Apple Reintroduces Tabbed Interface in Photos App with iOS 26
Following significant feedback regarding the major redesign of the Photos app introduced in iOS 18, Apple is making updates in their latest operating system release, iOS 26. This adjustment was briefly unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025.
Revival of Tabs in Photos App
Apple has acknowledged user demand by bringing back a tabbed interface in the Photos app, though with a refreshed design. Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, remarked on the feature at the WWDC keynote, revealing that the Photos app will now have distinct tabs for Library and Collections.
The Collections tab will organize users' favorite photos and albums and offers the ability to search across the photo library. Meanwhile, the Library tab is designed to provide an easier, more fluid experience for scrolling through recent photos, catering to user preference for simplicity and accessibility.
User Backlash and Third-Party Alternatives
The prior redesign in iOS 18, which centralized multiple photo organization and interaction features into one page, received criticism from users. Some developers responded to this sentiment by creating third-party photo apps that mimic the older user interface, sometimes charging users for this familiar experience.
Photos App Gets 3D Spatial Photo Features
In addition to interface improvements, iOS 26 introduces an intriguing update where the Photos app can convert standard 2D images into 3D spatial photos. This enhancement is also integrated into the iPhone’s Lock Screen, drawing inspiration from Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computing capabilities.
Camera App Enhancements
The Camera app has been streamlined as well, showcasing the two most-used capture modes—photo and video—front and center on the main screen. Users can easily swipe left or right to access other modes like Portrait or Cinematic. Further settings such as flash, timer, and aperture are now accessible by swiping up. Changing video format or resolution can be done with a simple tap, providing quick access for HD, 4K, and various frame rates.
DeepFounder AI Analysis
Why it matters
Apple’s decision to revert to a tabbed interface signals a responsiveness to user preferences and highlights the importance of intuitive UI design in consumer technology. For startups and founders focused on app development, this emphasizes the critical balance between innovation and usability to retain users. This shift reflects a broader tech ecosystem trend valuing familiar experiences alongside new functionality.
Risks & opportunities
The backlash over drastic UI changes presents a risk to user retention but also an opportunity for third-party developers to fill gaps created by unpopular redesigns. This scenario echoes past cases like Twitter’s API restriction shifts leading to the rise of alternative apps. Additionally, Apple's integration of spatial 3D photos opens doors to innovative photographic and augmented reality tools, growing markets for startups in spatial computing and media interaction.
Startup idea or application
A promising startup concept would be developing a photo and video management app that leverages spatial computing features to create immersive media experiences. Combining AI-powered photo curation with 3D photo transformations could differentiate it further. Another angle could be user-friendly third-party apps that cater to nostalgia for classic interface designs, providing customization while preserving modern capabilities.
Apple iOS 26 Photos app Spatial photos App design
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