How to Reorder Photos Collections in iOS 18

Apple's iOS 18 introduces a completely redesigned, unified Photos app that allows users to reorder and customize collection blocks directly on the main screen. While the new layout combines the library and thematic collections into a single continuous scroll, it also provides extensive customization tools. This guide explains how to rearrange, hide, and manage these collection sections so your most-used photo categories are easily accessible.

How to Reorder Collections in iOS 18

Users have full control over the order in which collection blocks appear below the main photo grid. Follow these steps to adjust their placement:

  1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. On the main Photos view, scroll all the way down past the photo grid and existing collections.
  3. Tap the Customize & Reorder button located at the very bottom of the screen.
  4. Locate the collection block you want to move (such as Recent Days, People & Pets, Memories, Trips, or Media Types).
  5. Touch and hold the reorder handle (the three horizontal lines) on the right side of the block.
  6. Drag the block up or down to your desired position in the list.
  7. Tap the Close button (the "X" icon in the upper-right corner) to save your changes.

Hiding Unwanted Collection Blocks

In addition to reordering blocks, the customization menu allows you to declutter your main view by hiding sections you do not use:

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the Photos app and tap Customize & Reorder.
  2. Tap the blue checkmark next to any collection block you wish to hide. Unchecked items will no longer display on the main view.
  3. To restore a hidden block, return to this menu and re-check the empty circle beside the item.
  4. Tap the Close button to apply the layout.

Customizing Pinned Collections

The Pinned Collections block acts as a quick-access bar for specific content like Favorites, Recently Deleted, Videos, or custom albums. You can customize the contents within this block independently:

  1. Scroll to the Pinned Collections section on the main view.
  2. Tap the Modify button located on the right side of the section header.
  3. Use the minus (-) icon to remove items or the plus (+) icon from the suggestion list to add new shortcuts.
  4. Drag items using the reorder handles to arrange their order inside the pinned strip, then tap the Close button.