Apple has revamped its Photos app in iOS 18, though some modifications have sparked mixed reactions. Thankfully, Apple has taken user feedback into account and introduced five significant updates in iOS 18.2.
#1: Changes to the video interface
A notable adjustment to videos in iOS 18 was the initial playback with borders, requiring a tap for full-screen mode.
Now, in iOS 18.2, videos will automatically play in full-screen mode by default. There’s no longer a need for a tap, completely removing the odd zooming effect.
You can still tap to hide interface elements for a sleeker view, making it much closer to the pre-iOS 18 video experience.
#2: Option to disable video looping
If you dislike videos looping automatically, Apple now offers the ability to change this setting.
Within Settings ⇾ Photos, you’ll find a new option named Loop Videos.
This setting is still enabled by default, but if you’d prefer not to have your videos loop, simply toggle the switch to disable it.
#3: Swipe gesture to go back
Previously, when exploring the various Collections in the Photos app of iOS 18, navigating back was only possible through the back button located in the top-left corner, which could be cumbersome on larger iPhones.
With the introduction of iOS 18.2, a swipe gesture has been incorporated for navigating out of a Collection view. This functions like other Apple apps, allowing you to swipe right from the left edge of the screen to return to your previous view.
#4: Frame-by-frame video scrubbing capability
For those who need to analyze videos closely, iOS 18.2 now allows users to scrub through videos frame-by-frame.
This includes a new millisecond timestamp display as you scrub for precise control.
#5: History clearing options
With the increasing functionality of the Photos app in iOS 18, a couple of useful options might have flown under your radar:
- Recently Viewed
- Recently Shared
These albums provide a quick overview of your recent activities, highlighting what you’ve viewed and what you’ve shared.
With iOS 18.2, you can now clear your history in both albums for the first time.
To delete a specific item, simply long-press it and select the option from the pop-up menu. Alternatively, you can choose the ‘Remove All’ option located within the album’s three-dot menu in the top-right.
Summary of iOS 18.2 Photos changes
The redesign of iOS 18 was a significant change for one of Apple’s most utilized apps, so it’s understandable that users have had difficulty adjusting to some alterations. It’s encouraging to see Apple react to user opinions and introduce quality-of-life enhancements in iOS 18.2, making the Photos app more user-friendly.
What are your thoughts on these changes to the Photos app? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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