Success for a startup is often marked by big tech companies copying their features. This seems to be the case with Retro, a popular photo-sharing app appreciated for its privacy features. The company recently discovered a new Google Photos feature called “My Week” on a post from X (formerly Twitter). The feature is reminiscent of Retro as it encourages users to document their days with photos in a week-by-week format.
Retro’s co-founder, Ryan Olson, reacted to the discovery with a repost and a comment suggesting the similarity between the features. The X post linked to Android Authority’s APK teardown, revealing more details about the new Google Photos addition.
Google Photos’ “My Week” feature will enable users to share selected photos from their week and invite others to view their weekly memories, similar to Retro’s functionality. The way these photos are displayed in Google Photos also resembles Retro’s design, with a horizontal filmstrip-style format.
Google is currently testing the My Week feature in invite-only mode, and feedback is expected before a wider rollout. Retro’s CEO, Nathan Sharp, acknowledges the similarities but remains optimistic about Retro’s unique value proposition. Retro offers private, ad-free photo sharing focused on connecting with family and friends, distinguishing it from Google Photos’ broader use cases.
Future updates for Retro include collaborative journals, photo postcards, and upcoming iOS widget support. The app is also exploring new features like direct sharing with keyholders and plans to introduce a premium subscription model in the future.
