How to fix iPhone 16 Pro Camera issues?

In the pictures taken in the evening, strange artifacts are observed. For example, when shooting a traffic light from a distance of 15 meters, the traffic light image doubles. Moreover, the duplicate image of the traffic light is slightly away from the main image, and turned vertically. What is it? Software error? I bought the device less than a week ago... Rebooting the device does not help solve the problem. The device did not fall and was not subjected to other mechanical influences, as a result of which the camera would be damaged. Pay attention also to the photo of the train. The train's searchlight also doubles, and in one of the photos a duplicate of the searchlight image (similar to a horseshoe), generally went far to the side. And in another photo, the duplicate is next to the main image. And in both cases, the duplicate is turned vertically.




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Windows, Windows 11 (22631)

Posted on Nov 14, 2024 4:29 AM

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Posted on Nov 14, 2024 6:27 AM

Jeff is correct. What you are seeing are bright points of light such the train or traffic light reflecting off one of the internal elements of the lens. Even though the lenses have anti-reflective coatings applied to them those coatings do their have limits. I've been able to reproduce the same effect on my DSLR cameras with lenses costing many more times than that of any phone. In the past I've even proven it by deliberately framing the shot to create the reflections and posting it here.


Depending on whether a lens element is convex or concave will determine if the reflection is inverted or not and where the bright point of light is positioned within the frame. The only solution is to take care while framing the shot and not include bright points of light within the frame, or just accept the fact it can happen and ignore it.


The stacked lens elements within a phone are very thin compared to that of one used on a DSLR thus have limits. That said I'm amazed cameras within phones can do what they do.

25 replies

Nov 14, 2024 5:48 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Thank you very much for your answer, Jeff. I held the camera in my hands, I didn't use any tripods. My hands don't shake, I always take a picture "on the exhale". I used the standard "camera" application. I can't say the shutter speed - I shot in automatic mode. There are no filters or protective glasses for the camera on my iPhone. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it seems to me that such clearly expressed artifacts are abnormal. This is supported, in particular, by the fact that the duplicates of objects in the photos are inverted. If this is the result of incorrectly combining images from three cameras, then this is clearly a software error. But if such an effect is normal, then once again thank you very much for your answer, you have reassured me.


Nov 14, 2024 9:13 AM in response to pogster

Dear pogster, I am also amazed by this effect of my smartphone camera. And, frankly, I would like to see less of such "amazing things". Thank you for your answer, nevertheless. I also have a DSLR camera, inexpensive, Nikon D 3200, and there the glare is of a completely different nature. On Nikon it looks artistic, but on a top-level iPhone it looks ugly. Alas.

Nov 14, 2024 9:19 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I view photos on different devices. On a computer running Windows 11, on an iPad Pro (model 2023), and on the iPhone 16 Pro itself. And everywhere - the picture is the same. Regarding the stabilization function - the idea is interesting, but, I must repeat, I shoot very carefully, since I have had good photography skills for a long time. Well, I will continue to look for an answer to my question. I hope that software developers will pay attention to this point. I am unlikely to be the only one who experiences such things. Thank you for your answer.

Nov 14, 2024 9:20 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I view photos on different devices. On a computer running Windows 11, on an iPad Pro (model 2023), and on the iPhone 16 Pro itself. And everywhere - the picture is the same. Regarding the stabilization function - the idea is interesting, but, I must repeat, I shoot very carefully, since I have had good photography skills for a long time. Well, I will continue to look for an answer to my question. I hope that software developers will pay attention to this point. I am unlikely to be the only one who experiences such things. Thank you for your answer.

Nov 14, 2024 9:19 PM in response to Kurtosis12

Alas and alas, but this effect seems to be characteristic of many smartphones. Yesterday evening I took several photos and videos with the Samsung S 21 FE and found the same effect! Only less bright than on the iPhone.

But the Samsung C 24 Ultra does not produce such effects as glare or doubling of the image. (and all the Apple fans threw stones at me :-) ) I don't want to advertise a "competitor" in any way. But it's a fact. There are no glares. Although, in general, the quality of photos on the iPhone 16 Pro is higher than on the Samsung S24 Ultra

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How to fix iPhone 16 Pro Camera issues?

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