Changes to Photos Share Sheet in iOS 15

Apple refined the Photos app share sheet in iOS 15 to give users greater control over privacy, image formats, and distribution methods. This update brought prominent metadata controls, integrated options to strip location data, improved iCloud link toggles, and a more streamlined menu layout that simplifies how media is shared across apps and devices.

Dedicated "Options" Header Menu

At the top of the iOS 15 share sheet, a dedicated Options button appears above the selected photo thumbnails. Tapping this button opens a configuration screen that allows users to modify how the image data is packaged before it is sent to another app, person, or device.

Location and Metadata Privacy Controls

Prior to iOS 15, location and metadata were frequently shared by default unless removed via third-party tools or complex workarounds. The iOS 15 share sheet introduces direct privacy toggles within the Options menu:

  • Location Toggle: Users can switch off embedded geolocation data with a single tap, ensuring the recipient cannot see where the photo was captured.
  • All Photos Data: Toggling this off strips edit history, captions, and deep metadata. When left on, it shares an uncompressed version preserving raw capture information, Live Photo data, and full edit history.

Format and Compatibility Selection

The updated share sheet allows users to choose the output format under the Format section:

  • Automatic: iOS selects the best format based on the destination app or recipient device.
  • Current: Retains the exact capture format, such as HEIC, HDR video, or ProRAW, preserving maximum quality.
  • Most Compatible: Automatically converts images to JPEG and videos to H.264, preventing compatibility issues when sending media to non-Apple devices or older software.

Flexible Send As Options

iOS 15 streamlined how multiple images are bundled:

  • Individual Photos: Sends the selected files directly as standard attachments.
  • iCloud Link: Generates a temporary, shareable iCloud link instead of uploading massive file attachments, which is ideal for sending large batches of high-resolution images or videos without consuming excessive cellular data or email storage limits.

Streamlined Action Rows

Below the sharing targets (AirDrop, Messages, Mail, and recent contacts), the vertical actions list was reordered and grouped for quicker navigation. Core system actions—such as Copy iCloud Link, Add to Shared Album, Duplicate, Hide, and Use as Wallpaper—were given clearer visual separation and updated iconography to reduce the time spent scrolling through extended third-party app actions.