If Apple’s latest iOS update has left you frustrated with navigating your own photo library, some tech experts have stepped in to help with advice on how to revert iPhone’s Photos app to a more familiar format.
A few days ago, Apple rolled out its iOS 18.1.1 update, following the initial launch of iOS 18 in September. Since then, numerous iPhone users have voiced their displeasure and concerns regarding some modifications to their devices.
The Photos app, in particular, has been a significant source of disappointment for users. Apple claimed the updates would help users ‘spend less time searching and more time enjoying your memories’.
Photos are now grouped by categories such as ‘Recent Days, Trips, People & Pets’, with pinned collections for faster access to important albums.
Despite Apple’s intentions, not all users are satisfied with the new design. One user tweeted, “I swear I spend five minutes searching for folders and favorites.”
Another chimed in, describing the changes as ‘beyond horrible’.
Fortunately, Apple has provided options for customizing the app, and iPhone enthusiasts like YouTuber The MacWhisperer Academy have shared strategies to make the app resemble its previous version.
The latest Photos update now opens with a split screen of the usual photo library and thematic collections like ‘trips’.
However, by scrolling down, the collections section fades away, revealing more of your photo library, similar to the older app version.
Typically, our most recent photos are displayed at the top of our library, but not every ‘recent’ photo is one taken recently.
You might want to create a nostalgic birthday collage for a friend or perhaps transfer old photos to your phone for a walk down memory lane.
If your photos are sorted by ‘date captured’, they might get buried in the archive based on when they were taken.
To ensure newly uploaded images appear prominently in your app, tap the arrows button at the bottom left and select ‘recently added’.
In addition to scrolling for more of your photo library on the home screen, you can personalize the app’s homepage by scrolling to the bottom and selecting ‘customize and reorder’.
This feature allows users to hide sections that may not be useful, like ‘Featured Photos’ or ‘Wallpaper Suggestions’.
It also provides the option to rearrange sections, prioritizing those most relevant to you at the top.
Many iPhone users have expressed gratitude for shared tips that simplify the app, with one user commenting: “OMG…thank you, I was going nuts trying to figure out all the changes!!!!!!!”
Another added: “WOW – it’s almost like they want it to be easy, but forget to tell us HOW TO make it easy! THANK GOOOOOODNESS for the MACWHISPERER!!!!!”