How to revert Apple’s Photos app to the pre-iOS 18 layout

The iOS 18 update introduced a host of changes to Apple’s Photos app, leaving many users divided.

While some embrace the new features, others are frustrated, especially with Apple’s decision to replace the familiar tabbed navigation bar at the bottom of the screen.

In its place is a scrolling layout that can feel less intuitive and slower to use. For long-time iPhone users, this redesign can disrupt a well-established workflow.

If you’re among those who prefer the simplicity and efficiency of the old Photos app, there’s good news: Apple has included some customization options that let you restore much of the pre-iOS 18 experience.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the Photos app feel like it used to.

Whether you want to revert to the older design or make the current layout more user-friendly, the steps are straightforward. Let’s dive in.

Restore the Pre-iOS 18 Photos App Layout

The most disliked change in iOS 18 is the removal of the tabbed navigation bar, which many users relied on for quick access to features.

If you want to simplify the Photos app and bring it closer to its older layout, follow these steps:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Customize and Reorder.
3. Deselect all Collections, leaving only Media Types and Utilities selected.
4. Tap the ‘x’ symbol in the top right to confirm your changes.

After completing these steps, your Photos app will have a cleaner and more familiar look.

Media Types allows you to sort content like videos and selfies, while Utilities ensures you can still access features like recently deleted photos.

Reordering the Photos App Layout

If you’re open to experimenting with the new design, iOS 18 lets you reorder Collections to better suit your needs.

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This feature allows for a level of customization that can make the updated app feel more intuitive. Here’s how to tailor the layout:

1. Go to the Customize and Reorder section in the Photos app.
2. Select the Collections you want to keep visible. Options include Recent Days, People & Pets, and others.
3. Use the hamburger symbol on the right to drag and reorder the Collections based on your preferences.
4. Tap the ‘x’ symbol to save your changes.

This feature lets you emphasize the Collections you use most frequently, giving you more control over how the Photos app is organized.

Fixing Image Sorting in iOS 18

Another frustrating change in the Photos app is how it sorts images in your library. By default, photos are sorted by the date they were taken, not the date they were added.

This can make it difficult to find newly saved images, such as ones sent by friends or downloaded from the web. To adjust this setting:

1. Open the Photos app and swipe up to scroll through your library.
2. Tap the Sort and Filter option (arrows pointing up and down).
3. Select Sort by Recently Added as your default.
4. Go to View Options and ensure Screenshots and Shared With You are selected.
5. Tap the ‘x’ symbol at the bottom right to confirm your changes.

This adjustment will save time when searching for recently added images, preventing them from getting lost in your library.

Why Customization Matters

The Photos app is one of the most used apps on the iPhone, and any changes to its layout can have a significant impact on your daily routine.

While iOS 18 offers some quality-of-life improvements, the lack of clear instructions for reverting or customizing the layout can leave users feeling stuck.

These hidden features give you the tools to restore functionality and make the app work for you.

Whether you’re reverting to a simpler layout or fine-tuning the new design, these steps ensure you can regain control over how the Photos app looks and operates.

If the default settings feel inefficient, take a few minutes to customize the app—your workflow will thank you.