Filter Journal Entries by Photos in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 significantly upgrades the native Journal app by introducing dedicated search and filtering tools that allow users to organize and locate past entries. Instead of scrolling through an endless chronological timeline, users can now isolate entries containing specific media types, including photos, and reorder them by date. This guide explains the exact filter and search options available in iOS 18 for navigating photo attachments in your journal.

Accessing Journal Search and Filters

To view filtering options in iOS 18, open the Journal app and locate the search and filter controls at the top of the main timeline view:

  1. Open the Journal app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. Tap the Filter icon (the three horizontal lines or funnel icon) located in the top-right corner, or tap the Search bar at the top.

Filtering by Photo Attachments

The iOS 18 Journal app categorizes entries based on the types of content attached to them. To display only entries that include pictures:

  • The Photos Filter: Tapping the filter menu presents entry categories such as Photos, Videos, Places, Audio, and Reflections. Selecting Photos instantly filters out text-only entries and entries containing solely audio or text prompts, leaving only posts with image attachments.
  • Combined Filters: You can combine the Photos filter with bookmarked entries by selecting both Photos and Bookmarked to quickly find your favorite image-based memories.

Search and Sorting Controls

Once you apply the photo filter, iOS 18 allows you to refine and sort your results:

  • Keyword Search: Using the search bar in combination with the filter lets you search for specific text, captions, or recognized locations associated with your photo entries.
  • Sort by Entry Date vs. Event Date: iOS 18 lets you sort entries either by the date the entry was written or by the "Moment Date" (the date the photo was actually taken).
  • Ascending and Descending Order: You can toggle between viewing entries from newest to oldest or oldest to newest, making it simple to track visual progress over time or revisit older memories.