Optimize only old photos?

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Optimize only old photos?

Is there a way to keep recent photos on the device but optimize older ones to be in the cloud? It's dumb to redownload pictures you just took, but optimization seems to be all or nothing so it's either that or fill the phone with years-old photos. Both options are terrible.

A good design would be to let the user set a maximum size that photos can take on the device, so it would keep the most recent ones on the phone and only optimize older ones. So if you have 200 GB of photos, you set the cache to 50GB, and the oldest 150 GB would be in the cloud only and the most recent 50 GB would also be on the device.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Posted on Feb 22, 2023 6:36 AM

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Answer 1

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TammyW_03

Community Specialist

Feb 23, 2023 8:18 AM in response to DrMinnericht

Hey DrMinnericht,

As it turns out, when you first turn on iCloud Photos, your entire library will automatically upload to iCloud. After it's turned on and set up, it is automatically managed. We found the following the helps explain how the Optimize iPhone Storage feature works:

If you need to save space on your device

iCloud Photos keeps all your photos and videos in their original, high-resolution version. To save storage space on your device, you can turn on Optimize Storage.

If you turn on Optimize Storage, iCloud Photos automatically manages the size of your library on your device. Your original photos and videos are stored in iCloud and space-saving versions are kept on your device. Your library is optimized only when you need space, starting with the photos and videos you access least. You can download the original photos and videos over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them.

The above information and more about using iCloud Photos and how to download your full-resolution pictures can be found here: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

Apple always welcomes feedback about their products and services. Leave yours about this feature here: Feedback - Photos - Apple

Thanks for participating in Apple Support Communities.

Take care!

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Optimize only old photos?

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