iOS 6 Features: Shared Photo Streams

There are over 125 million people enjoying iCloud and, so, Apple decided that it would introduce something specifically for them in iOS 6 – a new way to share photos with friends and family using Shared Photo Streams.

When iOS 6 ships this fall, iDevice owners will be able to simply select the photos they want to share, pick which friends they want to receive the album in question, and the Shared Photo Stream album will instantly become available on their iPhones and iPads.

“Now you can share just the photos you want, with just the people you choose,” says Apple.

“Simply select photos from the Photos app, tap the Share button, choose who you want to share your photos with, and they’re on their way.”

The photos also become instantly available in iPhoto and Aperture on their Mac. Alternately, your loved ones can access the album on the web using a web browser.

Even the Apple TV supports the new feature.

“Friends using iCloud on an iOS 6 device or a Mac running Mountain Lion get the photos delivered immediately in the Photos app or iPhoto,” reads Apple’s marketing page for iOS 6. “You can even view shared photo streams on Apple TV.”


“If the folks you're sharing with aren’t using an Apple device, they can view your photos on the web,” Apple says.

Your friends can leave comments or “Like” photos in a shared album, and you can do the same.

“People can like individual photos and make comments. And you can share as much as you want: Your shared photo streams don’t count against your iCloud storage, and they work over Wi-Fi and cellular networks,” says the Mac maker.

iOS 6 is currently only available as a beta to registered Apple developers. Apple promised to make the final version available this autumn.

Device compatibility starts with the iPhone 3GS, with one exception – the first-generation iPad (which is to say it’s not supported).