iOS 27 gives Apple Photos two long-awaited features

iOS 27 is packed with new features for Apple’s Photos app, including two that have long been on many users’ wish lists: full slideshow creation and upgraded iCloud shared albums.

#1: Slideshow creation and customization

The Photos app has long supported a basic version of the slideshow feature. But it is directed towards the remaining personal memories. If you want to create a slideshow for an event or other public viewing, you have to look elsewhere.

But in iOS 27, Photos finally added a powerful slideshow toolkit.

You can now play any set of photos or videos as a slideshow, customizing things like transitions, duration and music. You can automatically loop the slideshow, and even save it as a video file for easy viewing.

Solid slideshow features have been a part of the Photos app for a long time, but I’m excited that they’re finally here.

#2: Upgrading Shared Albums

You may not know that the Photos app has its own social network-style feature: shared albums.

iCloud Shared Albums lets you share albums with friends or family. You get an activity feed to show new photos and videos that are added, and you have the option to like or comment on what’s shared. It’s like old Instagram, but private and limited to the people you choose to share with.

I love this feature, and iOS 27 brings the long-awaited upgrade. You can now share photos and videos in full resolution (they’re lower quality than before), respond to any emoji, set new participant permissions, and Android and Windows users can add photos too.

Shared Albums is getting updated just in time for Apple’s new HomePad device, and these upgrades make me even more excited for that product.

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