Apple Restores Tabs and Adds 3D Photos in iOS 26 Photos App

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update brings a significant redesign to the Photos app, responding directly to user complaints about the previous overhaul in iOS 18. The most notable change is the return of a tabbed interface, which Apple had removed in the prior version, consolidating all photo management features onto a single page.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, acknowledged the user preference for tabs during the WWDC 25 keynote, introducing separate tabs for Library and Collections. Library focuses on recent photos with a scroll-friendly interface, while Collections houses favorites, albums, and search functionality.

This design shift addresses the backlash from users who disliked the centralized, all-in-one-page layout introduced in iOS 18, which even led to third-party apps offering to restore the old interface for a fee.

Beyond navigation improvements, iOS 26 introduces a new feature that transforms 2D photos into 3D spatial photos, enhancing the iPhone’s Lock Screen with immersive visuals. This innovation draws inspiration from Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing headset, signaling a push toward more engaging user experiences.

The Camera app also receives a usability upgrade by prominently displaying the two most-used capture modes—photo and video—on the main screen. Users can swipe left or right to access additional modes like Portrait and Cinematic, while swiping up reveals settings such as flash, timer, and aperture. Quick taps allow format changes, simplifying transitions between HD and 4K or adjusting frame rates.

Why This Matters

Apple’s willingness to pivot on the Photos app design highlights the importance of listening to user feedback in software development. The reintroduction of tabs improves usability and reflects a user-centric approach that can inspire developers across industries. Meanwhile, the 3D spatial photo feature showcases how hardware advancements like Vision Pro can influence software innovation, creating richer, more immersive experiences.

For developers and product teams, this update is a reminder that intuitive navigation and feature discoverability are crucial. The Camera app’s redesign, emphasizing swipe gestures and quick access, exemplifies how simplifying complex functionality can enhance user satisfaction.

In a world where user expectations evolve rapidly, Apple’s iterative approach to refining its apps offers valuable lessons in balancing innovation with familiarity.