# Tweaking the Photos App in iOS 18: A Guide to Organizing Your Library
Apple’s iOS 18 has unleashed a notable overhaul of the Photos app, unveiling numerous fresh features and modifications designed to elevate user interaction. Nevertheless, alongside these modifications arise difficulties, particularly concerning photo organization. Many users find the default sorting approach to be cumbersome, especially if their photo libraries encompass images from multiple origins. Luckily, there are methods to personalize the Photos app to align more closely with user preferences, and one of the most significant changes involves altering the default sorting method.
## The Debated Overhaul of the Photos App
The overhaul of the Photos app in iOS 18 has triggered a spectrum of responses from users. A standout alteration is the new default sorting method, which organizes photos and videos by ‘Date Captured.’ This means each image is sorted chronologically according to the moment it was taken, rather than when it was incorporated into the library.
While this might prove beneficial for users who mainly capture photos with their devices, it can pose challenges for those who often save images from friends, online sources, or elsewhere. For these users, the updated sorting system can complicate the process of finding older images, as they may be dispersed throughout the library instead of being clustered together.
## The Answer: Sorting by ‘Recently Added’
If you’ve found the new sorting method in iOS 18 to be frustrating, you’re certainly not alone. Numerous users have expressed challenges in locating their photos due to the restructuring of their libraries. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix: switching the sort method to ‘Recently Added.’ This change enables users to view their photos and videos in the sequence they were added to the library, significantly easing the task of finding specific images.
### Steps to Change the Sort Method in the Photos App
Here’s a straightforward guide to modifying the sort method in the Photos app on iOS 18:
1. **Launch the Photos App**: Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. **Reveal Your Library**: Swipe down on the photo grid to display your complete library.
3. **Access Sort Options**: Tap the icon located in the lower-left corner featuring up and down arrows.
4. **Choose ‘Sort by Recently Added’**: From the available choices, select ‘Sort by Recently Added.’
Once you’ve implemented this adjustment, it will stay active, ensuring that all your photos and videos are sorted by the date they were added to your library, not the date they were captured.
## Further Customizations
Beyond altering the sort method, users can delve into various additional customizations within the Photos app to refine their experience. This may include modifying how albums are arranged, optimizing the search function, and utilizing new editing features introduced in iOS 18.
## Conclusion
The transformation of the Photos app in iOS 18 has delivered both innovative features and obstacles for users. By opting to change the default sort method to ‘Recently Added,’ you can reclaim command over your photo library and simplify the task of finding your desired images. This straightforward modification has the potential to greatly enhance your experience with the Photos app, allowing you to relish the new capabilities without the annoyance of a chaotic photo collection.
Do you favor organizing your photos by ‘Date Captured’ or ‘Recently Added’? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
