Search Screenshots vs Camera Photos in iOS 12

In Apple's iOS 12, users can easily separate and search for screenshots independently from standard camera photos. Thanks to the redesigned Photos app introduced in this update, iOS automatically categorizes your images into distinct media types and features an intelligent search engine that can differentiate between camera captures and screen grabs.

How to Find and Search Screenshots

To view only your screenshots, you have two straightforward methods built into iOS 12:

1. Use the Media Types Album: Open the Photos app, tap the Albums tab at the bottom, and scroll down to the Media Types section. Tap Screenshots to see an automatically generated collection containing exclusively screen captures.
2. Use the Search Tab: Tap the Search tab (magnifying glass) in the bottom-right corner of the Photos app. Type "screenshot" or "screenshots" into the search bar. iOS 12 will return an exact category filter for all screenshots stored on your device.

How to Find Camera Photos Separately

While iOS 12 does not have a single dedicated album labeled "Camera Photos," you can isolate photos taken with your camera using the following techniques:

1. Search by Device Name: In the Search tab, type the specific model of your iPhone (for example, "iPhone X" or "iPhone 8"). iOS 12 catalogs the EXIF camera metadata, returning only photos shot directly with that specific camera hardware, effectively filtering out screenshots.
2. Search by Camera Modes: You can search for specific camera functions that screenshots cannot replicate, such as "Portrait," "Live Photos," "Panoramas," or "Selfies." These categories also appear directly under the Media Types heading in the Albums tab.
3. Filter by Content and Metadata: iOS 12's search tool indexes recognized objects, scenes, and locations (such as "dog," "beach," or "Paris"). Because screenshots rarely match general real-world scene categories, searching for specific subjects will naturally exclude screenshots and display your camera photos.