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Apple Opens iCloud Shared Albums to Android and Windows

The change aims to make photo sharing easier for families and friends who use different devices.

Overview

  • Apple announced at WWDC 2026 that Android and Windows users will be able to join iCloud Shared Albums and contribute photos and videos.
  • The company confirmed non-Apple devices can upload full-resolution, uncompressed images to shared albums.
  • Apple has not published the exact joining and upload flow for Android and Windows users and reporting suggests owners may share secure web links for browser-based access.
  • The update reduces cross-platform friction but does not match Google Photos’ broader features such as built-in editing and advanced AI tools.
  • The change could make family and group photo sharing simpler and may boost iCloud use, though rollout timing and user experience details are expected when Apple ships the feature with its next software updates.