# Apple iOS Shared Albums functionality updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/apple-ios-shared-albums-functionality-updates
> Updated: 2026-08-22T07:53:05.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Apple is updating its Shared Albums feature, with recent developments highlighting a shift in how media quality and storage are managed.

Under iOS 27, new shared albums will support full-resolution photos and videos. However, this high-quality storage will now count toward the owner’s iCloud storage capacity, including content uploaded by invited participants. To improve accessibility, users on non-Apple platforms like Android or Windows can participate and upload content via iCloud.com.

In contrast, the standard Shared Albums feature remains an option for users seeking to share media without consuming device or iCloud storage capacity. While this method optimizes photos for viewing rather than providing full-resolution originals, it allows for indefinite storage and enables non-Apple users to view and download media through ‘Web Publish’ links.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: iPhone Shared Albums offer storage-free photo sharing

iPhone’s ‘Shared Albums’ feature allows users to share photos and videos indefinitely without consuming iCloud or device storage, including web access for non-Apple users.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iphone-shared-albums-offer-storage-free-photo-sharing

### 2026-08-20: Apple iOS 27 updates Shared Albums to support full resolution

iOS 27 will allow Shared Albums to store photos and videos at full resolution, but this content will now count against the album owner's iCloud storage capacity.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-ios-27-updates-shared-albums-to-support-full-resolution

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Cite as: Apple iOS Shared Albums functionality updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/apple-ios-shared-albums-functionality-updates