Google Photos has long served as a digital time capsule, automatically curating collections of images and videos into what the company calls Memories. These collections are grouped not just by date, but by common scenes, people, or landscapes. Until now, users could share these memories as simple collages or video slideshows with minimal editing—only basic selection of photos or toggling auto-generated audio. However, recent evidence from an APK teardown suggests that Google is preparing to roll out more sophisticated editing capabilities.
The work-in-progress code, spotted in version 7.78.0 of the Google Photos app, reveals that the Memories editing workflow will soon leverage the same video editor used for the existing Highlight video feature. This integration promises to give users granular control over aspects such as audio tracks, text overlays, and the duration each image appears on screen. The update builds on earlier enhancements that introduced custom cutouts and stencils on thumbnails earlier this year.
Beyond Memories editing, Google is also experimenting with two notable additions to the Highlight video tool. The first is the ability to apply a custom filter to each individual photo within a Highlight video, allowing for greater visual variety. The second is a new option to stretch photos to fill the entire 9:16 canvas, with dedicated buttons to choose between “Fit” and “Fill” modes. These features aim to address a common user request for more control over how images are presented in video format, especially on vertical screens.
The Growing Importance of Memories in Google Photos
Google Photos introduced Memories in 2019 as a way to surface past moments from the user’s library. Over time, the feature has evolved to include automatic video slideshows set to background music, often with minimal user intervention. For many, these memories serve as a convenient way to revisit holidays, birthdays, or everyday moments. However, the lack of editing options has been a long-standing limitation. Users could only choose which photos to include or decide whether to keep the auto-selected music. The upcoming changes signal Google’s intent to make Memories more shareworthy, aligning with trends in social media where short, edited video clips dominate.
Technical Insights from the APK Teardown
An APK teardown analysis conducted by Android Authority revealed the new code strings and flags that activate the hidden features. According to the analysis, the updated Memories editor will share the same underlying infrastructure as the Highlight video editor, which itself has been available for several months. This means users can expect a familiar interface for adjusting video parameters. The ability to apply custom filters per photo is particularly interesting—similar functionality exists in third-party editing apps but has not been native to Google Photos until now. The stretch-to-fill feature addresses a common pain point when mixing portrait and landscape photos in a single video, ensuring each image occupies the full screen without black bars.
Potential Impact on User Workflow
If these features roll out widely, they will significantly enhance the creative possibilities for casual users. Instead of relying on external video editors, users could polish their Memories directly within Google Photos, saving time and effort. The new hub for all creations—including collages, remixed images, animations, and cinematic photos—could also streamline management of edited assets. This centralized approach mirrors strategies by competitors like Apple’s iCloud Photos and Amazon Photos, both of which offer editing tools within their respective ecosystems. By deepening its editing capabilities, Google aims to retain users within its app rather than pushing them to third-party alternatives.
The timing of these updates is strategic. Google has been investing heavily in AI-driven features across its products, and Memories already benefits from machine learning for automatic grouping and content selection. Adding manual editing tools bridges the gap between automation and personalization, giving users the best of both worlds. Moreover, the new features could encourage more frequent sharing of Memories on social platforms or within Google’s own ecosystem, such as Google Drive or Google One.
What to Expect When the Update Arrives
As with any APK teardown, the features are still under development and may change before public release. Google typically rolls out such updates gradually via server-side flags, meaning even with the latest app version, users might not see the options immediately. The company is testing the changes in version 7.78.0.920664585, and it could take weeks or months before they reach a broad audience. In the meantime, users can continue to use the existing Memories and Highlight video features, which remain functional. For those eager to try the new tools, turning the phone sideways might not yield anything yet—the changes are purely behind-the-scenes code modifications.
The overarching trend is clear: Google Photos is shifting from a passive backup solution to an active creative platform. With these additions, Memories will become more than just a time machine—they will become a canvas for personal expression. Whether you want to add a filter to make your vacation photos pop or ensure a group shot fills the entire screen on Instagram, the upcoming tools aim to deliver without requiring users to leave the app.
Source: Android Authority News