Streamline Your iPhone Photos with iOS 16’s Duplicate Detection
If you’ve been keeping an eye on your iPhone’s storage lately, you might have noticed it often feels a bit tight, especially if your iPhone is filled with countless photos. Thankfully, with iOS 16 and later updates, Apple introduced a feature that can significantly helpâ€â€duplicate photo detection. This makes managing your library easier and, surprisingly, a little therapeutic.
The duplicate detection feature utilizes on-device AI, allowing you to automatically identify and remove identical images. What sets it apart is its ability to recognize not just exact copies but also images that differ slightly in resolution or file format. So whether you saved lower-resolution versions for sharing or snapped several near-identical bursts, this tool has you covered.
How to Use the Duplicate Detection Feature
To get started, ensure you’ve enabled iCloud syncing. The Photos app layout has evolved with iOS 18, so the steps you see here may vary slightly if you’re on an earlier version. However, the core functionality remains the same.
Here’s how you can use the built-in tool to free up storage space:
1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll to the Utilities section and tap on Duplicates. This section displays all duplicate photos.
3. To delete all duplicates at once, hit Select followed by Select All, or merge them in groups. After selecting, tap Merge [number] to consolidate all the duplicate photos into your main library.
4. If you prefer to delete duplicates one at a time, hit the Merge button next to each pair and confirm by tapping Merge [number] Copies.
This merging process ensures that the best version of your photo stays in your library while the duplicates are sent to the Recently Deleted album, giving you a quick way to recover anything you might change your mind about.
<pThe duplicate detection feature not only helps you reclaim valuable storage but also lets you revisit cherished memories as you sift through your library. It reflects Apple’s commitment to making user experience more intuitive, particularly for those of us who cherish our snapshots.