Apple has rolled out iCloud Shared Photo Library with the release of iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura today, allowing users to create a shared photo library with family, where photos are uploaded and shared automatically to the shared album as they are captured by the camera, or uploaded from a user’s existing camera roll.
With iCloud Shared Photo Library enabled, every user in the shared library has access to add, delete, edit, or favourite the shared photos or videos, which will appear in each user’s Memories and Featured Photos, with a new toggle in the Camera app allowing group members to upload to the shared library instantly as the camera captures photos and videos.
Apple touts the new iCloud Shared Photo Library feature as a tool for families, who can now share a dedicated photo library between members. The feature is similar to regular Shared Albums, however, with the new iCloud Shared Photo Library differing slightly by offering the option for automatic upload to the shared album, and the option for all users to add, delete, edit, or favourite photos.
Image: Apple
“Share photos and videos seamlessly with up to five other people, so everyone can collaborate on the family’s collection and enjoy more complete memories,” says Apple. “With iCloud Shared Photo Library, family memories are in one place for everyone to enjoy at any time, even if you’re not the one who snapped the shot or edited the photo.”
How to use iCloud Shared Photo Library in iOS 16
- Open the Settings app and tap Photos
- Tap Shared Library and press Get Started
- Add up to 5 people to join the iCloud Shared Photo Library and tap Next
- Choose existing photos and videos to move out of your Personal Library and into the Shared Library, or tap Move Photos Later
- Tap Invite via Message or Share Link to allow your family members to join the Shared Library
- Choose whether you wish new photos and videos to be shared automatically to the Shared Library, and tap Done
With the Shared Library created, users, can return back to Settings and choose to add or remove people from the library or change whether new photos and videos will be shared automatically.
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