iOS 27 is out, and it brings three new tools that make it much easier to make your Photos Library more searchable. In this episode, part one of a three part mini-series on iOS 27 and Apple Photos, I walk through the new features that allow you to add keywords and star ratings on your iPhone and also the handy new Identity Documents album.

Add keywords to your photos on iPhone

iOS 27 finally lets you add keywords straight from your iPhone or iPad, not only from a Mac like before. A keyword can be a name, an event or a place, anything you would actually search for later. In the episode I show you exactly where to find this feature and how to add a keyword, how to see and manage your full list, and how to mark your favourite keywords so the ones you use most are always close at hand.

I also share a quirk I found while testing this myself, about what happens to your keywords when you send a photo by text message or AirDrop. It caught me by surprise, so I cover it in full in the episode.

Rate your photos with star ratings in Apple Photos

Star ratings are a new feature in iOS 27, but they are switched off by default, so do not worry if you went looking for them and came up empty. In the episode I explain how to turn on Show Rating Controls, how to rate a single photo or a whole batch at once, and how to filter your library down to just the photos with a certain rating.

I also share my own simple rating habit, and why I recommend writing your own rules down on paper, especially if you plan to use more than one star level. It is a small step that saves a lot of second guessing later! To make it even easier for you, I’ve created a handy worksheet for you to download for free!

The new Identity Documents album, and how to keep it more private

iOS 27 automatically gathers photos of your passport, driving licence and other identity documents into a new album called Identity Documents, so they are easy to find in a hurry. It is a handy feature, but it is worth a privacy check. Listen in to discover how you can easily add an extra layer of privacy.

Free worksheet: My Photo Rating and Keyword Rules

A rating and keyword system is most useful when you keep it simple and stay consistent. I put together a free worksheet to help you do exactly that, so you can keep your Photos Library searchable for good.