IOS 14 Photos App: Comprehensive Overview of New Features and Changes

iOS 26 Photos App Reimagined: Navigation, Spatial Scenes, and Liquid Glass Arrive

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update brings meaningful refinements to the Photos app, enhancing navigation, introducing immersive “Spatial scenes,” and a sleek “Liquid Glass” design aesthetic.

By Archyde Staff

Updated: November 19, 2024

The Photos app in iOS 26 introduces a welcome return to a tab-based navigation system, a departure from the unified view seen in iOS 18. This adjustment aims to simplify how users access their photo libary, splitting it into distinct ‘Library’ and ‘Collections’ sections, with a dedicated Search button now conveniently located at the bottom of the interface.

This reorganized structure offers a clearer overview of your saved images. The ‘Library’ view closely resembles the iOS 17 experience, presenting all photos and screenshots. A prominent ‘Select’ button resides at the top, alongside easily accessible options for filtering and adjusting your view, including zoom controls and the ability to exclude specific categories like screenshots or ‘Shared With You’ content.

Previously, filter options were only visible after initiating a scroll, a design choice that proved less intuitive. iOS 26 rectifies this by making these powerful tools readily available, streamlining photo management for all users.

The redesigned photos app in iOS 26 offers improved navigation and filtering options.

Enhanced Collections and Library Views

Within the ‘Library’ view, scrolling further reveals options to switch between Yearly and Monthly overviews. Buttons are present to return to the main tab bar or initiate a search.

The ‘Collections’ tab consolidates various viewing categories, including ‘Recent days,’ ‘People and Pets,’ ‘Pinned,’ ‘Memories,’ ‘Trips,’ ‘Albums,’ and ‘Featured Photos.’ This dedicated approach allows for a more thorough display of your curated content on a single screen.

Sections like ‘Media Types’ and ‘Utilities’ now feature larger, more distinct buttons. This design improvement makes it clearer that users can swipe or tap to access additional options within these categories.

iOS 26 Photos App Key Navigation Updates

Feature	iOS 26	Previous (iOS 18)
Tab Bar	Reintroduced with Library & Collections tabs	Unified view, no tabs
Search Button	Moved to bottom of screen	Located at the top
Filter Access	Always visible	Hidden until scrolling began
Collections Organization	Easier reordering, no exclusion option	Reordering available, exclusion option present

Introducing Spatial Scenes and Liquid Glass Aesthetics

A standout new feature in iOS 26 is “Spatial Scenes,” designed to bring an added dimension of depth and realism to static images. This innovative function works by intelligently separating the subject from its background,creating a subtle parallax effect that responds to your device’s movement.

Pro Tip: Spatial Scenes works with virtually any photo in your library, even older ones, thanks to its AI-powered depth enhancement.

To activate Spatial Scenes, simply open an image and tap the small hexagon icon positioned in the upper right corner of the display. This feature utilizes generative AI to add depth without requiring Apple Intelligence, making it accessible on the iPhone 12 and newer models.

The overall user interface throughout iOS 26, including the Photos app, now sports a “Liquid glass” design. This aesthetic is characterized by increased translucency and rounded elements, making buttons and navigation bars appear to blend more seamlessly with the content displayed behind them. This results in a cleaner, more photo-centric experience.

The Liquid Glass design enhances the visual appeal and usability of the photos app.

Collections Customization Options

The ‘Collections’ section also sees enhancements in customization. A more visible ‘Reorder’ button simplifies the process of arranging your collection views. while the drag-and-drop functionality remains, the ability to exclude specific collection types has been removed.

A new interface option allows collections to be collapsed, showing only their names instead of thumbnail previews. This declutters the view and allows users to focus on what matters most.

At the top of the ‘Collections’ screen, a fast-access toolbar provides options to collapse all collections, show all, reorder items, or select a preferred view. These modes include variations with larger or smaller thumbnails, offering flexible ways to browse your photo library.

Evergreen Insights: Mastering Your Digital Photo Library

Keeping your photos organized is more than just a convenience; it’s a way to preserve memories and make them easily accessible. With advancements like those seen in iOS 26, managing your digital life becomes increasingly intuitive. Here are some timeless strategies for photo organization:

• Regular Backups: Always ensure your photos are backed up to a secure cloud service or an external drive. This safeguards your memories against device loss or damage. Services like iCloud Photos provide seamless integration across Apple devices.
• Utilize Albums: Create thematic albums for events, people, or projects.This makes finding specific photos significantly faster than scrolling through your entire library. Consider naming conventions that are chronological or descriptive.
• Leverage AI Features: Take advantage of built-in AI tools like those in iOS 26’s Photos app. Features like Spatial Scenes and intelligent categorization can automatically enhance and sort your photos,saving you valuable time.
• Regular Culling: Periodically review your photos and delete duplicates, blurry shots, or unwanted images. A streamlined library is easier to manage and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main navigation changes in the iOS 26 Photos app?

iOS 26 reintroduces a tab bar with separate ‘Library’ and ‘Collections’ sections, and moves the Search button to the bottom of the screen for easier access.

