iOS 18 has arrived with a mix of exciting new features like customizable home screens and a revamped Photos app, but not without its share of disappointing changes. Let’s take a closer look at the new Photos app in iOS 18 and how users are reacting to it.
Unveiled at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple’s “biggest-ever redesign” of the Photos app introduces new collections such as Recent Days, People and Pets, and Trips to help organize your photos. These changes are aimed at integrating the app seamlessly with Apple Intelligence, rolling out to various iPhone models in the coming months.
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While Apple touts a ‘simplified layout,’ many users find the shift to themed collections rather complex. The traditional tab design has been replaced with auto-categorized themes, making it harder to locate essential features like ‘Recently Saved’ photos and view all device photos through a single tab.
Are we too attached to the old Photos app, or has Apple missed the mark with this update? Users find the new layout challenging to navigate, missing the convenience of the previous version. The consolidation of all photos into one scrollable library may offer a neat layout but sacrifices ease of use.
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Users highlight how previously saved images from various sources now reside in disparate collections, complicating the search process. The community echoes these sentiments, expressing frustration with the revamped app’s functionality.
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Issues extend to video playback as well, with fullscreen view and playback controls posing challenges for users. The lack of timestamps on video previews adds to the usability concerns raised by the community.
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Despite attempts at personalization, users advocate for the return of familiar features like the Camera Roll or a simplified navigation scheme in future updates. For many, the adage ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ resonates strongly.
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As users adapt to the new Photos app in iOS 18, the community anticipates further refinements to enhance user experience and streamline photo management. Here’s hoping Apple listens to user feedback and strikes a balance between innovation and usability in upcoming updates.