Source
Apple Photos keeps device sync and sharing in the Apple layer.
photos
Photo Library
Apple Photos as the source, local originals as the archive, Immich as the browser.
Archive
Local originals give you a file-level copy that is separate from iCloud account state.
- Export originals on a schedule.
- Store the archive on redundant storage.
- Keep folder names date-based.
Browser
Immich can serve the archive for search and family browsing when the library size justifies maintenance.
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Apple Photos with Download Originals
Keep Apple Photos as the experience layer, but make sure originals exist locally.
The point is not to abandon Apple Photos. The point is to stop backing up cloud placeholders.
- Reviewed
- 2026-04-29
- Next
- 2026-07-29
- Affiliate
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Immich
Open-source photo backup and browsing layer.
Strong option for users who want Google Photos-like self-hosting, but it adds operational surface area.
Not for: People who only want a stable NAS photo copy with minimal maintenance.
- Reviewed
- 2026-04-29
- Next
- 2026-07-29
- Affiliate
- No affiliate