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Apple Photos vs Shotwell: catalog facts
Apple Photos	Shotwell
Free Included with Apple devices; extra iCloud storage is a separate purchase.	Free Free and open source under the LGPL 2.1.
macOS, iOS	Linux
Built into every Mac, iPhone and iPad Search by people, places, objects and events	Imports and organises a photo library on the desktop Simple enhancement tools for quick fixes
Only available on Apple platforms Cross-device sync depends on iCloud	Linux only Editing is basic compared with dedicated RAW editors
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: LGPL-2.1
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.