iOS 18 Photos Layout and Curated Collections

The redesigned Photos app in iOS 18 introduces a unified, single-screen experience that eliminates traditional navigation tabs in favor of a dynamic vertical layout. Instead of relying on separate views or intrusive overlay menus, the interface positions the primary photo library at the top of the screen and places curated collections directly beneath it. This structure allows users to seamlessly transition between their complete library and themed collections through simple vertical gestures, ensuring that curated content never blocks or clutters the primary browsing experience.

The Unified Single-View Design

In iOS 18, Apple removed the bottom navigation bar (previously housing Library, For You, Albums, and Search) to create an integrated view. The interface treats the entire photo ecosystem as a continuous vertical canvas. When you open the app, the primary photo grid occupies the upper half of the screen, serving as the dominant visual element.

Seamless Vertical Separation

Curated collections—such as Recent Days, People & Pets, Trips, and Pinned Collections—are stored sequentially below the main grid rather than floating as overlays or permanent sidebars.

• Default Position: The main grid remains fully visible and interactive at the top, while the beginnings of the first collection peek from the bottom of the screen to indicate scrollability.
• Transition Mechanism: Swiping upward scrolls past the main grid and smoothly brings the curated sections into view. Swiping back down immediately returns the photo library to prominence.
• Full-Screen Grid Expansion: Tapping or pulling downward on the photo grid expands it to occupy the entire screen, completely hiding the curated collections beneath the fold for an uninterrupted browsing session.

Horizontal Carousels Within Vertical Flow

To prevent vertical clutter, individual collections are organized as horizontal carousels. Sections like "Trips" or "Recent Days" scroll side-to-side within their dedicated vertical band. This modular structure allows the app to present large amounts of categorized media compactly, maintaining clean visual boundaries between different categories and the main photo library.

Customization and Spatial Control

The app provides granular control over which collections appear below the grid. Users can scroll to the bottom of the layout, tap "Customize & Reorder," and uncheck unwanted categories or drag essential ones higher. By positioning preferred collections closer to the grid, users minimize navigation distance while preserving an unobstructed view of their core photo library.