Google has announced significant updates to its Photos app, with iOS users receiving the changes first before the Android update rolls out. This update introduces three major enhancements aimed at improving user experience. The first enhancement is the addition of a dynamic light mode.
Users will now have a background that matches their device’s system theme—light mode for those who prefer a brighter interface and dark mode for users who enjoy the classic black background. This flexible approach allows for a more personalized viewing experience of photos. Another notable change is the way users can access essential photo information.
Previously, to view the date, time, and location of a photo, users had to swipe up from the bottom of the image. The update simplifies this by displaying this information directly above the photo, making it much easier to access details such as which device was used, camera settings, and storage usage. Additionally, the three-dot menu located in the top right corner of the app will receive new features.
Users can now find options like Google Lens, collage creation, casting, and saving or deleting images directly from this menu. A new contextual menu will also streamline managing burst and stacked shots, enabling users to change, remove, or unstack photos with ease. Interactive badges will enhance photo management capabilities, allowing users to change categories, play or pause Live photos, and manage storage settings directly.
Despite these enhancements, all previous functionalities remain intact, including options for organizing photos into albums and using the Locked Folder feature. The updated Google Photos app is currently rolling out for iOS, with the Android version expected to follow soon.