How can I revert the Photos app to the older version?

Only the current version of Photos is compatible with iOS 18.

Try to break it in to your needs. It is more flexible and we can configure which collections will be shown. We can pin the collections we need most, so we can find them quickly in one place.

I did not like it either initially, but I could find a configuration that is working for me. See this page in the user guide: Customize the Photos app on iPhone - Apple Support (CA)

And I could get rid of many collections, that I never use and that are just a waste of space.

Gogs44 wrote: …I wish they would re-introduce camera roll as an option

Good suggestion. Let Apple know here:

Feedback - Photos - Apple

Agree, it's confusing for the user, I wish they would re-introduce camera roll as an option rather than recently saved so that users can see which pictures they have taken. Needs a bit more refining so that it is easier to navigate or at least an explanation on some of the choices as there are too many in my opinion.

Thanks Richard. I already have on more than one occasion. Fingers crossed others do the same.