Level 1

45 points

iPhone 16 pro macro freezes and doesn't work on 4k at 24 fps and 4k at 30 fps

Hey everyone!

I just got my paws on the iPhone 16 Pro, and I'm noticing something strange with the macro feature when recording videos. While macro works perfectly in photo mode, in video mode it only functions when set to 4K 60, ProRes HDR, HD 30, and HD 60. However, when I switch to 4K 24 or 4K 30, the macro feature freezes and then switches back to the main lens. I film with 4k 24 so I need to figure out how to fix this. ProRes HDR is too high of files so I can't keep it on PorRes HDR 4k 24.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any insight on what might be causing it? I reached out to Apple, and they were stumped and suggested I could return it for a replacement, but it wouldn't be available until mid-October. So I'm wondering if this might just be a bug or a hardware issue with the macro lens. For reference, I'm running iOS 18 on both my iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, but the 15 Pro handles macro just fine. I've already tried restarting the phone using the volume and side button combo, but no luck so far. So far, we have found 3 other people on Reddit with the same issue and one of them did a full restart on their iPhone 16 pro max and that did not fix the issue.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance! :)

Here's a screen recording video to show what's happening with the macro: https://imgur.com/a/zftC2RK

[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 16 Pro

Posted on Sep 22, 2024 7:00 AM

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-jahnnalee Author

Level 1

45 points

Posted on Oct 3, 2024 6:59 PM

Apple just released 18.0.1 software update:

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:

• Touch screen may be temporarily unresponsive in certain circumstances on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models

• Camera may freeze when recording macro mode video on the Ultra Wide camera in 4K with HDR turned off on iPhone 16 Pro models

• Messages may unexpectedly quit when replying to a message with a shared Apple Watch face

• Performance may be impacted due to an issue with memory allocation on some iPhone models

Did this update work for any of you with the macro 4k 24fps and 30 fps with HDR turned off? I hope it did!

Unfortunately, I am running 18.1 Beta 2 so I can't update to 18.0.1 to try it out.

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62 replies

Oct 3, 2024 8:23 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Same issue here! But Ive been able isolate it to the HDR function. When in video mode using 4k 30, non pro res, most compatible, turn on and off HDR and see what happens. I prefer to NOT shoot in HDR because it edits better in premiere.

Oct 5, 2024 4:18 AM in response to -jahnnalee

I hope everybody noticed that this issues was fixed with the 18.0.1 update.

Sep 23, 2024 4:39 PM in response to -jahnnalee

Same problem from Spain with two iPhone 16 pro Max. We have already passed part to Apple and they have escalated it. It certainly looks like a software problem but only with the new models.

At first they told me to do a restoration by DFU but I imagined that it was not a hardware problem, I talked to colleagues from other parts of the country and the same thing happens to them (only that they do not disable HDR and that is why there are no more people complaining). But I'm a professional content creator, I don't work with HDR and I've seen the problem since day one. I expect a quick solution, supposedly they have climbed it well up, and they will tell me something in the coming days. They now confirm to me that it is Software. I'll keep telling you.

ianngss

Level 1

14 points

Sep 23, 2024 6:23 AM in response to ianngss

Hi guys! I found something. Under Settings > Camera > Record Video > HDR Video (Enable) - this should fix the issue. I will go back to the store and try tomorrow. Can anyone try and let me know if this works for you? Thanks!

-jahnnalee Author

Level 1

45 points

Sep 24, 2024 10:39 AM in response to hyuna17

You’re now the third person to mention getting a replacement phone and still experiencing the same issue. I ordered a new iPhone on Saturday, 9/21/24, after Apple advised me to exchange it. However, due to inventory delays, it hasn’t shipped yet and is expected to arrive in mid-October. I’m now considering canceling the order since it seems likely that the new phone will have the same macro video freezing problem. This really makes me think it might not be a hardware issue, but rather a software one. I just wish Apple would provide more clarity on this, rather than simply saying they haven’t had anyone report this issue.

