# Apple Photos in iOS 27 Gets Major Shared Albums Update iCloud Shared Albums now support full resolution and more social features. - **Source:** [9to5Mac](https://brifing.si/source/59447403-ce5b-427c-8132-8614f549929a) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0239c187-6e37-426f-8915-cc5c7121cbfb ## Apple Photos' Standout Feature Apple Photos received significant updates with iOS 27, particularly enhancing iCloud Shared Albums. This feature allows users to share private moments with loved ones. Albums are shared only with invited individuals, and everyone can add their own photos and videos, making it a collaborative space. ## Social Media-Like Experience iCloud Shared Albums offer a social media-like experience. You can like and comment on shared photos, similar to traditional social networks. This feature is ideal for users who prefer a private way to share memories without the public exposure of social media. Albums remain exclusive to invited participants. ## Full Resolution Support With iOS 27, Shared Albums now support full-resolution photos and videos. This was a long-awaited feature by users. Previously, media files in albums were compressed, but this update significantly improves image quality, making shared memories look sharper and more detailed. ## Emoji Reactions and Cross-Platform Compatibility The new update introduces emoji reactions for photos, moving beyond the simple 'like' option. Additionally, Android and Windows users can now contribute to albums via the web. This enhances cross-platform compatibility and expands the user experience, making it more inclusive. ## New Permissions and Album Expiry iOS 27 adds new participant permissions for Shared Albums. Album owners can customize the editing and adding capabilities of participants. Furthermore, albums can now be set to expire automatically on a specific date, providing more control over shared content. ## Convenience for Users Apple has made it easier to save shared photos with a single tap. This allows users to quickly add shared content to their personal libraries. Additionally, editing and organizing media files within albums have become more streamlined, enhancing the overall user experience. ## Addressing User Feedback The updates in iOS 27 address long-standing user complaints. Features like full resolution, emoji reactions, and cross-platform compatibility significantly improve the user experience. These changes make Apple Photos a more social and user-friendly application. ## The Future of Apple Photos The updates in iOS 27 are promising for the future of Apple Photos. Focusing on user needs, these innovations could make the app even more popular. Shared Albums, in particular, have the potential to reach more users as a social media alternative. ## Sources covering this story - https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/28/apple-photos-in-ios-27-upgrades-one-of-my-favorite-features-in-a-big-way/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._