Photos in iOS 16: duplicate detection, copy and paste edits and ability to lock hidden albums

Apple’s next-generation software update for iPhone, iOS 16, was recently unveiled with a redesigned Lock Screen experience, new capabilities in Mail, Wallet, Messages, enhanced intelligence with updates to Live Text and Dictation, and more. Photos also received a ton of new features this year including duplicate detection, the ability to lock hidden and recently deleted albums, and more.

Everything new in Photos in iOS 16

iCloud Shared Photo Library

iCloud Shared Photo Library was one of the highlights of Apple’s WWDC 22 keynote. The new feature allows families to share photos seamlessly, and even automatically. Up to six users can be added to the separate iCloud library where they can contribute, collaborate and enjoy the photos. Learn more about iCloud Shared Photo Library here.

Duplicate detection

With iOS 16, the native Photos app can detect duplicate photos and videos in your library allowing you to keep it clean and manage your storage. All the duplicates your device detects in your library are kept in a new Duplicates album under the Utilities section. From there, you can manage the duplicates.

Lock Hidden and Recently Deleted albums

Apple’s Hidden album in Photos is not that hidden at all since anyone who has access to your device can open it. However, starting with iOS 16, there is finally an extra layer of privacy for Hidden albums as well as the Recently Deleted albums. Both are locked by default and can be unlocked using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Edit

A feature many users have been asking Apple for has finally arrived in iOS 16. The Photos app now allows you to copy and paste edits from one photo to another, enabling batch photo editing.

In addition to this, Photos now lets you undo and redo multiple edit steps. Previously, users would have to revert to the original photo and start the editing process all over again.

Tidbits

Other minor features include the ability to disable Features Photos from appearing in the Photos app and widget. The update also allows you to sort your People album alphabetically and you can now tap to restart a video in Memories. There are also new memory types for This Day in History and children playing.

The software update will be released to the general public in the fall alongside the iPhone 14 lineup. The first developer beta of iOS16/iPadOS 16 has been released for developers and a public beta will become available in July.