Google Might Reverse the Controversial Photos App Editor Redesign

Google could reverse the controversial Photos app editor redesign it introduced last year for the Pixel users. According to a report by Android Authority, Google is redesigning parts of its recent Google Photos redesign after user feedback highlighted usability concerns. Last year, Google overhauled the Photos app by introducing interface changes and new organizational tweaks to simplify navigation and highlight AI-driven features.

However, not many Photos users were fans of the redesigned editor as it prompted heavy criticism across Google Photos forums and social networking platforms. Google is now going to take the feedback and bring back the previous editor interface to the app, or at least part of it.

Primary editing tools are returning to the bottom carousel

As per user reports, the most significant change in the reverse of the Google Photos app is the return of direct controls of essential tools like Crop, Adjust, and Filters to the bottom of the editor. In the current redesign, Google Photos has these features buried under a “Tools” button. However, the new version brings them back to a scrollable carousel.

This adjustment effectively removes a step when you are editing photos, allowing for one-tap access to most frequently used functionalities. Additionally, Google Photos is bringing back the dedicated “Crop” menu as a combined category after previously dismantling it into various separate features.

There are also visual refinements and a more compact input method

Apart from the layout of the tools, Google Photos is also refining the visual language of the image editor. After the update, the Action labels will show enclosed in pill-shaped borders that highlight when selected. It makes it clearer which tool is currently in use. To save vertical space, Google Photos is replacing the large “Help Me Edit” input prompt box with a smaller “Ask” button.

Furthermore, the report claims that Google is also testing a new “Explore” tab at the top of the welcome screen of the Photos application. It creates a vertically scrolling, TikTok-style feed of your personal videos, with AI generating them based on location, people, or content. The new Explore feed sits alongside the existing Memories section.

This update is currently appearing for a limited number of users on different app versions. Google could take some time to deliver the update to all users in the coming days.