Apple has announced a new feature that will come with the iOS 18 update, aimed at helping iPhone users recover accidentally deleted photos. The feature, named the “Recovered Album,” was revealed during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10.
The Recovered Album
The Recovered Album will be accessible within the Photos app, located next to the “Recently Deleted” section. Unlike the “Recently Deleted” option, which holds deleted photos for up to 30 days before permanently erasing it, the Recovered Album will only appear if there are missing or damaged photos and videos on the device. If there are no such items, the album will not be visible.
This feature aims to address user concerns over the accidental loss of precious media files, offering a safety net for those moments when a deletion was unintentional or when files were thought to be lost forever.

iOS 18 Developer Beta Insights
While the major features of iOS 18 were showcased during the WWDC, the subsequent release of the Developer Beta and public beta versions has led to the discovery of additional functionalities that Apple did not initially highlight. The Recovered Album is one of these newfound features, garnering significant attention from the tech community and iPhone users alike.
User Experience and Implementation
The Recovered Album feature is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. When a user accidentally deletes a photo or video, the system will automatically check for the availability of a backup or a method to recover the file. If such a backup is found, the media will be moved to the Recovered Album, from where the user can easily restore it to its original location in the Photos app.
Expanding Beyond iPhone
The Recovered Album feature will not be limited to iPhones. Reports indicate that it will also be available on iPad with the iPadOS 18 update and on Mac with the macOS Sequoia update. Furthermore, this expansion ensures that users across different Apple devices can benefit from enhanced data recovery capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution to media loss.
The Importance of Data Recovery
Accidental deletion of important photos and videos is a common issue faced by many users. Moreover, the introduction of the Recovered Album highlights Apple’s commitment to improving the user experience by addressing this pain point. It underscores the company’s focus on providing robust data recovery options as part of its ecosystem, enhancing user trust and satisfaction.
Conclusion
The iOS 18 update, with its new Recovered Album feature, is set to significantly improve the way iPhone users manage and recover their photos and videos. By providing a dedicated space for retrieving accidentally deleted photos, Apple is offering a much-needed solution to a common problem, thereby enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of its devices. As iOS 18 rolls out, users can look forward to greater peace of mind knowing that their precious memories have an added layer of protection.