Make & keep
Share a photo-strip review album and check its resolution limits
Create a Shared Album for comments and collaboration, while choosing a separate route for full-resolution originals when needed.
A Shared Album is useful when relatives or event guests should view and contribute portraits in one place. Its behavior depends on the software version that created it. Apple’s current documentation distinguishes albums created in version 27 or later from version 26 and earlier, especially for image resolution and storage.
Create the album
For iOS 27 or later, open Settings > your Apple Account > iCloud > Photos and turn on iCloud Photos, then Shared Albums. Earlier versions have different setup requirements. In Photos, open Collections and Shared Albums, tap Add, give the album a clear name, select the strip images, and set who can view or contribute. In version 27 or later, Sharing Options can choose invited people or a link and can mark an album temporary.
Check version-specific behavior
For albums created in version 26 or earlier, Apple says shared photos are reduced to 2048 pixels on the long edge (panoramas can be up to 5400 pixels wide), and downloaded copies may not contain all original information. Version 27 or later supports full-resolution originals, which count against the owner’s iCloud storage; temporary albums do not count toward that storage.
Evidence: Apple Support version limits
Choose a delivery master separately
Tell viewers whether the album is for review or is the delivery master. Shared Albums create shared copies, and a saved download may not match the library original on older systems. For a print master or preservation copy, export the original separately. On older versions, check hourly/daily upload limits and subscriber limits.
Evidence: Apple Support version limits
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.