Apple’s Delayed iCloud Shared Photo Library Feature To Be Possibly Released Alongside iPadOS 16

Apple's iCloud Shared Photo Library feature, with which a group of up to six individuals can share access to iCloud media, such as photos and videos, is not included in the official iOS 16 rollout scheduled for September 12, 2022. The delay was likely much of a spur-of-the-moment decision for Apple as the iOS 16 archived webpage shows the notice to the users had appeared here just days before the much-awaited functionality was supposed to roll out with the rest of the mobile OS refresh. The company promised to release the iCloud Shared Photo Library later this year with one of the future updates.

It is not unheard of for big tech companies, specifically Apple, to postpone the launch of features declared initially as part of the big update and then introduce those in later dot releases. Thus, the iOS 15 update did not include the promised SharePlay, Find My support, and Universal Control functionalities. However, this year, iCloud Shared Photo Library seems to be the only feature Apple decided to push back at the last minute.

When it is finally out, iCloud Shared Photo Library will allow iOS users to create a collection of photos and automatically share it with a group of up to five other Apple device owners, who will be able to view, contribute, and edit (i.e., favorite or add captions) to it as per their wish. No group member will be limited in their rights, and all will enjoy the same permissions.

The reason Apple decided to delay the release of the iCloud Shared Photo Library feature might have something to do with the postponed rollout of iPadOS 16. It is possible that the company did not want to confuse users by offering them functionality that would not be available across all devices.

Are you waiting for the shared library feature to come out? What other features would you like to be added? Feel free to comment on this news below!