Tim Hardwick
When Apple released iOS 18 in September, it introduced a redesigned Photos app, giving users the biggest change to photo management on the iPhone since the app's introduction. Users on the MacRumors forums were particularly vocal about the redesign, with some praising the AI features but others calling for a return to the simpler interface of iOS 17.
The company has made a lot of money on Apple Intelligence, so it’s no surprise that at the center of Apple’s overhaul is an attempt to use AI and machine learning to make it easier to organize your photos while introducing a more modern aesthetic. Key changes include a unified, scrollable interface that replaces the traditional tab system, intelligent collections that automatically group photos by events like Recent Days and Trips, and a much-improved search experience that understands natural language queries.
- How to navigate the updated Photos app
- How to use natural language search in Photos
Photos redesign draws widespread criticism
These changes are meant to accurately reflect Apple’s vision for a more intelligent photo management system, but reactions remain decidedly mixed. Many users found the transition to be jarring, with several recurring complaints emerging across social media and the Apple community:
- Cluttered interface that makes it difficult to find specific photos
- Confusion due to redundant auto-generated albums and collections
- Photos and videos no longer display full screen by default
- Removal of traditional navigation tabs like Library and Albums
- Overemphasis on AI features at the expense of easy organization
In response to feedback both before and after the release, Apple has implemented several updates in iOS 18 betas and point releases. For example, the company has removed the controversial Carousel feature that displayed daily highlights, brought back the familiar pinch-to-zoom navigation gesture, and will soon improve the video player interface by removing borders during playback. But is it enough?
- How to Customize and Rearrange the Photos App
The Photos app represents one of the most significant redesigns of the core iOS app in years. Some argue that it was a step in the right direction, but others see it as a regressive move driven by Apple's competitors offering more and more AI-focused photography features. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the Photos app redesign. Short of a complete return to the original interface, what features would you like to see Apple add or remove in future updates?
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