Enhanced grip with refined controls
The Leica LUX Grip Silver maintains the same functionality as its black predecessor but now features a metallic finish. It attaches magnetically via MagSafe and communicates with the Leica LUX app through Bluetooth. Two pressure-sensitive points on the trigger handle manage focusing and capturing, while a dial and customizable buttons allow fine-tuned adjustments. The built-in battery supports up to 1,000 exposures and recharges through USB-C.
Unlike earlier versions, this grip remains compatible with iPhone 12 models and later, broadening its compatibility beyond the newest devices. Leica highlights its seamless integration with the app, offering manual control over focus, exposure, ISO settings, and white balance—capabilities usually found only in dedicated cameras. The design ensures photographers can achieve professional-grade adjustments without sacrificing the convenience of a smartphone.
Premium leather cases with integrated camera functions
The newly released Leica LUX Cases are engineered for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, combining black leather exteriors with red microfiber interiors. A notable improvement is the sealed camera button area, where an embedded switch replaces the phone’s original button, enhancing durability while preserving functionality. The switch integrates directly with the MagSafe system, ensuring smooth operation alongside the grip.
Both accessories work in tandem, forming a unified system that maintains compatibility with existing MagSafe-enabled accessories. This approach reinforces Leica’s commitment to building a cohesive hardware-software ecosystem. The cases are priced at €95 each, while the grip costs €300, which includes a one-year subscription to Leica LUX PRO.
Software updates and creative presets
The Leica LUX app now includes support for the iPhone 18 Pro models, though specific camera optimizations were not disclosed. The update introduces digital recreations of Leica lenses and presets inspired by the brand’s artistic signature. Users gain the ability to manually adjust focus, exposure, and color balance—options not available in Apple’s standard camera application.
The app also features a new Steve McCurry-designed color profile, marking the second collaboration with a renowned photographer after Greg Williams. This profile modifies light and color balance without imposing a rigid style, serving as a flexible starting point for creative editing. It is available in LUX PRO and select Leica cameras through Leica FOTOS.
Availability and Pricing for New LUX Accessories
The Leica LUX Grip in silver will be available for purchase starting September 24, 2026. It is priced at €300 and includes a one-year subscription to Leica LUX PRO. The manufacturer offers both accessories through authorized retail channels, including Leica Stores, the official online store, and select specialty retailers.
Major app overhaul and pricing details
A significant update, Leica LUX 2.0, is scheduled for release in early October. This version introduces a gallery interface modeled after Leica FOTOS, complete with filmstrip navigation and batch editing capabilities. Users can now edit photos directly within Adobe Lightroom or Capture One from the app itself. Visually, the interface adopts Apple’s Liquid Glass design while retaining essential camera controls.
Pricing for the app remains unchanged, with the standard version available for free. All new features, including iPhone 18 Pro compatibility and the McCurry-inspired profile, launched on September 24, with LUX 2.0 following in early October.
