How iOS 12 Photo Sharing Suggestions Work

With iOS 12, Apple introduced intelligent Sharing Suggestions in the Photos app's "For You" tab, using on-device machine learning to make sharing event photos seamless. After attending a gathering such as a party, the system automatically detects that a distinct event took place, identifies friends who were there, suggests sharing the specific collection with them, and prompts recipients to share their own photos from the same event back with you.

Intelligent Event and Face Detection

When you take photos at a party, iOS 12 analyzes the metadata—including the date, time, and location—alongside the clustering of images to recognize that a special event occurred. Using on-device facial recognition, the Photos app identifies the individuals in your photos and matches them with your Contacts list. If people from your contacts are detected in multiple photos at the same venue, iOS 12 generates a targeted sharing recommendation.

The "For You" Tab Suggestions

The recommendation appears prominently at the top of the "For You" tab as a curated collection. Tapping the suggestion displays a pre-selected batch of the best shots from the party, automatically filtering out duplicates or blurry images. Below the photo preview, iOS 12 displays the names and contact icons of the attendees it recognized, allowing you to share the entire album with a single tap, or manually adjust which photos and recipients are included.

Reciprocal Two-Way Sharing

One of the most notable aspects of the feature is the reciprocal prompt. When recipients who are also running iOS 12 receive your photos, their devices recognize that they were at the same location and time. Their Photos app then analyzes their personal photo library and suggests sharing their photos of the party back with you, filling in any moments you might have missed.

Photos shared through these suggestions are sent as temporary iCloud links via the Messages app. Recipients do not need a shared iCloud Photo Library to view or save them. The links provide access to full-resolution images and videos and automatically expire after 30 days, ensuring privacy and keeping photo sharing effortless after any social gathering.