Apple's latest iOS 18 update brings significant changes to the Photos app, sparking both excitement and frustration among iPhone users. The update introduces powerful new features powered by Apple Intelligence, but also dramatically alters the app's interface and organization in ways that some find confusing.
Natural Language Search: A Game-Changer
One of the most promising additions is natural language search capability. Users can now find specific photos by describing them in plain language, such as Prunella drinking a milkshake or Jason in an Astros shirt. This AI-powered feature works remarkably well, often producing accurate results before the user finishes typing.
The natural language search extends to videos as well, with Apple claiming it can even locate specific moments within longer clips. However, testing revealed mixed results, particularly with shorter, less visually distinct videos.
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| The new natural language search feature in iOS 18 Photos app allows users to easily find images and videos by describing them in plain language |
Interface Overhaul: Boon or Bane?
While the new search capabilities are impressive, the redesigned interface has drawn criticism. The app now presents users with a plethora of auto-generated albums and categories, including:
- Recent Days
- People
- Pinned Collections
- Memories
- Trips
- Featured Photos
- Shared Albums
- Wallpaper Suggestions
Many users find this new layout cluttered and overwhelming, with the traditional Albums folder relegated to the bottom of the screen. The abundance of AI-generated categories, while potentially useful, can feel intrusive to those who prefer a simpler organization system.
Customization Options
Fortunately, Apple has included options to customize the new interface. Users can reorder or hide unwanted categories by scrolling to the bottom of the app and tapping Customize and Reorder. Additionally, the Pinned Collections feature allows for quick access to frequently used albums like Screenshots, Videos, and Favorites.
Compatibility and Performance
Interestingly, many of the new search capabilities appear to work on older iPhones running iOS 18, even without the full Apple Intelligence suite. While there are some differences in performance, particularly with more complex searches, the overall experience is surprisingly similar across devices.
The Big Picture: Simplicity vs. Innovation
The iOS 18 Photos app update raises questions about the balance between adding new features and maintaining the simplicity that iPhone users have come to expect. While the natural language search and AI-powered organization offer powerful new tools, the cluttered interface and aggressive categorization may be a step too far for some users.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of AI integration in its core apps, it will need to carefully consider user feedback to strike the right balance between innovation and usability. For now, users can take advantage of the customization options to tailor the Photos app experience to their preferences.