In its new update for iOS 18, Apple has introduced a new feature in the Photos app aimed at helping users locate lost or damaged content through a new album. The new album, named "Recovered," allows users to view photos and videos that were missing or damaged but are still present on their devices. This feature is now available with Apple's new systems such as iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Apple states that this feature can identify the locations of lost or damaged photos and videos and display them in the new album within the Photos app.
This album will be available alongside the existing "Recently Deleted" album, which contains deleted photos and videos for a period of 30 days before they are automatically deleted permanently. Apple has indicated that future updates to its systems will automatically scan devices for recoverable photos and videos.
There are multiple scenarios that can lead to losing photos and videos or causing them to be damaged, such as database issues or when capturing images that are not saved correctly in the photo library. Third-party applications that have permission to manage the photo library can also result in content loss or damage.
The new album will only appear if lost or damaged photos or videos are found on the device and requires identity verification via Face ID or Touch ID to access it. When tapping on a photo or video, two options appear: permanent deletion or restoration to the library.
This new feature comes after a database issue in the iOS 17.5 update that caused previously deleted photos to reappear. At that time, Apple confirmed that the problem was rare and affected only a few users and images. By adding the new album, users will gain greater control to ensure that photos and videos are completely deleted, while also providing them with another chance to recover content if it is missing.
