Five Key iOS 18.2 Updates Enhance Photos App

Apple has responded to user feedback by refining the redesigned Photos app in iOS 18.2 with five key improvements. These changes address some of the controversial modifications introduced in iOS 18, enhancing user experience and functionality. For more on Apple updates, check out iOS 18.2: Practical Enhancements Beyond AI.

Key Changes in iOS 18.2 Photos App

  1. Automatic Full-Screen Videos: Videos now automatically play in full-screen mode, eliminating the need for an extra tap. This reverts to a behavior similar to pre-iOS 18 versions. You can still tap to hide interface elements for a cleaner view.
  2. Optional Auto-Looping: A new toggle in Settings allows users to disable the automatic looping of videos, providing more control over playback.
  3. Swipe-Back Navigation: Users can now swipe right from the left edge of the screen to navigate back from Collection views, improving navigation, especially on larger iPhones. This aligns with the standard navigation gesture in other Apple apps.
  4. Frame-by-Frame Scrubbing: iOS 18.2 introduces frame-by-frame video scrubbing with millisecond precision, enabling granular control over video playback.
  5. History Clearing: Users can now clear their viewing and sharing history within the "Recently Viewed" and "Recently Shared" albums. Individual items can be removed via long-press, or the entire history can be cleared from the album's menu. This feature enhances privacy and control over photo and video history.

These updates demonstrate Apple's commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement. The changes in iOS 18.2 make the Photos app more intuitive and user-friendly. For related information, see iOS 18.2: Enhanced AI, Camera, and Security and iOS 18.2: Natural Language Search for Apple Music and TV.