How to customize 'controversial' new iOS 18 Photos app to make it more like the old version
There's a handy hack to make the new iOS 18 Photos app look more like the old version that everyone is used to
With a new iPhone comes a new iOS, and as the iPhone 16 rolls out with all its fancy bells and whistles, we're forced to get used to iOS 18 and all that comes with it.
There's plenty that's new here, with iOS 18 adding home screen customization, the ability to lock your apps, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence. While most of us have already got to grips with the new operating system and are making the most of Apple's promises that everything has been 'redesigned to be even more flexible,' there's one aspect that's been torn apart online.
The redesigned Photos app now bombards you with around 30 photos instead of displaying everything in neat tabs. Even though we get that this feeds into the more personalized approach, there are Reddit threads galore from those who hate the new design of the Photos app and how our precious memories are now displayed on iOS 18.
For those who've officially had it with iOS 18's Photos app, there's no need to worry. There are two sneaky customization options that let you get pretty close to the old version of Photos. Firstly, you can organize the long list of photo collections by scrolling to the bottom and tapping 'Customize & Reorder'.
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You should be able to move preferred sections like 'Albums' to the top and save your finger some serious ache from scrolling. We suggest moving 'Pinned Collections' to the top if you want to get close to that 'classic' Photos feel.
Pinned Collections works like a shortcut bar to your favorites, and by pressing 'Modify', you can put 'Albums' and your others in the nav bar.
The second will clear up those cluttered screenshots. If you're in anything like us and are constantly screenshotting things to send to the group chat, you'll notice your feed is a mess under the new dictatorship of iOS 18. Screenshots can be restricted to a specific 'Screenshots' folder in Pinned Collections. To perform this magic trick, scroll up on the Photos app until you see the menu bar at the bottom of your screen. Tap the button that looks like two arrows going in opposite directions, then select 'View Options' and uncheck the Screenshots button.
While this is about as close as you can get to your beloved Photos app of yesteryear, you'll still have to get used to the revamped iOS 18. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better than your senses being assaulted by a barrage of different-sized memories every time you open the Photos app.