Apple reverts major iOS 18 Photos app change following user outcry
The fifth developer beta simplifies the new Photos app, as it was too complex for iPhone users.
JoriPress
- iOS 18 beta 5 is now available to testers enrolled in Apple’s developer program.
- Due to user outcry, this build retires the Photos app’s Carousel feature, first added in iOS 18 beta 1.
- While this change makes the app less customizable, Photos on iOS 18 beta 5 still offers a modular UI that users can personalize.
When Apple released iOS 18 beta 1, many testers complained about the new Photos application. For those unfamiliar, the system app received a complete redesign that introduces a modular UI. This includes a customizable Carousel feature that lets users swipe horizontally on their media library to access other in-app destinations, such as Memories or the Favorites album. To simplify the Photos app and appease its users, Apple has now retired the Carousel feature through iOS 18 beta 5.
Yesterday, Apple seeded iOS 18 beta 5 to members of its developer program. One of the main highlights of this update is the retirement of the Carousel feature in the Photos app. Once you update to this version, you will no longer be able to swipe right or left on the media library to switch between different views. Despite this change, the Photos app on iOS 18 beta 5 retains its modular UI, allowing users to reorder and hide certain in-app sections — beyond the Carousel itself.
