Last year, Apple attempted to revamp the Photos App with iOS 18, but it was met with mixed reviews. However, with the release of iOS 26, Apple has introduced a new and improved version of the Photos App that has received positive feedback. Here are some of the standout features of the updated app:
For a detailed walkthrough of all the features of the Photos app, be sure to check out our in-depth video below:
Now, let’s delve into some of the top features and changes that the iOS 26 Photos App offers.
Simplified navigation
The iOS 18 changes made the Photos app overly complex, but iOS 26 has returned to a simpler layout with two primary tabs: Library and Collections. The Library tab displays your photos in chronological order, while the Collections tab houses additional features like memories, albums, and utilities. This streamlined layout makes it easier to navigate and find what you need.

Spatial scenes
One of the standout features of the iOS 26 Photos app is Spatial scenes, which adds a 3D effect to images with a subject. By tapping a button on the image, the subject is brought forward and creates an immersive, dynamic photo experience. This feature is available on iPhone 12 and newer models.

Event recognition
The iOS 26 Photos app introduces event recognition, which utilizes image metadata to provide detailed information about events captured in photos. This feature can identify events like concerts based on location, date, and time, and provide additional information about the event. While currently limited to major venues, this feature showcases the app’s intelligent capabilities.

Final thoughts
The iOS 26 Photos app offers a range of new features and enhancements that make it simpler, more intelligent, and more powerful than ever before. From Spatial scenes to event recognition, there’s a lot to explore in the updated app. For a comprehensive overview of all the features, don’t forget to watch the video and discover how iOS 26 is transforming the Photos experience.
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