iOS 15 Photos App Metadata Changes Explained

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced a comprehensive metadata viewing panel directly inside the native Photos app, eliminating the long-standing need for third-party EXIF viewer utilities. This update allows iPhone and iPad users to quickly inspect technical shooting parameters, adjust incorrect capture dates and locations, access Visual Look Up features, and identify the external source of saved media through a unified interface.

The New Info Button and Access Gesture

Prior to iOS 15, swiping up on an image in the Photos app only revealed related media, memories, and tagged people. In iOS 15, Apple added a dedicated "Info" button (represented by an "i" icon in the bottom toolbar) and mapped the swipe-up gesture to open an expanded metadata panel.

Detailed EXIF Information

The updated panel displays complete technical capture details for every photo. Users can now see:

  • The camera hardware used (including the specific lens, such as Ultra Wide, Wide, or Telephoto).
  • Exposure settings, including shutter speed, aperture (f-stop), and ISO ratings.
  • Resolution, megapixels, and file size in megabytes.
  • The image file format (such as HEIF, JPEG, or RAW).

Native Date and Time Editing

Alongside viewing metadata, the panel introduces the ability to edit timestamps. Tapping the "Adjust" button next to the capture date and time opens a calendar and clock interface. This allows users to correct erroneous timestamps from imported files or scanned physical prints.

Location Details and Adjustments

Underneath the camera specifications, the panel provides a high-resolution map showing the precise geolocation where the picture was taken. Users can tap the map to view nearby photos or select "Adjust" to change the assigned location or completely remove location data for privacy purposes.

Visual Look Up Integration

When a photo contains a recognizable subject—such as a plant, pet breed, landmark, artwork, or book—the Info icon transforms with small sparkles. Opening the metadata panel displays a dedicated Visual Look Up section that provides contextual information and web results related to the detected subject.

Source Attribution

For images saved to the Photos library from third-party sources, the metadata panel explicitly displays the origin application. A dedicated "Saved from" field indicates whether the photo originated from Messages, Safari, WhatsApp, or other installed apps, along with the sender's name when available.