Apple Restores Tabs to Photos App in iOS 26 After User Feedback

Apple Revises Photos App in iOS 26 Following User Feedback

Responding to numerous user complaints regarding the redesign implemented in iOS 18, Apple is refining the Photos application’s appearance and functionality within its latest operating system release, now designated as iOS 26.

Return of the Tabbed Interface

The modification was briefly highlighted on Monday during the keynote presentation at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 25). Apple announced the reintroduction of a tabbed interface for Photos, although it will differ from the previous iteration.

“A significant number of users expressed a desire for the return of tabs within the Photos app,” stated Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering – representing Apple’s acknowledgement of the initial overhaul’s shortcomings.

He continued, “The Photos app now incorporates distinct tabs for Library and Collections,” demonstrating the update during the presentation.

Organization Within the Photos App

The Collections tab consolidates access to your favored images, albums, and provides a comprehensive search function across your entire photo library.

Conversely, the Library tab streamlines browsing through recently captured photos – a user interface preference clearly voiced by many.

Initial Redesign and User Response

The changes introduced in iOS 18 to the Photos app initially sparked criticism, as it consolidated all interaction and organization options onto a single screen.

Some developers even leveraged this dissatisfaction, offering alternative photo applications that aimed to replicate the previous user interface for a cost.

New Features in iOS 26

Furthermore, the iOS 26 update empowers the Photos app to convert 2D photographs into 3D spatial photos.

This functionality is integrated into the iPhone’s updated Lock Screen and draws inspiration from Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing headset.

Camera App Updates

Related to Photos, the iPhone and iPad’s Camera app has been updated to improve feature accessibility.

The app now prominently displays the two most frequently used capture modes – photo and video – on the main screen.

Additional modes can be revealed by swiping left or right, allowing access to features like Portrait Mode, Cinematic Mode, and others.

Access to other settings, including flash, timer, aperture, and more, is now achieved by swiping upwards from the bottom of the screen.

Users can also quickly change formats with a single tap, facilitating adjustments between HD and 4K resolution or frame rate settings for videos.