What news there were for the photos framework

At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced several updates and new features for the Photos framework, particularly through the Photokit and the new Locked Camera Capture framework. Here are the key highlights:

1. Locked Camera Capture Framework:

   • New Framework: Introduced in iOS 18, this framework allows for a seamless camera capture experience directly from the lock screen on both iPhone and iPad (Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience).
   • Photo Library Access: Extensions can add captured photos and videos to the photo library even when the device is locked. However, only photos and videos captured during the current session are accessible when the device is locked. Full access is granted when the device is unlocked and proper permissions are in place (Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience).
   • Granular Permissions: Photokit supports granular levels of photo library access, such as write-only access and limited library support, allowing users to select specific photos for access (Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience).

2. Spatial Media Support:

   • Filtering Spatial Assets: Photokit now supports filtering on spatial assets, allowing developers to specify spatial media in the matching parameter to filter the user's library for spatial photos and videos. This can be done programmatically by setting spatial media as the PHAssetMediaSubtype in the fetch predicate (Build compelling spatial photo and video experiences).

3. HDR Image Support:

   • Enhanced HDR Capabilities: The Photos app has been updated to utilize new HDR technologies, rendering HDR images using the full display headroom on iOS 18 and macOS 15. This update also extends to other system apps like Messages, Quick Look, and Preview (Use HDR for dynamic image experiences in your app).

Relevant Sessions

1. Build a great Lock Screen camera capture experience
2. Build compelling spatial photo and video experiences
3. Use HDR for dynamic image experiences in your app

These updates provide developers with more tools and flexibility to create rich photo and video experiences within their apps, leveraging the latest capabilities of iOS 18 and macOS 15.