Google is working on multiple changes to Google Photos that could add new controls for video playback, introduce backup scheduling, and refresh parts of the app’s interface. These features were discovered through APK teardown analysis of Google Photos version 7.58, as reported by Android Authority. The features are still under development and are not yet available to users.
Video playback speed controls spotted
Google Photos may soon allow users to adjust video playback speed within the app. In the current testing build, a new Playback speed option appears in the three-dot menu when playing a video.
The menu opens a bottom sheet with the following speed options:
- 0.25×
- 0.5×
- 1×
- 1.5×
- 2×
This functionality is not live yet and appears to be disabled by default. The feature has been requested by users for several years, but there is no confirmation on when or if it will roll out publicly.
Option to hide dates in the Photos grid
Google is also testing a change to the Photos tab layout. A new toggle allows users to hide date separators from the Photos view, creating a continuous image grid without interruptions. At present, enabling the toggle does not change the layout, suggesting that the feature is still incomplete or inactive in the current version.
Backup settings redesign with Expressive UI
The Backup settings page in Google Photos is being updated with a new layout based on Material 3 Expressive design elements. The refreshed page reorganizes existing options into grouped sections using containers and headings.
The new headings include:
- How to back up
- What to back up
- Backup tools
Options such as Backup mode, Backup quality, and device folder backup are now visually separated to improve structure and navigation.
Backup schedule feature under development
Along with the interface changes, Google Photos appears to be adding a new Backup schedule option under the Backup tools section.
The available code does not clearly explain how the feature will function. It may allow users to define specific backup times or select recurring intervals such as daily, weekly, or monthly. It could also resemble Android’s system-level backup scheduling. No functional behavior has been confirmed at this stage.
Users have long requested more control over when photos are backed up, but there is currently no indication of how detailed or flexible this feature will be when released.
Availability
All features mentioned were identified through APK teardown analysis, which examines unfinished code. As with all teardown findings, these features may change, be delayed, or never reach a public release. Google has not announced an official rollout timeline.