Duplicate photos or similar shots: which should you keep?
Duplicate copies and similar shots need different decisions. Several photos of the same scene may contain a different expression, a sharper face, or a detail you want to keep. Compare the image before treating it as an extra.
Check the built-in Duplicates collection
Photos has a Duplicates collection under Collections, Utilities. It offers a Merge action for detected duplicates. If Photos has not found duplicates, that collection does not appear.
That is a useful starting point for duplicate copies. For near-identical shots, decide which moment you prefer rather than assuming the whole group contains the same photo.
Compare the details that matter to you
Check focus on the main subject, facial expressions, framing, and any motion blur. A larger file is not automatically the photo you will like most.
Keep more than one when the photos tell different parts of the story. Use cleanup suggestions to decide which photos deserve a closer look.
Review similar groups in Rolless
Rolless groups duplicate and similar photos for review. Its analysis runs on your iPhone. It does not upload your library for analysis or delete a group on its own.
- Open Duplicates & Similar from Cleanup.
- Compare the group and choose the photos you want to keep.
- Review the extras in Remove. Change your mind about any item before confirming.
- Confirm deletion in Photos only when the final selection is right.