iOS 26 and later
LensPin can use the system's continued-processing task for a user-started scan while the app is backgrounded or the device is locked.
Current app scope
Supported formats and honest limits.
LensPin suggests missing locations for camera photos and optional videos already in Apple Photos, using timestamped GPX tracks, nearby geotagged iPhone photos, or both. Saving updates the Photos library location. Photos can separately be exported as JPG copies with GPS; original media files stay unchanged.
Last updated
iOS 17+
Photos + optional videos · Apple Photos · Timestamped GPX tracks
Compatibility at a glance
What LensPin can read and what it can change.
| Content | Use in matching | Photos location | Original file / EXIF GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG / HEIC static photos | When camera model and capture time are readable | Supported | Not modified |
| DNG / RAW and other Photos/ImageIO-readable static photos | When required metadata is available | Supported | Not modified |
| Video | Turn on Include Videos; suggestions use recording start time | Supported after review | Not modified; video GPS export is not supported |
| JPG photo export | Separate from location matching | Uses the current library location when Include Location is enabled | Creates a JPG copy with GPS; non-JPG photos are converted, originals are kept |
GPX 1.1 trkpt | Requires valid coordinates and timestamps | Used as evidence only | Not applicable |
Format name alone is not a guarantee.
An asset may be unavailable, lack readable capture-time or camera metadata, or be stored only in iCloud. A supported format name does not guarantee that every item can be matched. LensPin reports each library-location outcome separately and keeps original files unchanged.
Which items become candidates
LensPin filters before it suggests.
Automatic matching starts with items that have no library location.
Photos need readable camera and capture-time information; screenshots and unknown-camera images are excluded. Video scanning is off by default. When enabled, videos can be grouped as Unknown Camera if their camera model is missing. Items with existing locations are protected during automatic saving.
Video locations
One location for the start of recording.
A suggested video location represents the start of recording, not the complete route. Check movement warnings and recording times before saving, especially for slow-motion and time-lapse videos. Videos can be reviewed and have their library location adjusted or removed in the LensPin album, but cannot be exported with GPS by LensPin.
GPX input
Timestamped track points, not just a line.
The current parser accepts GPX 1.1 track points with valid latitude, longitude, and time. Original track segments remain separate, and implausible high-speed jumps are split for safety.
Learn how to record or export a GPX file →
Read GPX requirements and troubleshooting →
System behavior
iOS and iCloud considerations.
iOS 17–25
Background time is limited. LensPin keeps the screen awake during scanning; a long absence may pause the task until the app returns.
iCloud originals
Photos may need to download an original so LensPin can inspect camera and capture-time metadata. Saving an approved location still updates Apple Photos library metadata only.