With iOS 26, Apple is releasing an update for the Photos app that is, above all, pragmatic. It's not a major revolution, but rather a series of small changes that, taken together, noticeably improve everyday use of photos. User feedback plays an important role in this process – some of the features that are being returned were previously removed.
In iOS 18, Apple completely revamped the Photos app. It moved away from the familiar structure and introduced a new view with a focus on collections. This wasn't well received by everyone. Now, with iOS 26, Apple is responding by bringing back tried-and-true features—combined with a few new ideas and visual updates. Anyone who regularly uses the Photos app will quickly notice the changes.
New Liquid Glass design
One of the most striking changes in iOS 26 concerns the design. Apple is using a new look called "Liquid Glass." This makes the user interface appear softer, more transparent, and more modern. This is also noticeable in the Photos app – albeit more subtly than in other apps. Classic UI elements such as buttons, navigation bars, and menus have a slightly translucent, fluid look. The design remains understated so that the photos themselves remain the focus. Nevertheless, the change is noticeable, especially when switching between menus or in the collection views.
Tab bar returns
One thing that many users will be pleased about: Apple is bringing back the tab bar. In iOS 18, it was removed and replaced with a central view. This change wasn't particularly popular—navigation was perceived as more cumbersome. In iOS 26, there's now a three-tiered navigation bar at the bottom of the screen:
- Media library
- Collections
- Search
The media library functions similarly to how it used to. Collections bundle the customizable sections from iOS 18. And search lets you find specific images by location, date, person, or subject. The return of tabs makes navigation easier and faster.
Display photos spatially
One of the most exciting technological innovations is the spatial representation of photos. What was introduced with visionOS 2 on the Vision Pro is now coming to the iPhone. In iOS 26, there's a new button in the top right corner of supported images. Tapping it displays the photo as a spatial scene. This means the image takes on depth. Moving the iPhone slightly changes the perspective—as if you were looking into the scene through a window. This works particularly well with portraits or photos with clear depth. The effect is truly impressive when you use such a spatial photo as your lock screen background.
More control in the collections
The collections that Apple introduced with iOS 18 can be further customized in iOS 26. The new "Collections" tab has additional settings that give you more control:
- You can choose whether all collections should be displayed the same size (all small or all large)
- Alternatively, the default setting remains, where certain collections are visually highlighted
- Individual collections can now be shown or hidden
You can find these options via the three dots in the top right corner of the Collections section. Those who work a lot with customized photo overviews will appreciate the new flexibility.
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iOS 26 brings stability instead of upheaval
iOS 26 doesn't bring a huge number of new features to the Photos app, but that's not necessary. After the major overhaul with iOS 18, Apple is now stepping up its game and improving the app where it makes sense. The tab bar is back, the new design looks more modern, and the spatial photo display brings a bit of high-level technical gimmickry. Anyone who missed certain features in iOS 18 will feel much more at home with the update to iOS 26. The app is more structured again without sacrificing new ideas. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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Photos app on iOS 26: The most important questions at a glance
Apple is improving the Photos app in many areas. There aren't any major innovations, but there are plenty of useful adjustments that make it easier to use—especially compared to iOS 18.
A new design with a slightly transparent, soft look. It's more subtle in the Photos app, but creates a more modern overall impression.
Yes. The familiar navigation with "Library," "Collections," and "Search" is back. It replaces the controversial central view from iOS 18 and makes it clearer to use.
Photos with depth information can now be displayed as a 3D scene. Tilting the iPhone changes the perspective. This works particularly well for portraits or as a lock screen.
Collections are now easier to customize: display tiles of equal size, hide individual collections, or keep the default view. All controlled via the three-dot menu in the top right.
iOS 18 was poorly received by many. With iOS 26, Apple is responding to this feedback: more clarity, familiar structures, but without sacrificing modern features.
Yes, especially for those who were dissatisfied with iOS 18. The app is more structured, more flexible, and more suitable for everyday use.
