In iOS 18, Apple introduced the most extensive redesign of the Photos app to date. With its new single-pane interface, the revamped app emphasizes image collections and curated content while being fully customizable to suit individual preferences.
The release of the new Photos app was a topic of much debate. Personally, I embraced it from the beginning, but Apple has rolled out several adjustments in later iOS 18 updates to address widespread feedback, as well as add some noteworthy features.
iOS 18 Betas
Initially introduced at WWDC in June, the redesigned Photos app showcased an innovative Carousel interface. This feature allowed users to swipe left and right to view daily updates showcasing favorite individuals, animals, locations, and more.
However, Apple completely removed this Carousel view with the arrival of iOS 18 beta 5 in August, marking the most significant structural alteration to the Photos app’s redesign.
iOS 18.1
The first major update, iOS 18.1, primarily addressed the rollout of features from Apple Intelligence alongside enhancements for the Photos app.
- The Photos search functionality allows users to find images and videos just by describing them.
- Clean Up feature helps eliminate distractions in photos.
- Memory movies can now be generated based on the story description provided by the user.
iOS 18.1 also delivered a bug fix for the Photos app:
- Resolved an issue causing videos recorded in 4K at 60 fps to stutter during scrubbing while the device was warm.
iOS 18.2
Whereas iOS 18.1 was primarily about incorporating Apple Intelligence features, the subsequent update, iOS 18.2, focused on refining the new app design with several significant updates.
- Improvements in video playback, including scrubbing frame-by-frame and an option to disable auto-looping.
- Enhancements for navigating Collections views, allowing users to swipe right to return to the previous view.
- History of Recently Viewed and Recently Shared albums can now be cleared.
- Favorites album is now accessible in the Utilities collection alongside Pinned Collections.
Personally, I find the new swipe-back feature to be one of the most beneficial updates to the Photos app since iOS 18, significantly simplifying and speeding up navigation.
Conclusion
As I mentioned earlier, I am quite fond of the new design of the Photos app. While a major redesign of such a frequently used iPhone app can be initially disconcerting, Apple has successfully achieved a favorable balance between customization and curation.
The primary piece of advice I give to users who are unhappy with the new Photos app is to explore the customization options available.
- Launch the Photos app.
- Scroll down to the bottom and select “Customize & Reorder.”
- Choose and arrange the order of various options and hide those that you don’t need.
The updated Photos app also features one of the most valuable functions from Apple Intelligence: Clean Up. I’ve found the Clean Up option remarkably effective in effortlessly eliminating distractions from my photos, such as unwanted objects or people that detract from the shot.
What are your thoughts on the newly redesigned Photos app in iOS 18? Have your concerns been addressed with the follow-up updates? What features are still on your wishlist? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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