In an exciting development for Android users, the native Photo Picker is set to gain a highly anticipated feature that will allow users to search through their Google Photos library directly. Originally announced for a 2024 release, this search functionality is now undergoing testing, indicating that a launch may be imminent.
If you're like many users, you probably have a vast collection of photos stored in Google Photos or similar cloud services. With tens of thousands of images, locating specific memories can often be a daunting task. Fortunately, the Google Photos app is known for its powerful search capabilities, which is a hallmark feature of many Google products. However, these impressive search tools have not been accessible through Android's native Photo Picker—until now.
The Photo Picker was introduced in Android 13, enabling users to select specific images or videos for sharing with applications, while maintaining enhanced privacy by not granting apps broad access to the entire gallery. Despite its privacy-focused design, the Photo Picker has been criticized for lacking essential features such as sorting options and a dedicated search bar.
In May of last year, Google announced plans to enhance the Photo Picker by adding support for both local and cloud search options. Initially slated for a 2024 rollout, users have been left waiting as we approach 2025 without further updates from Google regarding the feature's status. The company has yet to provide screenshots or recordings showcasing what the new search functionality will look like.
Recent reports suggest that the search feature may already be enabled for some users following recent Google Play System Updates. Android Authority contributor Kamila Wojciechowska has confirmed that the search capability is functional on her device, allowing users to tap the search bar, enter a query, and select their desired images or videos from the results, as depicted in the image shared below.
As of now, while the search support appears to be ready in certain updates, the broader rollout to all users has yet to commence. Notably, there is no indication that the search feature will be exclusive to Android 16, suggesting that it will be available on all compatible versions that support the Photo Picker.
With the search bar being one of the most requested features for the Photo Picker, users are hopeful that it will arrive soon. Stay tuned for further updates as we anticipate the launch of this significant enhancement to the Android photo experience. For more exclusive tech insights and updates, feel free to reach out to our team at news@androidauthority.com. Your tips are always welcome!
