Here’s how to improve the iOS 18 Photos app
From what we’ve seen, chances are you’re not in love with the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18. While the old version isn’t coming back, here’s how to make it more like its old self beloved version.
With iOS 18, Apple took on the difficult task of redesigning the Photos app. Although the app was loved by many, it hadn’t changed in a while and Apple wanted to prepare it for the future.
This modernization did not go well. The redesign decision was controversial to say the least.
Even months after launch, many users complain of confusing design, missing features, and general dislike of the app.
The old version is not coming back. However, there are things you can do to restore your Photos experience closer to what you had.
How to Fix Photos App in iOS 18
The new app has a single interface, ditching tabs. Scroll up to see your full gallery and scroll down to see various collections of images and videos.
The first thing you can do is adjust the gallery view.
- Tap the up/down arrows in the bottom left corner
- Instead of sorting by “Capture Date,” sort by “Recently Added” so you can see all your new images first.
- We also recommend that you consider displaying screenshots in this gallery view as well.
This will allow you to see all your images as they are added, including screenshots. There are also other options you can explore that might be suitable for you.
The next option is to remove unnecessary sections from the application.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Photos app
- Tap the big “Customize & Rearrange” button. Apple really wants to make sure you see this!
- Uncheck the sections you don’t want to see in the Photos app
- We suggest hiding featured photos, recent days and wallpapers to start.
- You can also rearrange sections by tapping, holding, and dragging on the right side of each section in this edit view.
- Tap “Done”
One of the ways we found to significantly improve usability was to rely on the Pinned Collections Section. This is a new category that allows the user to decide what is displayed there.
- Make sure pinned collections are enabled in the editing view described above.
- Faucet To modify on the right side of the section in the Photos app
- Press the + button of any collection you want to add and the – button of any section you want to remove.
- Below the list of suggestions, you tap + Any collection or album
- This gives you 100% control over everything you want to add from a gallery of you, your partner and your kids, all your screenshots, hidden photos, and much more.
Apple listened to user feedback
As hard as it is sometimes to believe, Apple listens to user feedback and we’ve seen it a lot with the redesigned Photos app.
During the original beta phase of iOS 18, Apple took a drastic step by scaling back its ambitious design and removing features, like the bike carousel at the top. All this based on the comments received.
As we mentioned, iOS 18.2 also added more quality of life improvements and changes.
When viewing a collection, you can now swipe back to the main view instead of having to tap the arrow in the upper left corner.
And videos play immediately in full screen by simply tapping to skip the controls, just like before.
Videos can again be browsed frame by frame. Additionally, you can view the cleaning time at the nanosecond level in the timeline.
When viewing a collection, a preview of the movie plays at the top. With iOS 18.2 this can be turned off to show a standard gallery view.
If you have other suggestions, you can also send your feedback to Apple. Simply visit comments.apple.com and let them know.
The change has certainly been radical, and improving it takes a little time, but it is improving. You just have to give it a chance.
