iOS 26 Photos App Redesign: A First Look at the New Library and Collections
Apple has given the Photos app its biggest redesign in years with iOS 26. The update introduces a cleaner interface, a clearer separation between your photo library and collections, and new ways to browse tens of thousands of photos without feeling overwhelmed.
This first-look overview walks through the redesigned Photos app layout, explains how navigation has changed, and highlights what’s new — and what remains familiar — in iOS 26.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
How the Photos app layout has changed in iOS 26
What’s new in the redesigned Library tab
How Collections work and how they are organized
How to reorder and customize pinned collections
Which Photos features stayed the same after the redesign
🖼 How the Photos App Layout Has Changed in iOS 26
The most noticeable change in iOS 26 is how Apple has reorganized the Photos app. The Library and Collections are now clearly separated, making it easier to focus on browsing photos or organizing them without mixing the two experiences.
This new structure reduces clutter and improves navigation for large photo libraries.
Library and Collections are now distinct sections
Navigation feels cleaner and more intentional
The interface places more emphasis on browsing efficiency
📚 The Redesigned Library Tab
The Library tab is now dedicated entirely to viewing photos and videos. It displays your entire library while offering quick access to sorting, filtering, and view options.
The photo count is clearly visible, and controls are easier to reach.
Displays total photo count at the top
Includes a menu for filtering and library options
Separates personal and shared libraries more clearly
🗓 Browsing by Years, Months, and All Photos
iOS 26 makes it easier to jump between different time-based views. A simple swipe gesture hides interface elements and exposes quick toggles for browsing your library by time.
This makes long libraries much easier to navigate.
Swipe down to hide controls and focus on photos
Switch between Years, Months, and All Photos
Quickly return to the main library view when needed
🔍 Search and Navigation Improvements
Search remains a core part of the Photos app, allowing you to locate images across your entire library. In iOS 26, it’s positioned more clearly as a separate navigation destination.
This keeps browsing and searching from overlapping unnecessarily.
Dedicated Search tab in the bottom-right corner
Searches across the full photo library
Works alongside the new Library and Collections layout
🗂 Understanding the New Collections View
Collections have been redesigned to group photos in a more meaningful way. Instead of mixing albums and smart groupings together, iOS 26 organizes them into clear sections.
This makes Collections feel more curated and easier to customize
Includes albums, people and pets, and smart groupings
Sections can be collapsed or expanded
Visual layout emphasizes organization over scrolling
📌 Pinned Collections and Custom Organization
Pinned collections are one of the most useful additions in iOS 26. You can control which sections appear first and rearrange them to match how you actually use Photos.
Customization is simple and flexible.
Reorder pinned collections using drag-and-drop
Collapse or expand individual sections
Show all collections at once or focus on specific areas
🎛 View Options and Thumbnail Customization
The Photos app now offers clearer view options for adjusting how content appears. You can control thumbnail size and how much information is visible at once.
These adjustments help tailor Photos to your browsing style.
Change thumbnail sizes within Collections
Expand or collapse entire sections
Adjust visual density without changing content
🔁 What Stayed the Same in Photos
While the layout has changed, many core features remain familiar. Apple preserved essential tools so longtime users don’t have to relearn everything.
Editing and interaction tools are largely unchanged.
Share, favorite, and info buttons remain familiar
Editing and markup tools work the same way
Filters and cleanup tools are still available
🌌 New Spatial Scene Photo Feature
iOS 26 introduces a new spatial scene photo effect. When available, Photos can analyze certain images and add subtle depth that responds as you move your device.
This feature adds a more immersive feel to select photos.
Uses photo analysis to create depth
Responds to device movement
Available only on supported photos
