Apple Brings Back Tabs in iOS 26 Photos App After User Feedback
Frustrated by the redesign of Apple’s Photos app in iOS 18? You’re not alone. With iOS 26, Apple is responding directly to user concerns by restoring the familiar tabbed layout to the Photos app—making it easier than ever to browse, organize, and enjoy your memories. The new design separates key features into intuitive tabs like Library and Collections, simplifying navigation and delivering a more user-friendly experience. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the old Photos app experience back, iOS 26 is the update you’ve been waiting for.
Tabs Return to the Photos App in iOS 26
Apple heard the backlash loud and clear after the iOS 18 update, which had centralized all features onto a single, cluttered page. Users complained about the lack of organization and how difficult it became to find albums, favorites, or even recent pictures. With iOS 26, Apple reintroduces tabs to the Photos app—but with a twist. Rather than simply restoring the old layout, Apple has refined it. You’ll now see a Library tab for chronological browsing and a Collections tab that brings quick access to favorites, albums, and search. It’s a welcome compromise between modern design and familiar usability.
Why the Redesign in iOS 18 Failed
The Photos app overhaul in iOS 18 aimed for simplicity but ended up overwhelming users. Every tool—whether for organizing, editing, or viewing—was packed into one space, forcing users to scroll endlessly or learn new gestures just to get things done. The backlash was so strong that third-party developers even started offering alternative photo apps that mimicked the older, more intuitive UI—for a price. With iOS 26, Apple isn’t just fixing a design flaw; it’s admitting, albeit subtly, that user feedback still shapes its direction.
New Features Add Depth to the Experience
Beyond the improved layout, iOS 26 introduces another standout feature: the ability to turn 2D photos into 3D spatial images. This futuristic option ties in with Apple’s broader push into spatial computing via the Vision Pro headset. Located on the updated Lock Screen, this tool brings your images to life, blending the past with Apple’s future. It’s a clever way to give users more reasons to revisit their photo libraries—and offers a hint of what’s next for mobile photography.
Camera App Updates Make Shooting Smarter
iOS 26 also includes practical upgrades to the Camera app. The most-used capture modes—photo and video—are now placed front and center. Want Portrait or Cinematic mode? Just swipe left or right. Need to change your frame rate or toggle flash settings? A simple swipe up reveals all your tools. Apple is clearly focused on making the user experience more intuitive, even for those who never explore deep settings. Combined with the Photos app update, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most user-friendly releases in years.
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