Apple is giving the iPhone Camera app one of its most significant makeovers yet with iOS 26 — and it’s more than just a design refresh. The new update, unveiled at WWDC 2025, simplifies how users take photos and record videos while retaining powerful pro-level tools under the hood.
Also Check: WWDC 2025 Keynote 10 Major Announcements You Shouldn’t Miss
As Apple transitions to a new naming scheme that aligns iOS versions with release years (iOS 26 instead of iOS 19), this update arrives at the perfect time — set to officially launch in September 2025. Let’s break down what’s changing in the Camera app and why these changes are a big deal for iPhone users.
Simplified Camera Interface: Photo & Video Come First
In iOS 26, Apple puts Photo and Video modes front and center. These are now the default view when launching the app, streamlining the experience for everyday users.
Other creative modes — such as Portrait, Cinematic, Slow-Mo, and Time-Lapse — haven’t disappeared. They’re now just a quick swipe away, reducing clutter and allowing users to access them only when needed.
Why This Matters:
By minimizing distractions on the main screen, Apple ensures users can shoot faster and more confidently without fumbling through menus.
Swipe-Up Menus and Smart Controls
In each mode, you can now swipe up to access tailored settings like:
- Exposure
- Timer
- Aperture
- Flash
- Night Mode
Resolution and frame rate toggles now appear at the top of the screen. Long-pressing these icons opens up additional options, offering deep control without overwhelming the user.
Key Benefit:
Advanced users still get full manual control, but it’s tucked behind intuitive gestures — a smart blend of simplicity and depth.
Faster Navigation & Smoother Experience
The new layout in the iOS 26 Camera app — already visible in the developer beta — makes switching settings smoother and quicker. Whether you’re adjusting from 4K to 1080p or toggling Night Mode, every action now takes fewer taps.
Photos App Also Gets a Refresh
Alongside the Camera app, Apple has refined the Photos app, aiming to fix usability issues from previous versions.
Now, the app is divided into two main tabs:
- Library: All your photos in one place
- Collections: Organized albums and folders
This redesign makes browsing and finding memories more intuitive, especially for users with large photo libraries.
New: 3D Photos for a Holographic Effect
Apple also teased a new feature called 3D Photos, designed to add a depth-based visual effect that mimics a hologram. While the feature is still in early stages, it could bring a whole new dimension to smartphone photography once fully implemented.
Apple’s redesign of the Camera app in iOS 26 focuses on what users actually do — shoot photos and record video. Instead of adding complex new features, Apple rethought the layout to be faster, smarter, and easier to use.
Whether you’re a casual user capturing your cat’s latest antics or a content creator shooting on the go, this update makes it easier to get the shot — without sacrificing control.
When Can You Try It?
The iOS 26 public beta will roll out in July 2025, with the official release expected in September 2025. You’ll need an iPhone compatible with iOS 26 (likely iPhone 12 and newer) to enjoy these changes.
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