Apple users who rely on the My Photo Stream feature to store and access their photos should take immediate action to prevent the loss of their pictures. Apple has announced that it will permanently shut down the My Photo Stream album next month, leading to the deletion of all photos stored in the album. The feature, which automatically stores pictures taken in the last 30 days, stopped uploading new photos on June 26.1
The Solution
To ensure the preservation of their precious memories, iPhone and iPad users must follow a few simple steps. First, users should go into the My Photo Stream album in their camera roll and save the pictures to their device or iCloud. It is important to note that any photos uploaded to My Photo Stream before June 26 will remain in iCloud for 30 days from the date of upload and will be accessible on devices where My Photo Stream is enabled.
Apple assures users that as long as they have the device with the original photos, they will not lose any pictures during this process. If a desired photo is not already in the library on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it is recommended to save it to the library on that particular device. Users who already utilize iCloud do not need to take any additional steps, as iCloud is Apple’s recommended option for safely storing and managing photos and videos across all devices.
Read: Apple sued for tracking users’ activity even when turned off in settings
Apple Alternatives
While the discontinuation of My Photo Stream may lead users to believe that iCloud is their only option, there are alternative solutions available. One money expert on TikTok suggests that Apple users should not pay for additional iCloud storage once they exceed the free 5-gigabyte limit. Instead, she advises backing up photos using the Amazon Photos app or through Google accounts.
The impending closure of My Photo Stream underscores the urgency for iPhone users to safeguard their pictures. The change will take effect on July 26, potentially impacting millions of users who have relied on the feature to store and transfer photos. It is crucial for users to take immediate action to prevent the permanent deletion of their photos. By accessing the Photos app, entering Albums, and saving the contents of My Photo Stream onto their devices, users can ensure that their photos will not be lost.2
My Photo Stream, introduced by Apple in 2011 as part of iCloud, allowed users to maintain a consistent library of photos across all devices. The feature stored the most recent 1,000 photos taken in the last 30 days. However, it has been surpassed by iCloud Photos, which offers unlimited storage capacity. With the shutdown of My Photo Stream, Apple users are encouraged to transition to iCloud Photos to continue enjoying a seamless and comprehensive photo library.3
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to discontinue the My Photo Stream feature necessitates immediate action from users to prevent the permanent loss of their photos. By following the recommended steps to save their pictures to their devices or iCloud, users can safeguard their cherished memories. Additionally, users are advised to explore alternative backup options such as the Amazon Photos app or Google accounts. While the change may be disruptive, transitioning to iCloud Photos provides a reliable solution for managing and preserving photos across Apple devices. Act now to ensure the safety of your photos and avoid any potential regrets.
Keep Reading: Apple Launches Its Savings Account With 4.15% Interest Rate
Sources:
- “Apple will permanently delete photos in July: How to keep yours safe” News.com.au. July 1, 2023.
- “Apple will delete some photos from your phone this month – this is how to save pictures from being lost” Wales Online. July 2, 2023.
- “iPhone users warned as Apple announce they’ll permanently delete some people’s photos this month” LadBible. July 1, 2023