With every new software update Apple releases, there’s always a possibility that some features will not be made available at launch as they may have to undergo more testing than others. One of those features in iOS 16 is the iCloud Shared Photo Library. The feature enables members of a family to choose which images to share to the library or have their iPhones automatically add them to it.
iCloud Shared Photo Library will launch next week
When the iPhone 14 was announced, Apple in the press release for the device said that “iCloud Shared Photo Library will be available in a future software update.” That day is finally here as release notes for iOS 16.1 highlight the arrival of iCloud Shared Photo Library.
With iOS 16.1, users will be able to send photos directly to the Shared Library using a new toggle in the Camera app that shared the photos as they take them
In addition, users will also receive intelligent suggestions to share a photo that includes participants in the Shared Photo Library. Users can also choose to select photos from a specific date or from when they were together with other family members.
iCloud Shared Photo Library can also be set up in a way where when users take a photo and other members of the shared library are nearby, they will automatically receive them. This way, users do not have to worry about manually adding a ton of pictures to the library.
Up to six users can be added to the separate iCloud library where they can contribute, collaborate and enjoy the photos. Every user in the Shared Photo Library can add, delete, edit or favorite the shared photos or videos. The subsequent changes will be reflected in the library of the other members.
Apple today seeded release candidates of iOS 16.1 and iPadOS 16.1 to developers and public beta testers. The software updates are slated to be released next week on October 24. Other features in iOS 16.1 include key sharing in the Wallet app, Apple Card Savings account, Live Activities, Matter support, and more.
When the feature launches and you attempt to invite other users to a Shared Photo Library, make sure that the users you are inviting are also running iOS 16.1 on their devices.
