How to merge photos but keep oldest date

I have over 5000 merged photos as a result of combining different libraries.

Most duplicates are copies made at a later date.

I would like to automatically merge the duplicates but ensure the oldest date is maintained on the meta data.

Does anyone know if this can be done please? I am using a MacBook Air running Sequoia 15.3.1

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Mar 1, 2025 9:36 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 1, 2025 10:29 AM

Honestly, Merge just does what it does, and we don't have any control over its decisions. I've seen it make some decisions that made little sense to me. You can try a few and see what "rules" it might be using. The removed pictures go to Recently Deleted, and they can be un-merged later.


On the other hand, you may want to look at the trusted 3rd party app PowerPhotos ($30) which has a duplicates finder. You can set up rules like this:

so you get quite a bit of power. (Hence the name, I guess.) PowerPhotos is also vital if you keep multiple libraries on a Mac, and almost everyone who uses Photos seriously also has PowerPhotos.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 1, 2025 10:29 AM in response to thornehouse

Honestly, Merge just does what it does, and we don't have any control over its decisions. I've seen it make some decisions that made little sense to me. You can try a few and see what "rules" it might be using. The removed pictures go to Recently Deleted, and they can be un-merged later.


On the other hand, you may want to look at the trusted 3rd party app PowerPhotos ($30) which has a duplicates finder. You can set up rules like this:

so you get quite a bit of power. (Hence the name, I guess.) PowerPhotos is also vital if you keep multiple libraries on a Mac, and almost everyone who uses Photos seriously also has PowerPhotos.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to merge photos but keep oldest date

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.