Author
Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between iPhoto and Photos?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between iPhoto and Photos?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

iPhoto and Photos are both photo editing and management applications developed by Apple, but they have some differences:

  1. Age and compatibility: iPhoto is an older version of Apple's editing and management app, while Photos is a newer one. All recently manufactured Macs only have Photos installed.
  2. iCloud integration: Photos has deeper connections to iCloud, allowing for better syncing and cloud storage of your photos.
  3. Interface and features: Photos has a more refined interface and some new features, such as modified and expanded editing tools. However, it has also lost a few organizational features that were present in iPhoto.
  4. Library migration: When upgrading from iPhoto to Photos, the Photos app retains most, but not all, of the features and content from the iPhoto library.

In summary, Photos is an upgraded version of iPhoto, with a more refined interface, deeper iCloud integration, and some new features. However, it has also eliminated some features that were present in iPhoto. If you are an iPhoto user, you can migrate your library to Photos and continue using it with some adjustments.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between iPhoto and Photos?
  • Comparative Table: iPhoto vs Photos

    • Comparative Table: iPhoto vs Photos

    iPhoto and Photos are both photo management applications developed by Apple, but they have some differences in terms of features and capabilities. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Feature iPhoto Photos
    Library Migration iPhoto Library can be migrated to Photos Library upon updating to OS X Yosemite or later. Photos can import iPhoto library and retain most, but not all, of iPhoto's features.
    Interface iPhoto has a legacy interface. Photos has a more refined and modern interface.
    iCloud Integration iPhoto does not have deep connections to iCloud. Photos has deep connections to iCloud, allowing for better syncing and storage of photos across devices.
    Organizational Features iPhoto offers organizational features such as star ratings and color labels. Photos supports neither star ratings nor color labels, instead importing them as keywords.
    Professional Photography Features iPhoto is a consumer-oriented application. Photos is designed to be a suitable replacement for Aperture, Apple's professional photography application, but lacks some of Aperture's advanced features.

    While Photos is the successor to iPhoto and is Apple's current photo management application, both applications can coexist on a Mac if needed. However, it is recommended to backup your photo libraries before attempting to merge or delete anything to avoid losing any precious photos.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.