[Apple Introduces 'Reference Image' Mode on iPhone 18 Pro to Enhance Photo Authenticity Verifiability] According to Apple Security Research, Apple has launched a new 'Apple Reference Image' mode on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, providing verifiable authenticity proof for photos. This mode is activated via a dedicated sensor and securely signs pixels and core metadata directly at the sensor level. It also incorporates encrypted upper and lower boundary timestamps to generate a 'secure digital negative.' When users choose to generate a reference image, the secure negative is uploaded to Private Cloud Compute, where processes such as demosaicing, tone mapping, and compression are completed in an auditable environment. Finally, Apple applies a post-quantum secure signature, which can be verified by third parties.