Google Photos 10th anniversary update

 Google Photos Turns 10: New AI-Powered Editor & Features Unveiled

By Rahul

6 June 2025

  

Google Photos, one of the most beloved cloud storage and photo management apps, is celebrating its **10th anniversary** with a major upgrade. The platform has introduced a **revamped AI-powered photo editor**, new sharing tools, and enhanced search capabilities—solidifying its position as the go-to service for over **2 billion users** worldwide.  

In this **in-depth look**, we’ll explore:  

✔ **The evolution of Google Photos over the past decade**  

✔ **Key features of the new AI editor** (and how it compares to Apple Photos & Adobe Lightroom)  

✔ **Upgraded sharing and organization tools**  

✔ **What’s next for Google Photos?**  

---  

## **1. Google Photos: A Decade of Innovation**  

Launched in **2015**, Google Photos revolutionized digital photo storage by offering:  

- **Free unlimited high-quality backups** (later discontinued in 2021).  

- **AI-powered search** (find photos by keywords like “beach” or “dog”).  

- **Automatic albums, collages, and animations**.  

Now, as it hits the **10-year mark**, Google is doubling down on **AI-driven editing** to compete with Apple’s recent iOS 18 photo upgrades.  

---  

## **2. The New AI-Powered Editor: What’s Inside?**  

### **A. “Magic Editor” Goes Mainstream**  

Originally a **Pixel-exclusive feature**, Magic Editor now uses **generative AI** to:  

- **Remove objects** (e.g., photobombers) seamlessly.  

- **Reposition subjects** for better composition.  

- **Enhance skies** (turn overcast days into sunsets).  

**How It Compares:**  

| Feature | Google Photos | Apple Photos (iOS 18) | Adobe Lightroom |  

|---------|--------------|----------------------|----------------|  

| AI Object Removal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (Premium) |  

| Sky Replacement | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |  

| Portrait Light Editing | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |  

### **B. “Cinematic Photos” Upgrade**  

- Converts old 2D photos into **3D-like animations** (similar to Apple’s Live Photos but more dynamic).  

- Works even on **non-Pixel devices** now.  

### **C. Ultra HDR for All Androids**  

- Expands support beyond Pixel phones to **Samsung, OnePlus, and others**.  

- Delivers **brighter highlights, deeper shadows**.  

---  

## **3. Smarter Organization & Search**  

Google Photos is leveraging **Gemini AI** (Google’s latest model) to improve:  

### **A. “Ask Photos” Feature**  

- A **chat-based search** (e.g., “Show me my kid’s soccer games from 2023”).  

- Rolls out later this year.  

### **B. Enhanced Face Grouping**  

- Better recognition of **family members across ages** (e.g., baby pics → adult photos).  

### **C. Event-Based Albums**  

- Automatically curates **weddings, trips, or parties** with smarter chronological sorting.  

---  

## **4. Upgraded Sharing & Storage Options**  

### **A. Shared Albums with AI Curation**  

- Automatically adds **relevant photos** from multiple users (e.g., group trips).  

### **B. “Photo Stack” for Duplicates**  

- Groups similar shots (burst photos, edits) to **declutter your library**.  

### **C. Storage Plan Tweaks**  

- **Free tier remains at 15GB** (shared across Google Drive, Gmail).  

- **New 1TB plan at ₹650/month** (competes with Apple iCloud+).  

---  

## **5. What’s Next for Google Photos?**  

### **A. Potential Paid AI Features**  

- Rumors suggest **advanced editing tools** may require a **Google One Premium subscription**.  

### **B. More Third-Party Integrations**  

- Partnerships with **Snapchat, Instagram** for direct uploads/edits.  

### **C. Offline AI Editing**  

- Future updates may allow **on-device Magic Editor** (no cloud needed).  

---  

## **6. Should You Switch from Apple Photos or Lightroom?**  

### **Google Photos Wins If:**  

✅ You want **free, powerful AI editing** (without Adobe’s fees).  

✅ You use **Android or multiple devices**.  

✅ You rely on **Google’s search prowess**.  

### **Stick with Apple Photos If:**  

✔ You’re deep in the **iOS ecosystem**.  

✔ You prefer **privacy-focused on-device processing**.  

### **Lightroom Still Leads For:**  

📷 **Pro-level RAW editing**.  

🎨 **Precise color grading controls**.  

---  

## **7. Final Verdict: Google Photos Just Got Even Better**  

With its **10th-anniversary update**, Google Photos cements itself as the **most intelligent, user-friendly photo service** available today. While competitors like Apple and Adobe excel in specific areas, Google’s **AI advancements, cross-platform support, and seamless sharing** make it the **best all-rounder**.  

**Will you use the new AI editor? Try it at [photos.google.com](https://photos.google.com).**  

---  

#