Apple has scaled back some updates on the Photos app in its latest version iOS 18 beta, as well as added a new Distraction Control Feature for Safari, following recent user feedback. The latest changes include the Carousel view, the repositioned location to access Albums, and the Photos app interface.
The Carousel feature, which used on-device intelligence to highlight what is considered your best photos in a swipeable row, was found to be problematic and received a considerable amount of negative feedback from beta testers. So as a result, Apple has decided to eliminate it completely from the app itself.
In addition to removing Carousel, several other adjustments have been made to improve the Photos usability. The “All Photos” module has been updated to display more of the photo grid all at once, and “Recently Saved” photos have been added to the “Recent Days” album. Long story short, users with multiple albums should theoretically find it easier to access photo albums and it will resolve most of the complaints from developers and testers.
Apple had initially promoted these changes as key features for the upcoming release of the iOS 18, to create a more streamlined and customisable Photos app. However, the app does tend to utilise unnecessary features which has hindered some of its usability. The fruit company claims that these updates enhance user-friendliness but it will be assessed once iOS 18’s final version approaches its public release in the Fall.
