New Features in Apple Photos for iOS 26

Apple’s Photos app is getting significant updates in iOS 26, bringing a refreshing design and new functionalities. The most noticeable change is the introduction of Liquid Glass, which alters the user interface with sleek, transparent elements in buttons and menus, though the focus remains on your photos and videos. In response to user feedback, the classic tab bar navigation is making a return, offering three main tabs: Library, Collections, and Search. The Collections tab combines new customizable sections introduced in iOS 18, enhancing organization and navigation. A highlight of iOS 26 is the ability to ‘spatialize’ photos, a feature previously available in visionOS 2, which adds depth and allows you to view photos in three dimensions. This feature is particularly impressive when used as Lock Screen wallpaper. Apple has also added several customization options in the Collections tab, including new view settings and the ability to collapse or expand individual collections for better organization. These updates provide a balance of stability and innovation, keeping user feedback in mind while enhancing the overall experience. While not as feature-heavy as last year’s overhaul, the changes in iOS 26 aim to refine the user interface and functionality of the Photos app, making it more accessible and user-friendly.