Apple’s iOS 26 update to the Photos app introduces a new tabbed interface, making photo organization easier and smarter.
Remember the days when navigating your iPhone’s Photos app felt effortless? Apple is restoring that sense of intuitive control with iOS 26 by reintroducing tabs to the Photos app after a year of user outcry.
This is more than just a throwback; it’s a thoughtful redesign that prioritizes user experience, and it’s already sparking debate in the tech world.
Why did Apple change course in iOS 26?
Apple’s decision to redesign the Photos app in iOS 18 was met with mixed reactions. Apple aimed for simplicity by consolidating all photo organization and browsing into a single page, but in the end, it complicated the user experience.
Many people missed the clarity and speed that tabs provided, prompting a wave of feedback from both casual and power users.
At WWDC 25, Apple’s Craig Federighi addressed these concerns, saying, “Many of you missed using tabs in the Photos app.” It’s the closest Apple gets to admitting a mistake—and it demonstrates the company’s willingness to listen and adapt.
The new Photos app in iOS 26 reintroduces a familiar but improved tabbed interface.
| Feature | iOS 18 Photos App | iOS 26 Photos App (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Single-page, no tabs | Tabs: Library & Collections |
| Organization | All-in-one | Separated by use case |
| Search & Albums | Less accessible | Collections tab |
| Recent Photos | Buried | Library tab |
Library Tab: This tab is all about quick access to your most recent photos. The design is streamlined for easy scrolling, reintroducing the interface that many users preferred.
Collections Tab: Here’s where you’ll find your favorites, albums, and a powerful search function. Whether you’re looking for a specific memory or organizing albums, this tab restores clarity and convenience to the Photos interface.
Beyond Tabs: Smarter, More Immersive Photos
iOS 26 offers more than just improved navigation. The Photos app now takes advantage of Apple’s spatial computing advances, allowing users to convert 2D images into 3D spatial photos—a feature inspired by the Vision Pro headset.
This means that your memories can now be accessed in a more immersive manner directly from your iPhone’s lock screen.
The Camera app has also been redesigned, making it easier to find your favorite capture modes and settings.
With a single swipe, you can switch between photo, video, portrait, and cinematic modes, or tap to adjust settings like flash and frame rate.
As someone who uses the Photos app on a daily basis—for work, family, or creative projects—the return of tabs in iOS 26 feels like Apple has finally listened.
The previous redesign made it difficult to find and organize photos, so I considered third-party alternatives that promised to restore the old interface. The app now feels more intuitive, with tabs separating browsing and organization.
Furthermore, the inclusion of spatial photo features suggests Apple’s broader vision for immersive technology. It’s not just about storing memories; it’s also about reliving them in more vivid and dynamic ways.
Final words
The Photos app’s tabbed interface is more than just a cosmetic change; it’s a user-focused shift that brings simplicity and power back to photo management in iOS 26.
This update, which includes spatial photo capabilities and a refreshed Camera app, demonstrates Apple’s renewed focus on both form and function.
