Xr portrait mode fix

The Xr has only one camera. The XS, XS Max, 8+ and 7+ have 2 cameras, so they can take true portrait mode images using one camera for the subject and the other for the background. The Xr has to fake portrait mode; it does this because the phone can recognize faces, but has more trouble recognizing animals and flowers. So it is a limitation of the technology. You can still create portraits using after processing with any good photo editing app. From a business perspective, if the Xr can do everything the Xs can do why would anyone buy the more expensive phone? If this is a very important feature for you return the Xr and buy an Xs.

And no, it is not possible to fix a hardware limitation with a software update. Of course, nothing is difficult for the person who doesn't have to do it. You can say anything you want to say, but that doesn't make it true.

BTW, my main camera is a Light L16. It takes fabulous portrait mode photos with it's 16 cameras. It also cost almost $2,000.

Halide Camera in the app store, ($5.99) allows you to take photos of objects and animals in portrait mode.

Halide Camera

Halide Camera - iPhone XR: A Deep Dive Into Depth

The iPhone XR does not have the same hardware as the phones that support Portrait mode. Since the iPhone XR is cheaper and does not have the dual camera system, the support of Portrait mode is done via software, so it works differently than the higher end devices. That information was available before purchase if that was important to you.

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This is a user to user support forum.

Apple is not here.

No one here knows why Apple decided to do anything or what Apple plans for the future.

If the device you bought doesn’t meet your needs, return it and buy something else.