The Photos Application has been redesigned in iOS 18 and in iOS 26, Apple has adjusted some of these original design modifications and updated navigation. Ios 26 also includes new 3D image features and some other useful updates.
Navigation
In ios 18, Apple introduced a unified view of the photos application which deleted the tabs. The tab bar is back in ios 26, with buttons to exchange between the newly separate library and the collections sections in the photos application.
Apple also added a separate search button at the bottom of the photos application, moving it up.
The view of the library offers an overview of all the images and screenshots you have taken, a bit like the iOS 17 photos application. There is a larger selection button at the top of the photos interface, as well as a clearly visible button to access filters and display the options to zoom, zoom and exclude things like screenshots and shared with your images.
The filters were available in ios 18, but the button was hidden unless you started to scroll through the photos library, which could be confusing. The new provision facilitates the search for all the different options of the photos application.
The scrolling in the view of the library continues to reveal the options to exchange years and months, with buttons to return to the tab bar or launch a search.
In the Collections tab, you will see all the different visualization options which were once included in the unified view. The recent days are at the top of the application, as well as dedicated views such as people and pets, pins, memories, trips, albums and photos featured.
The dedicated view means that you can see more of your collections on a single screen. The sections of the types of supports and public services in collections have larger and more distinct buttons that make it clearer than you can slide or press to access more options.
Liquid glass design
As with all applications ios 26, photos has a liquid glass overhaul. This is one of the applications where the liquid glass look is the most visible.
The two -end tabbar uses translucent to show the photos behind, and when it develops in the largest navigation bar that has had options for months and years, it remains clear. With the more transparent look, the accent is put in the photos while the buttons blend in the background.
The tab bar, the search button, the select button and other buttons of the photos application have the same transluid and use the more rounded look that Apple adopted this year.
Spatial scenes
Ios 26 includes a function of spatial scenes which adds additional depth and realism to any image. It separates the subject from the background, introducing a slight movement when you move your phone in both directions.
Spatial scenes work with all photos, even those in your photo library for years.
To use spatial scenes in the photos application, press an image and press the small hexagonal icon at the top right of the screen. Once activated, if you move your phone, you will see the depth effect.
Spatial scenes use a generative AI to add depth to flat images, but it does not require Apple intelligence. The functionality is available on the iPhone 12 and more recent.
Personalization of collections
There is a more notable reorganization button in the collections section, which facilitates it that you can reorganize what you see. You can always enter and drag to reorganize, but there is no more option to exclude certain types of collections.
The collections can be collapsed until you support them, which is a new interface option. When he collapsed, you will only see the name of the collection rather than a miniature overview of what he understands.
There is a quick access interface option at the top where you can collapse all the collections, display all the collections, reorganize or choose a different view.
You can see collections in a view that makes it higher than the others, a view with all the larger miniatures or a view with all the smaller miniatures.
Learn more
We have a dedicated iOS 26 Roundup This in detail on all the new features available in the update.
