iOS 26 Camera App Redesign: Hidden Features You Need to Know

Apple’s iOS 26 update introduced one of the most significant redesigns of the Camera app to date. However, for many users, this fresh look caused brief confusion — several familiar features seemed to have disappeared.

Modes like Portrait, Pano, Slo-Mo, and Time-Lapse appeared to be missing at first glance. Fortunately, these tools haven’t gone anywhere; they’re simply hidden from immediate view, keeping the interface cleaner while still maintaining full functionality.

Apple’s New Approach to Camera Modes

In iOS 26, Apple aimed to simplify the Camera app’s interface, reducing on-screen clutter. Now, only Photo and Video modes are visible when the app is first opened.

But all the other beloved modes are still right where they’ve always been — accessible with a simple swipe gesture. Swiping left from Photo mode reveals Portrait, while swiping right brings up options like Slo-Mo or Time-Lapse.

The design choice is intended to streamline the visual layout, but it also means users need to rely on habit rather than visible cues to navigate through the app.

Why Some Users Are Confused

For long-time iPhone photographers, the absence of visible icons for the additional modes has caused some momentary panic. The update removes clear labels, relying instead on gestures that might not be immediately obvious to new or casual users.

While Apple’s minimalist design philosophy emphasizes simplicity, some users believe that a small indicator or subtle visual guide could make discovering these hidden modes easier.

Despite the learning curve, this update reflects Apple’s effort to create a cleaner, more focused camera interface that adapts to different shooting styles.

Where to Find the Rest of the Camera Settings

Apple also reorganized many of the Camera app’s settings in iOS 26. The grid icon in the top-right corner now serves as a single hub for multiple features.

For photo mode, this menu includes options such as Flash, Timer, Live Photos, Exposure, Aspect Ratio, and Photographic Styles.
For video mode, users can find specialized options like Action Mode and Dual Capture on supported iPhones.

This centralized control panel gives photographers faster access to settings without navigating through multiple menus.

While Apple focuses on refining the Camera app, users often need a simple way to share files or transfer their media across devices. That’s where Smart Transfer, a powerful third-party file sharing app, becomes invaluable.

Smart Transfer allows users to share files online or via Wi-Fi with speed and security. Whether it’s photos, videos, or entire albums captured using iOS 26’s Camera app, Smart Transfer ensures that sharing or backing up content between devices remains effortless.

Its intuitive design makes it a natural extension of Apple’s user-first philosophy — combining reliability with a sleek, straightforward interface. For iPhone users who value convenience, Smart Transfer is the easiest way to move memories from one device to another without cables or complicated setups.

A Balance Between Minimalism and Functionality

The new Camera layout in iOS 26 embodies Apple’s continuous drive toward minimalism and clarity. While the hidden modes may surprise some users initially, they still maintain the flexibility and power that make the iPhone one of the best smartphone cameras on the market.

And for those looking to move, back up, or share their creative work easily, Smart Transfer adds the missing piece — a fast, reliable way to share files and connect devices without limits.

With both Apple’s refinements and Smart Transfer’s versatility, managing and sharing content has never been simpler or more efficient.