The Photos app on iOS does more than just store your pictures; it actively curates them. By default, the app uses machine learning to create “Featured Photos” and “Memories” (like “Summer Vacations” or “Over the Years”), which are prominently displayed in the For You tab and on your iPhone’s home screen widgets. While many users enjoy these nostalgic look-backs, they can sometimes surface painful memories, ex-partners, or simply private photos you do not want appearing unexpectedly. If you want to stop the Photos app from creating these automatic curations, you can easily turn off Featured Content.
How to Disable Featured Content
You can completely disable the curation engine from the main Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down the main menu and tap on Photos.
- Scroll down to the section titled “Memories & Featured Photos.”
- Locate the toggle switch labelled Show Holiday Events (if you want to disable specific holiday curations).
- To disable all automatic curations globally, locate the toggle switch labelled Show Featured Content.
- Tap the switch to move it to the Off position (the green background will turn to grey).
What Happens Next?
Once disabled, the Photos app will stop generating new Memories. The “For You” tab will be significantly emptier, and any Photos widgets you have placed on your home screen will stop cycling through random pictures from your camera roll. Your photos will simply remain static and safe inside your Library and Albums, exactly where you put them.