After user backlash, Apple brings back tabs to the Photos app in iOS 26

In response to significant user feedback regarding the Photos app redesign in iOS 18, Apple is making notable adjustments in its latest release, iOS 26. This revision was highlighted during the keynote speech at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 25), where Apple announced the reintroduction of a tabbed layout for the Photos app, albeit with a modern twist. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, acknowledged the user sentiment by stating, "Many of you missed using tabs in the Photos app." This acknowledgment hints at the company's recognition of the backlash received after last year's overhaul. The revamped Photos app will now feature distinct tabs for Library and Collections. Users will find familiar elements in Collections, including favorites, albums, and enhanced search functionalities. The Library tab aims to streamline the browsing experience, allowing users to quickly scroll through their recent photos, a redesign many users have preferred. The previous changes in iOS 18 had consolidated photo organization into a single page, which did not resonate well with all users. The backlash even led some developers to create third-party photo applications that promised to restore the old interface for a fee. Additionally, iOS 26 introduces a new capability that transforms standard 2D photos into 3D spatial images. This innovative feature can be accessed through the iPhone’s updated Lock Screen and draws inspiration from Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing headset. The update also enhances the Camera app on iPhone and iPad, making it more user-friendly. The primary screen now displays the two most frequently used capture modes: photo and video. Users can easily swipe left or right to access additional modes such as Portrait and Cinematic Mode. To adjust other settings like flash, timer, and aperture, users can swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, switching formats, whether between HD and 4K or adjusting video frame rates, can now be done with a simple tap.