-jahnnalee Author

Level 1

45 points

Sep 25, 2024 9:47 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Given that several of us are experiencing the macro freezing issue, I’m hoping it can be resolved with a software update. I called Apple again last night and now have a senior advisor handling my case. He suspects it’s more likely a software issue rather than hardware. We ran some tests, which he’ll send to the engineering team, and he’ll get back to me in a few days. He also advised me to cancel my new phone order since it’s possible the replacement could have the same issue. On a positive note, if it does turn out to be a hardware problem, he assured me I’d still be eligible for a replacement even if it’s past the return window. That definitely gives me some peace of mind but still frustrating we all have to deal with this issue.

Sep 27, 2024 8:33 AM in response to abipmx

They have given replacements to many people, the problem is that the new devices come with the same problem. Everything seems to indicate that Apple will end up fixing it with a software update

Sep 22, 2024 8:40 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Hey guys, I'm experiencing the same issue. Had my "old" iPhone 15 Pro still and tested it there - the issue does not exist there; seems to be an iPhone 16 Pro issue. I did speak with support: initial advisor elevated my call to a senior advisor, who saw that this issue had already been raised yesterday and he voted it up further with my case. Since it's so new, no feedback from engineering existed yet. He ran full analytics on my phone to support engineering. We agreed that I will get a call-back from the senior advisor in a few days with information on how to handle this issue. I will post here when that happens.

ianngss

Level 1

14 points

Sep 23, 2024 9:50 PM in response to ianngss

Updates: I tried this at a store for iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro, all having the same issues. (No issue for iPhone 16) Likely to software issue. Need to bump this for Apple to fix this asap.

Sep 25, 2024 2:11 AM in response to Dav1d

It’s clearly a software issue. Considering the number of people experiencing this issue and turning on HDR fixing it, I can clearly say you should wait for another iOS update. I am experiencing it too.

Sep 25, 2024 1:50 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Also having the same issue. It’s clearly something in the software as there can’t be this many hardware failures. To be fair I hadn’t noticed the issue until now as I’ve mostly been playing with 4K 120, but not being able to record macro video in practical frame rates without impractical HDR is a let down. I’m sure it’ll be patched if people keep reporting it.

Sep 25, 2024 11:57 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Hey guys - an update as promised: Apple Support called as scheduled. Engineering asked for me to complete several steps: send a screen recording of the issue and we did a kernel log export. They are actively tracking this issue but no information yet on a resolution. I have another call back now on Monday. Again, will update the group once I learn more.

TP3D

Level 1

28 points

Sep 22, 2024 7:22 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Having this exact same issue, identical conditions. Brand new black iPhone 16 Pro, 256 GB, AT&T. Called Apple support but they’ve just been gathering information and doing basic troubleshooting. Reset does not work.

-jahnnalee Author

Level 1

45 points

Sep 22, 2024 7:53 AM in response to lobsterghost1

What do you mean by the main camera? I am using the camera that is built into the iPhone 16 pro. The same built-in camera that I used for all of my previous iPhone pros that worked fine with macro. It's the iPhone 16 pro (and others have reported with their iPhone 16 pro Max) that when shooting with the Apple camera in 4k 24 or 4k 30 the macro will freeze up and then return back to the main lens, like what's happening in my video link. In the video link you can also see that I am filming with the Apple camera. Thanks for your comment :)

Sep 22, 2024 8:01 AM in response to -jahnnalee

Maybe you should learn about the different cameras on your new iPhone. On an iPhone 16 Pro, you have 3 cameras, each intended for a different type of photography.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrFRCU9MfBmcgQAxjpXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1728226878/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fsupport.apple.com%2fguide%2fiphone%2fcamera-basics-iph263472f78%2fios/RK=2/RS=viEulS2euP0vBpX4YknwYPV3T5I-

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iPhone 16 pro macro freezes and doesn't work on 4k at 24 fps and 4k at 30 fps