Apple’s iOS 18, released in September 2024, brought significant changes to the Photos app, focusing on simplifying photo management and rediscovery. The app now features a single, unified screen, replacing the previous tabs for the library, albums, and search tools. This new design emphasizes swiping and scrolling, aligning with Apple’s objective to help users “get to the good stuff,” as Craig Federighi mentioned during WWDC 2024.
The updated Photos app is divided into two main sections:
Photo Library: Located at the top, this section displays all your photos in a grid format. A toolbar offers options to organize photos by year or month, with filters available for favourites, edited images, and specific media types like videos and screenshots.
Collections: Below the library, Collections categorize photos into groups such as “Recent Days” and “People.” These categories are customizable, allowing users to prioritize topics or events of interest.
Additionally, the “Customize & Reorder” feature enables users to personalize the app according to their preferences. For those finding the new layout overwhelming, disabling certain collections like “Pinned Collections” or “Recent Days” can revert the app to a more traditional appearance.
User feedback on the redesign has been mixed. While Apple views it as a significant improvement, many users have found the new interface cumbersome and unintuitive. On Reddit, some users expressed frustration, requesting a return to the iOS 17 design. One user humorously noted the typical cycle of disliking Apple updates initially but eventually adapting—though this time, they “just don’t see it” for the Photos app.
Another user commented, “I hated it until I discovered Pinned Collections, which makes accessing screenshots much easier.”
For users struggling with the new format, utilizing the “Customize & Reorder” feature to focus on specific collections or opting for a minimal setup can enhance navigation. While the redesign represents a notable shift, its customization options may help users adjust over time.
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