Apple's iOS 18 update brings powerful new search functions to the Photos app, allowing you to find specific images with unprecedented precision. Here's how to make the most of its new capabilities.

iOS 18 Photos Feature Chromatic
In iOS 18, the key to effective searching in Photos is using natural language. Instead of simple keywords, try describing the photo you're looking for in detail. The app can now understand complex queries and find images based on specific elements within them.

For example, if you've previously identified friends and family using the People and Pets features, you can search for "Dad smiling" or "Snowy sleeping." The more specific you are, the better your results will be. You can even search for actions or emotions, like "kids laughing at swings" or "couple dancing at wedding."

ios 18 photos search
The new search function is also pretty handy at finding objects and scenes. Try queries like "car next to lake" or "sunset over city skyline." You can combine multiple elements in your search, such as "yellow flowers in vase by window."

For food lovers, searches like "pizza with mushrooms" or "steak and chips on table" can help you find culinary inspirations from your photo library. When searching for people, you can now include details about their appearance or actions. "Mum in green hat with wine glass" or "Emma in wedding dress" are examples of how specific you can get.

photos
The Photos app can even search within videos. If you remember a specific moment in a video but can't recall which one, try describing the scene. For instance, "baby crawling" or "fireworks over lake" can take you directly to that moment.

Note that for these advanced search features to work, the Photos app needs time to index your library. This process happens on your device to protect your privacy, so be patient if searches aren't immediately accurate after updating to iOS 18.

With practice, you'll find that the new search function in Photos can help you rediscover forgotten memories and locate specific images with ease. Don't be afraid to get creative with your searches – you might be surprised at what the app can find.

Top Rated Comments

Haventseenitall Avatar
7 months ago
I keep looking for my camera roll and album. Hate the new Photo's app. It's so bad. Let me have control.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mac_head Avatar
7 months ago
You know that design and user interfaces are bad when you have to "master" them...
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dakicka Avatar
7 months ago
They made Photos much worse. First, there should be a simple search to find Albums by name from within Albums.

Second, the idiots that re designed photos made evening convoluted and more difficult to get to things. The whole swiping up and down of the fixed Recent Days, etc is annoying.

Third, trying the watch VIDEOS and play them back frame by frame is an incessant task. I literally might switch to an android for the sole reason I cannot watch videos in full screen not scrub frame by frame with a timeline anymore. The powers that be that approved this massive downgrade ought to be fired immediately.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kirky29 Avatar
7 months ago
I find the search button a little too small, and doesn't always respond first time, and 4/10 times it either freezes mid typing or just crashes for me. (Reported many times to Apple)
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrfunnypenguin Avatar
7 months ago
Currently not liking this redesign. It's like whoever designed it never actually tried using it. Hopefully Apple will improve it in future releases!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
7 months ago
While I have the photos app on my phone and about 10k photos in it, I manage my photos on my Mac in LRC…

but will say this: if you need a guide on how to use search - something is wrong
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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