iOS 26 finally tackles the clutter that came with iOS 18’s controversial Photos app redesign. While the previous update stirred frustration among users, Apple is making things right with a more organized approach. 
iOS 26 now introduces a cleaner design and new features, including the ability to transform 2D photos into immersive Spatial Photos.
With iOS 18, Apple shifted to a single-page design for the Photos app, ditching the classic tabs in favor of a grid-based Library section and carousels of featured content below. This major change left many users annoyed, as navigating through the clutter became a chore. But iOS 26 listens to the feedback and reintroduces tabs, offering a Library and a Collections tab to streamline navigation.
The Library tab remains a grid view of all your images, and when you swipe down, the tab disappears, giving you the option to sort photos by date. The Collections tab houses carousels with Albums, Media Types, and Utilities, while also featuring Apple’s favorite Memories slideshow generator. The updated search button is now larger and placed at the bottom right for easy access.
Although the changes are subtle, the introduction of tabs has greatly improved usability. For those who were frustrated by the mess in iOS 18, this tidy-up is a welcome relief. iOS 26 finally brings some order to the chaos, making the Photos app much easier to use.
One of the standout updates is the ability to convert 2D images into Spatial Photos with just a tap on a small icon in the top-right corner. This new feature isn’t just for Vision Pro users but also enhances the new Spatial Wallpapers feature introduced at the WWDC 2025 keynote. Now, your photos can come to life in 3D, creating a more engaging experience.
1 comment
iOS 26 is a step in the right direction! Much more usable now 🙌