Color Splash is a specialized photo editor for iOS and Android that enables manual selective desaturation via touch-based brushing.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire Color Splash for the meditative precision of manual editing, which provides a level of control that automated AI filters often lack.
For iPhone and iPad users seeking a simple, focused tool for creating dramatic selective-color photography.
What does it look like?
Key features
Converts photos to black and white while allowing users to restore original color to specific areas via touch input.
Two-finger pinching gesture allows pixel-accurate editing of fine details.
How much does it cost?
The $1.99 one-time purchase positions the app as a specialized utility rather than a subscription-based service.
Velocity
Dormant developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: zombie.
Who built it?
Pocket Pixels
3 apps tracked · Photo & Video
Color Splash for iPad
Juxtaposer: cut, combine, editUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate manual color splash editing provides a meditative and precise creative experience for photo enthusiasts and long-term support and timely updates keep the app functional across many generations of mobile hardware.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Manual color splash editing provides a meditative and precise creative experience for photo enthusiasts
- Long-term support and timely updates keep the app functional across many generations of mobile hardware
- Simple interface design allows beginners to achieve professional looking results without complex editing software
- Manual coloring requirements frustrate users who expect automated selection tools for complex image editing
49 of 49 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 more frustration theme and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Color Splash
How's the Photo & Video market?
Color Splash maintains a 4.86-star rating across 6,425 ratings, but its lack of updates since 2020 signals a transition into maintenance mode. The paid $1.99 model faces increasing pressure from free, AI-powered editors that offer more robust selection capabilities.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Xiamen Meitu Technology Co., Ltd.
With over 1.4 million reviews and a high release cadence, this app dominates the photo editing niche with a massive, established user base.
- Integrates advanced AI-powered video editing tools alongside traditional photo splash effects
- Maintains a high-frequency update cycle with 13 releases in the last six months
- Offers a comprehensive suite of beauty-focused AI filters that target social media power users
EPIK - AI Photo & Video EditorContender
Bazaart AI Photo Editor DesignContender
Photoshop Express Photo EditorContenderUnlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Color Splash
Where is it heading?
The photo editing market is consolidating around AI-assisted workflows, leaving manual-only tools like Color Splash increasingly isolated. Without a pivot to include automated selection, the app will continue to lose relevance to high-velocity competitors that offer more utility for less effort.
- The 500-day update gap indicates a stalled development cadence, which leaves the app vulnerable to feature-rich rivals.
- User requests for automated selection tools highlight a growing disconnect between the app's manual-only design and modern editing expectations.
The SWOT
- Manual brush control enables precise, meditative editing workflows.
- Focused feature set avoids the bloat of modern AI editors.
- Integrate one-tap AI color-isolation to reduce manual labor.
- Add smart-selection brushes to improve editing speed.
Next best moves
Ship one-tap AI color-isolation because it is the top-requested feature → reduce manual labor frustration
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of updates is its primary moat…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Automated AI-based subject selection (available in Meitu and EPIK but missing here) +1
Since the last report: The app's competitive position has shifted from a stable utility to a declining asset due to a lack of feature iteration since 2020 and the rise of AI-native competitors.
Bottom line
Color Splash retains a loyal base through its focused manual editing loop, but the lack of feature iteration since 2020 leaves it exposed to AI-native competitors, so the team must prioritize AI-assisted selection to prevent further user migration.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Color Splash good for beginners?
How does Color Splash compare to Meitu?
Does Color Splash have automated selection tools?
What is a free alternative to Color Splash?
Sources
Report last updated