Apple’s Photos app has long been a cornerstone of its ecosystem, offering seamless organization and editing for your treasured memories. But with the latest updates, it seems Apple has missed the mark, leaving users frustrated with performance issues, clunky features, and questionable design choices.
So, what’s wrong with the new Photos app, and how can you fix it to get the most out of your photo library? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What’s Wrong with the New Photos App?
While Apple introduced several new features aimed at improving the Photos app, many users feel the execution has fallen short. Here are some common complaints:
1. Poor Syncing Across Devices
iCloud syncing remains unreliable for many users, with photos taking ages to appear across devices or, worse, disappearing altogether. This defeats the purpose of Apple’s touted ecosystem integration.
2. Overwhelming Automatic Features
The app’s over-reliance on AI-driven organization often feels intrusive. Features like “Memories” and “People & Places” can misidentify faces or create irrelevant photo collections.
3. Limited Customization Options
While the app offers some editing tools, they pale in comparison to third-party apps. Users often find themselves needing to export photos to apps like Lightroom or Snapseed for advanced editing.
4. Laggy Performance on Older Devices
If you’re using an older iPhone or Mac, the Photos app may feel sluggish. Loading thumbnails or scrolling through large libraries can become a frustratingly slow experience.
How to Customize the Photos App for a More Straightforward Experience
One of the easiest ways to make the Photos app more manageable is by customizing its layout and features. Apple now allows you to reorder and hide sections, so you can focus only on what matters most to you.
Steps to Customize and Reorder the Photos App
- Open the Photos App on your iPhone.
- Scroll to the bottom of the app’s main screen and tap “Customize” (you’ll find it below your albums).
- You’ll see a menu labeled “Customize & Reorder” (like the image below). Here’s what to do:
- Reorder sections by dragging the three-line icons next to each feature.
- Uncheck unnecessary sections, such as “Memories” or “Wallpaper Suggestions,” to declutter your view.
- Keep essential sections like “Media Types,” “Albums,” and “Shared Albums” checked for easier navigation.
- Once you’ve made your changes, tap the “X” in the top-right corner to save and exit.
By tailoring your Photos app layout to match your needs, you’ll create a cleaner and more user-friendly experience. No more scrolling through unwanted sections—your favorite photos and key tools will be right where you need them.
How to Customize the Photos App for a More Straightforward Experience
One of the easiest ways to make the Photos app more manageable is by customizing its layout and features. Apple now allows you to reorder and hide sections, so you can focus only on what matters most to you.
Steps to Customize and Reorder the Photos App
- Open the Photos App on your iPhone.
- Scroll to the bottom of the app’s main screen and tap “Customize” (you’ll find it below your albums).
- You’ll see a menu labeled “Customize & Reorder” (like the image below). Here’s what to do:
- Reorder sections by dragging the three-line icons next to each feature.
- Uncheck unnecessary sections, such as “Memories” or “Wallpaper Suggestions,” to declutter your view.
- Keep essential sections like “Media Types,” “Albums,” and “Shared Albums” checked for easier navigation.
- Once you’ve made your changes, tap the “X” in the top-right corner to save and exit.
By tailoring your Photos app layout to match your needs, you’ll create a cleaner and more user-friendly experience. No more scrolling through unwanted sections—your favorite photos and key tools will be right where you need them.Alternatives to the Photos App
If you’ve tried fixing Photos and still aren’t satisfied, consider switching to a third-party photo management app that offers better customization, organization, and editing tools.
Third Party Alternatives
1. Google Photos
Google Photos excels at photo backup and sharing. Its AI-powered search and organization tools are also far superior to Apple’s.
2. Adobe Lightroom
Lightroom combines advanced editing tools with robust organizational features, making it ideal for photographers who need precision.
3. Mylio
For those who prioritize privacy, Mylio offers a local storage solution with impressive organizational capabilities.
Why Is the Photos App Struggling?
Apple’s Photos app has potential, but it’s plagued by a few systemic issues:
1. Over-Reliance on Automation
Apple’s focus on AI features like Memories and face recognition often backfires, producing irrelevant results that frustrate users.
2. Lack of Focus on Power Users
Casual users may find the app sufficient, but photographers and power users require more advanced tools and customization options.
3. Ecosystem Lock-In
Apple prioritizes tight integration within its ecosystem, sometimes at the expense of broader functionality. This makes it hard to work with other devices or platforms.
How Apple Can Improve the Photos App
If Apple truly wants to win back frustrated users, it needs to address these pain points in future updates:
- Better AI Customization
Allow users to tweak AI suggestions or disable certain features entirely. - Improved Editing Tools
Adding features like selective edits, layers, and professional-grade filters would eliminate the need for third-party apps. - More Reliable iCloud Syncing
Revamping iCloud to ensure faster and more consistent syncing across devices would drastically improve user experience. - Enhanced Performance for Older Devices
Optimizing the app for older hardware ensures a smoother experience for all users, not just those with the latest devices.
Conclusion
Apple’s Photos app has undeniable potential, but its latest updates have left many users disappointed. While there are ways to optimize and fix its shortcomings, Apple needs to address the root issues to deliver the seamless, intuitive experience its users expect. Until then, third-party alternatives remain a lifeline for those seeking better photo management and editing tools.
