Google Revamps Snapseed Interface on iOS with New Faves Tab

Google has just delivered its first major Snapseed update in years, but there’s a catch: it’s only available on iPhone and iPad for now. With version 3.0, the beloved photo editing app gets a fresh coat of paint along with new tools and filters that seasoned users—and newcomers—will appreciate.

A Brief History of Snapseed

Originally launched on iOS, Snapseed caught Google’s eye and was acquired in 2012 as a rival to Instagram’s editing suite. Google opened the app to Android users soon after and made it free, carving out a niche among enthusiasts for its robust RAW and JPG editing tools.

What’s New in Snapseed 3.0?

The headline feature is a revamped interface designed to surface your favorite tools and speed up workflows. Google spokesperson Michael Marconi told The Verge, “We’re giving Snapseed a fresh look with a more intuitive layout and a few new features.”

• New “Faves” tab in the center of the bottom toolbar for quick access to saved tools
• “Looks” tab remains on the left side, now streamlined for filter previews
• “Tools” replaces the bottom-right Export option, while Export moves to the top-right corner
• Several new vintage filters join classic Looks for retro-inspired edits

These updates aim to reduce taps and help users discover key features without hunting through menus. By placing “Faves” front and center, Snapseed ensures that your most-used tweaks are always within thumb’s reach.

Android Users Will Have to Wait

Despite the fanfare, the update is exclusive to iOS for now. Marconi said Google doesn’t “have anything to share yet” about an Android rollout. It’s a cautious move, giving Google time to refine the experience before a wider launch.

In the competitive world of mobile photo editors—where Adobe Lightroom, VSCO, and others vie for attention—staying fresh is vital. This redesign positions Snapseed to better serve enthusiasts and casual users alike.

Why This Matters

Interface upgrades like this one do more than please the eye—they can drive engagement and retention. When users spend less time searching for tools and more time editing, satisfaction—and app usage—goes up. It’s akin to rearranging a store so customers find best-sellers at eye level.

For businesses rolling out similar UX overhauls, measuring the impact on key metrics—like session length and feature adoption—is crucial. Small tweaks often yield big rewards.

How QuarkyByte Can Help

At QuarkyByte, we analyze user behavior to guide design decisions and maximize ROI on interface updates. Whether you’re a startup refining mobile UX or an enterprise deploying new editing tools, our data-driven insights uncover which features delight users and drive growth.

Experience firsthand how targeted analytics can turn UI changes into measurable wins.