iOS 9.3 - iCloud Photo Storage question

[Markgnyc2]

Has anyone else noticed since upgrading to 9.3, your device is using more storage space for photos than it did before? Before I updated, I had around 69GB free on my 128 GB iPhone 6s plus. After upgrading, I have 42GB free, with my photos using a total of approx. 49.5 GB of storage (I have a lot of photos in my library).

The same thing is happening on my 64GB iPad mini 4, I previously had 25gb free, now I have 11gb.

I checked on both devices and optimize storage was checked.

Anyone else seeing similar behavior?

 

[mildocjr]

well that's 27 GB even a thumbnail cache wouldn't be that much, you might go in and toggle the slider to see if that gives you more space.

 

[Markgnyc2]

It could have downloaded more full size photos, my actual photo library is probably 150GB. Just wondering if anyone was seeing the same thing....

 

[mildocjr]

Well for reference, I have a 17 GB photos library of 2300 photos and my 6S+ 9.3 install is using 614MB (according to my phone) with some full size images downloaded.

 

[KraetziChriZ]

Experienced exact the same on all my devices and like it

 

[Nomax2000]

I have the same problem. My iPhone 6 and my iPad 3 are using much more space for the photos

 

[Max(IT)]

basically nothing changed on my iPhone and iPad.

 

[zorinlynx]

I also experienced an increase in the amount of space used for photos. And I'm glad for it.

I think 9.3 uses higher quality previews than previous versions of iOS did. I can look at pretty much any photo in my library now without it having to download from iCloud unless I zoom in. Before, pretty much ANY photo I hadn't looked at before would appear blurry until it downloaded.

This is a big improvement when browsing and showing people your photos. It still kept about 9-10GB free so it's not causing any problems.

(iPhone 6, 64GB)

 

[Markgnyc2]

Thanks all....clearly something has changed. I just asked Apple Support on twitter if there were any changes in the way the OS uses your storage in 9.3, and they didn't have a clue...

 

[zorinlynx]

In my experience the system will reclaim space used by photos if your storage starts getting really full.

 

[angelofioren]

I've noticed the same thing. I don't mind it, but I do wish it was more clear about how storage is being used. I'm hoping for a little more control in the next version of iOS. Overall though, it does keep more than enough space available and l'm assuming it'll be proactive about clearing up space and keeping about 10GB (on a 64gb device) free as much as possible.
Something like what Google Photos allows to limit cache and clear up space would be nice.

 

[flashflooder]

One of the listed changes in 9.3 was an improvement to load times when accessing images/videos store on iCloud.
Maybe something to do with that?