iOS 27 Photos: Better Slideshows and Full-Resolution Sharing

iOS 27 Photos makes it easier to turn a camera roll into something worth sharing. The two biggest changes are customizable slideshows and upgraded Shared Albums, with full-resolution media and contributions from friends using Android or Windows. Apple confirms the sharing upgrade in its software release announcement.

For a group trip or family gathering, those changes solve two different jobs: collecting everyone's pictures and making a short selection people will actually watch. Here's how to use them, plus the storage detail to check before you invite the whole group.

iOS 27 Photos gives slideshows more control

You can adjust transitions, timing, and music, then loop the result. You can also start with a whole album instead of choosing individual items. Apple's slideshow guide explains the controls.

To make one:

1. Open Photos, go to Library, and tap Select.
2. Choose your photos and videos, then open More → Start Slideshow.
3. Tap the slideshow while it plays, then choose Customize.
4. Open Transition & Duration to adjust the style, speed, and time per slide.
5. Use Music → Choose Song for the soundtrack, or mute it. Turn on Loop if you want continuous playback.

The More menu also offers sharing and AirPlay. Separately, 9to5Mac reports that the upgraded slideshow feature can save the result as a video file.

Our suggestion: start with a tight edit. Pick one strong image from each moment, remove near-duplicates, and let the best pictures stay on screen a little longer. A focused travel recap is easier to enjoy than a tour of every photo you took.

Shared Albums now work better for mixed-device groups

Shared Albums add emoji reactions and more control over participants. People can join and contribute through the web without an Apple device or Apple Account. Owners can invite or approve participants, or allow access by link. Apple's Shared Albums instructions cover these options.

To create an album on your iPhone:

1. In Settings → your name → iCloud → Photos, enable iCloud Photos and Shared Albums.
2. Open Photos → Collections → Shared Albums, then tap Add.
3. Name the album and choose the photos or videos.
4. Open Sharing Options, choose how people can join, and tap Done.

If someone can view but cannot upload, check that participant's Can Add Photos permission.

Screenshot: Apple Support.

For your next group outing, choose an album owner before everyone heads home. Give the album a clear name and ask each person to contribute their favorites. That small bit of organization makes the collection much easier to browse later.

Full-resolution sharing uses the owner's iCloud storage

For albums created in version 27 or later, Apple stores photos and videos in their original formats at full resolution. Those uploads count toward the album owner's iCloud storage, including files added by other participants. Regular albums have no item-count limit beyond that available storage, and support up to 100 participants including the owner. See Apple's Shared Albums limits.

Older albums created in version 26 or earlier follow different rules: they do not count toward iCloud storage, but shared photos are generally reduced to 2,048 pixels on the long edge and videos are delivered at up to 720p. Don't assume the same rules apply to every existing album.

Temporary albums don't use the owner's iCloud allowance, but have a 5,000-item cap. Apple's setup guide says they automatically disappear after 30 days, so save anything you want to keep.

Frequently asked questions

Can Android users add photos?

Yes. The updated Shared Albums support contributions through a web browser, so a group doesn't need matching phones. Apple explains the web access options here.

Which feature should I try first?

Start with a Shared Album when the pictures are spread across several people's phones. Start with a slideshow when you already have the photos and want to present a short selection. For a holiday or party, collecting first and editing afterward is a sensible order.

For more practical updates, browse MaviGadget's Tech & Gadgets coverage.

Cover image: Apple, via Apple Newsroom. Interface screenshot: Apple Support.