Does iOS 26 offer new ways to view photos?

Yes, iOS 26 introduces “Spatial Scenes,” which adds depth to images, and provides enhanced customization options for the ‘Collections’ view.

What is the “Liquid Glass” design in iOS 26?

The Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 refers to the app’s interface aesthetic, which uses increased translucency and rounded elements for a more modern and immersive look.

Can I customize the order of collections in the iOS 26 Photos app?

Certainly. iOS 26 includes a more prominent ‘Reorder’ button in the Collections section, making it simpler to rearrange your preferred views.

Is Apple Intelligence required for Spatial Scenes in iOS 26?

No, the Spatial scenes feature in iOS 26 uses generative AI and does not require Apple Intelligence, making it available on iPhone 12 and newer models.

How can I improve my photo organization workflows?

Effective photo organization involves regular backups, utilizing albums, leveraging AI features like those in iOS 26, and periodically culling unnecessary images.

For a comprehensive look at all the new features and improvements in iOS 26, explore our detailed iOS 26 roundup.

what are your favorite new features in the iOS 26 Photos app? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

© 2024 Archyde. All rights reserved.

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What are the key updates in the iOS 14 Photos app?

iOS 14 Photos App: A deep Dive into New Features and Refinements

iOS 14 brought a suite of exciting updates to the Photos app, transforming how iPhone users manage, edit, and share their cherished memories. This comprehensive guide explores the key iOS 14 Photos app features, improvements, and how they enhance the overall user experience. Discover how these photo app updates have revolutionized the way we interact wiht our photos.

Enhanced Navigation and Organization

iOS 14 introduced notable improvements in how photos are organized and navigated, streamlining the experience for users.

Albums Tab Overhaul

Simplified Layout: The redesigned albums tab offers a clearer, more intuitive layout.

Filter and Sort Options: users can now filter and sort albums, making it easier to find specific photos or albums quickly.

shared Albums Improvements: Enhanced Shared Albums now allow for richer interactions and notifications.

Search Functionality Expansion

improved Search Suggestions: Smarter search suggestions based on people, places, and objects make it easier to find photos.

Refined Search Results: Faster and more accurate search results directly impact how users find their photos.

Contextual Search: The ability to search within albums provides more targeted results and boosts the search experience.

Powerful New Editing Capabilities

The iOS 14 Photos app received notable upgrades in editing features,empowering users with more creative control.

Improved Editing Interface

Enhanced User Interface: the updated UI offers a more streamlined and intuitive editing experience, making it easier navigate tools.

Undo/Redo Functionality: The inclusion of undo and redo features gives users greater flexibility and reduces the chance of accidental edits.

Advanced Editing Tools

Expanded Adjustment options: New editing tools such as intensity adjustments for features like vibrance and noise reduction give more control over the final look.

Enhanced Video Editing: Video trimming tools now include more features in the video editing section for a better user experience.

Live Photo Enhancements: advanced Live Photo editing allows for better control over the key photo.

Hidden Albums Management

Hiding Photos: Users can hide photos,making them invisible in the main libary,wich helps to better manage sensitive images.

Hidden Album Visibility: The Hidden Album is now more prominently featured in the albums list, allowing for better management of items.

Security Considerations: The Hidden Album can be secured with Face ID or Touch ID for added privacy.

Caption and Metadata Enrichment

Adding Image captions: Adding captions directly within the Photos app helps users to write memories and stories in sync with the photos taken.

Reviewing Photo Metadata: Viewing and editing metadata,including image descriptions,dates,and locations,gives the user more control over organization.

Metadata Synchronization: Metadata synced across devices ensures better synchronization for a improved user experience.

Benefits of the iOS 14 Photos App Updates

Improved organization: Easier photo organization saves time and ensures the user finds the photos they need instantly.

Enhanced editing Capabilities: More advanced tools empower users to create stunning photos.

Increased Privacy: Features like the Hidden Album provide better control over private photos.

* User-Amiable Interface: A cleaner interface enhances the overall user experience and makes photo management more enjoyable.