Here’s everything new for Apple Photos in iOS 26 – 9to5Mac

🔍 Summary:

Apple’s Photos app in iOS 26 is set to receive several updates, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. A key visual update across all Apple apps with iOS 26 is the introduction of the ‘Liquid Glass’ design, which will be evident in the Photos app through various UI elements like buttons and popup menus. Although the Liquid Glass design is not as extensively used in Photos as in other apps, it still marks a noticeable refresh.

Following user feedback, Apple is reinstating the tab bar navigation in the Photos app, a feature removed in the previous overhaul with iOS 18. The new navigation system will include three main tabs: Library, Collections, and a new tab that allows for more customization. The Collections tab, in particular, has been enhanced to allow users to adjust the visual size of collections and to collapse sections for easier navigation.

Another exciting feature coming to the Photos app is the ability to create ‘Spatial Scenes’ from photos, giving them depth and allowing users to view different dimensions by panning around the image. This feature, which was previously available on visionOS 2, can now be used on iPhones and is particularly striking when used for Lock Screen wallpapers.

Overall, the updates in iOS 26 aim to push the Photos app forward while bringing back some familiar elements that were missed by users, striking a balance between innovation and user comfort.

📌 Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/01/heres-everything-new-for-apple-photos-in-ios-26/