Apple’s Photos application underwent a significant transformation last year, and iOS 26 introduces several new modifications. Here’s all that’s new with the Photos app in iOS 26.
## New Liquid Glass Design
One of the most prominent updates affecting all Apple applications this year is the ‘Liquid Glass’ design in iOS 26. In the Photos app, you’ll notice Liquid Glass UI components throughout—from buttons and navigation tabs to popup menus and beyond. While your photos and videos remain the primary visual element of the app, the implementation of Liquid Glass in Photos isn’t as extensive compared to other applications—but it still offers a refreshing look that’s difficult to overlook.
## Tab Bar Navigation Returns
The previous year, when Apple revamped the Photos app in iOS 18, the most significant alteration was the navigation. The familiar tab bar was eliminated, replaced by a single-screen UI. Following considerable negative feedback from users, Apple has reinstated tab bar navigation in Photos within iOS 26. Although it’s not a complete return to the exact layout prior to iOS 18, the navigation in Photos is now much more reminiscent of the previous version, featuring three tabs:
– Library
– Collections
– Search
The Library functions similarly to earlier iterations of the app, while the Collections tab consolidates all the new, customizable sections introduced in iOS 18.
## Spatialize Photos
A highlighted feature of visionOS 2 last year was the option to “spatialize” your photographs. Now, iOS 26 brings this feature to the iPhone through the Photos app. While viewing a photo, a new button located in the top-right corner allows you to see a ‘Spatial Scene’ version of the image. Essentially, this adds depth to your photo, enabling you to pan around and observe different dimensions. It’s an entertaining feature within the Photos app, but it truly excels when using Spatial Scenes as your Lock Screen wallpaper.
## New Customization Settings
Within the updated Collections tab, Apple is providing users with even greater customization features than prior versions. Users could already fully personalize and rearrange the sections displayed in their Photos app, but iOS 26 introduces:
1. New viewing options for your collections
2. The ability to collapse and expand individual collections
For the first point, tapping the three dots at the top of the Collections tab reveals three viewing options. You can set all collections to uniform sizes, whether all small or all large, or stick with the default setting that displays certain collections more prominently. The capacity to temporarily collapse specific sections should also enhance navigation within your Collections view.
## Photos in iOS 26: Wrap-Up
This year’s update of Photos signifies Apple’s commitment to advancing the app while also leveraging iOS 26 to restore some of the familiarity that users missed following iOS 18. It may not be as feature-rich as the previous year, but after the upheaval of that significant overhaul, a year of stability could be just what Photos users desire most.
