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

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