How to Use the Completely Overhauled Shared Albums in iOS 27

If you've ever felt limited by the way Apple handles shared photo albums, you're in for a treat. With iOS 27, shared albums are getting a massive upgrade. This update finally brings full-resolution images, expanded reactions, and cross-platform sharing. If you want to get the most out of your shared memories, this guide will walk you through all the new features and how to use them.

Before you get started

To access these new features, you need to be running iOS 27. Keep in mind that once you upgrade an existing shared album to the new format, anyone using an older version of iOS won't have access to the new features. They might even lose access to the album entirely until they update their software.

Step 1: Upgrade your existing shared albums

Even your older shared albums can take advantage of the new features. You just have to manually upgrade them first.

1. Open the Photos app and navigate to an existing shared album.
2. Tap the three dots icon at the top right of the screen.
3. Select Upgrade Shared Album from the menu.
4. Review the prompt explaining the new features, then tap Get Started.

It might take a few minutes for the album to process the upgrade. Once it's done, you're ready to start using the new tools.

Step 2: React with any emoji

Previously, you could only give a simple thumbs-up to photos in a shared album. Now, you have a lot more expressive freedom.

1. Open any photo inside an upgraded shared album.
2. Look at the bottom left of the screen for the new reaction bar.
3. Tap the + icon to pull up your full emoji keyboard.
4. Select any emoji to leave a reaction on the picture.

Anyone else in the shared album will be able to see your reactions and add their own.

Step 3: Download full-resolution photos

One of the biggest complaints about the old shared albums was the drop in image quality. That's finally fixed.

1. Tap on a specific picture you want to save.
2. You can now download the unmodified original file directly to your device. This preserves the highest resolution possible.
3. If you want to grab everything at once, go to the main album screen.
4. Tap the three dots and select Save Remaining to download all the photos you haven't already saved.

Step 4: Make your album temporary

If you're creating an album for a specific event like a weekend trip or a party, you might not want it cluttering up your phone forever.

1. From the main album screen, tap the three dots and select Manage Shared Album.
2. Toggle on the Make Album Temporary switch.

After 30 days, the shared album will automatically expire and be deleted. Any photos or videos that participants haven't manually saved to their own devices will be permanently removed.

Step 5: Share with Android and Windows users

You no longer have to leave your non-Apple friends out of the loop. Upgraded shared albums can now be accessed by anyone, regardless of what phone or computer they use.

1. In the Manage Shared Album menu, tap Sharing Options.
2. Change the access setting to Anyone with the Link.
3. Tap Copy Album Link and send it to a friend on Android or Windows.

When they tap the link, they'll be taken to a web view of the album. From there, they can download the high-quality originals.

They can even interact with the photos without creating an Apple ID. If they want to leave an emoji reaction, they just enter their email address and receive a quick access code. After that, they can participate just like an iPhone user.

You're all set

The overhauled shared albums in iOS 27 finally make sharing photos seamless. It's a huge improvement whether you care about keeping your images looking sharp or just want to easily share a trip with your Android-toting friends. Upgrade a few of your favorite albums and give the new features a spin.