How to Customize the Photos App in iOS 18

The iOS 18 public beta brings significant changes to the Photos app, changing the way users interact with their digital memories. While iOS 18 brings the ability to send messages via satellite and other new features, the update to the Photos app is especially exciting for anyone who takes a lot of photos.

Once you update your phone to iOS 18, you’ll discover a new single-screen layout that brings all your photos, albums, and memories together in one place. We’ll walk you through the new Collections feature, which intelligently groups images based on factors like recent trips or a frequent companion.

We’ll also cover the new customization options, including how to pin collections and use the improved filtering capabilities. Whether you’re a longtime iOS user or new to iPhones, this guide will help you navigate the new capabilities of the Photos app. And don’t forget that Apple’s upcoming Intelligence feature is a game-changer for your iPhone, promising even more ways to manage your photos.

1. Fresh new look

Photos App iOS 18

(Graphics: © Apple)

When you open the updated Photos app in iOS 18you’ll notice a big change. The home screen now features a simplified view that combines a familiar grid of photos with new collections.

The new layout makes browsing your entire photo library more intuitive, and switching between individual photos and organized groups of images becomes easier.

2. Smarter photo groups

iOS 18 Photos App Last Days

(Graphics: © Apple)

The Collections feature in the Photos app has received a major update. You’ll now find your photos automatically organized into thoughtful themes, like Last days.

This new feature creates a curated album of your most recent photos, so you can easily revisit your most recent memories.

3. Photos or videos

iOS 18 Photos App Memory Mix

(Graphics: © Future)

In each Recent Days album you can choose between two viewing modes: “Photos” lets you view a gallery, and “Movie” displays a slideshow.

One of the most exciting features of Recent Days’ Movie mode is the customization options. To personalize your memories, To access, tap the music icon in the bottom left corner ‘Memory Mixes.

4. Customize your videos

iOS 18 Memory Mixing

(Graphics: © Future)

Once you get to Memory Mixes you can select the soundtrack of your video by tapping the musical note icon in the lower right corner. If you want to change the visual mood, tap the three circle icon to explore Memory Lookswhere you can apply different filters to your video.

Once you are happy with your video, just click on the three dot icon in the upper right corner to share or save for later.

5. Build your own collections

iOS 18 Photos App Changes Collections

Coming back to the home page, iOS 18 introduces a customizable carousel view that prominently displays your photo collectionsThere you will find photos of your favorite people, beloved pets, unforgettable places, and much more.

To create new thematic collections, press the plus (+) button next to each category option. You can add different collections such as “Selfie”, “Map” or “Memories”.

You can browse all your collections by swiping left, Or tapping on Pinned Collections to get an expanded view.

6. Have fun organizing!

iOS 18 Photo App

As an iPhone user for as long as I can remember and with almost 15,000 photos in my library, this update feels amazing. I’ve watched the Photos app evolve over the years, but this iOS 18 update finally addresses the chaos that comes with a huge photo collection.

As you explore the new Photos app in iOS 18, keep in mind that there are more features to try out. You can liven up your messages in iOS 18 with text effects to liven up your conversations. Before you update, it’s important to note that only certain iPhone models are compatible with iOS 18. And if you’re considering an update, a key iPhone SE 4 feature may have just been revealed in a new leak.