iOS 18.2 Camera Focus Issue with Macro Mode on iPhone 13 Pro

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Level 1

5 points

iOS 18.2 Camera Focus Issue with Macro Mode on iPhone 13 Pro

After updating from iOS 18.1 to 18.2, I had a wild problem with camera focus on the Camera Telemodule, due to Macro Mode automatically turning on. (Pics 1-3), it wouldn't turn on Macro Mode for only a couple seconds, or if it saw text, or a face.

What did I do? I completely reset all settings, then reset all data, nothing helped, installed iOS 18.3 b1, also absolutely nothing helped. Only made it worse! Even on 1x module now the same problem, on 18.2, it's still possible to get focus on the telemodule, but after about 10-15 seconds, or when moving the camera around, macro mode activated. But on 18.3 b1, almost always, in any mode (1x, 3x) , macro mode is activated.

also what did I do, in settings -> camera -> auto macro turned off, the result (pics 4-5) absolutely no help, judging by the quality of the photo, it still includes Macro Mode, so it does not suit me, well too bad quality of the photo.

I use the iPhone without a case, without protective glass on the cameras, LiDAR works perfectly, all cameras are clean, no magnets, everything is perfect. The only thing that, I have a protective glass on the screen, but it should not affect. By the way, the front camera works perfectly, and the front focus now only on close enough objects, for auto macro is not turned on.

Also, I wanted to roll back to iOS 18.1.1, but while I had free time, apple stopped signing this version of iOS. There is an option to try 18.2 b1 through b4, but I don't know if it can make sense?

The only thing I have left now is only to use 3rd party Camera apps, which work perfectly, perfectly catch focus on all modules, and they doesn't turning on the Macro Mode.

Thank you all in advance for any information or help.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 21, 2024 6:13 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 21, 2024 6:15 AM in response to mateitheking

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 2

Jeff Donald

Level 7

28,937 points

Dec 21, 2024 7:42 AM in response to mateitheking

In my experience, the macro symbol doesn’t switch on until the camera is about 8 to 10 inches from the subject. When the symbol does appear, the camera/lens switches from Fusion Camera to the Ultra Wide 13mm.

The Apple Support article I linked to below explains how macro operates under iOS 18.x.x

Take macro photos and videos with your iPhone camera - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 7

28,937 points

Dec 21, 2024 10:02 AM in response to mateitheking

Are you pressing and holding the yellow square to achieve Auto Focus Lock and Auto ExposureLock, labeled AE/AF Lock near top center of screen?

The article I linked below explains AE and AF lock. With your focus locked it’s more difficult to know where focus truly is.

Use iPhone camera tools to set up your shot - Apple Support

The art makes reference to Camera Control, which you don’t have on iPhone 13, but you can still lock focus using the yellow box.

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Answer 4

mateitheking Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2024 6:27 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I have used my telemodule to film the blackboard at school, it's bright enough there, and the problem haunts me just as much. I didn't have this problem before on iOS 18.1 . There is screenshot on 18.2

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Answer 5

mateitheking Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2024 7:16 AM in response to Jeff Donald

interesting. (first photo at 1x, second photo at 3x + program Zoom) no problems with macro even when I move the camera.

Only if I turn the camera down to the snow, the macro automatically turns on.

Sorry for rotated pics, idk how Is it uploaded like this.

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Answer 6

mateitheking Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2024 6:22 AM in response to SravanKrA

I'm an advanced user, so if it was possible to roll back via backup, I would have done it long ago. But as a fact, earlier on iOS 18.1, I did not have this problem with shooting, and having updated to 18.2, this problem appeared. And when I updated to 18.3 b1, the problem spread even more, and also to the main camera module.

So, I would like to know the real solution to the problem.

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Answer 7

mateitheking Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2024 6:33 AM in response to SravanKrA

I didn't see a solution for my problem, the link only gives a guide on how to use the camera. And I need a solution to a problem that most likely cannot be solved without rolling back iOS. Because having studied the issue deeper, it is simply impossible to completely disable macro mode in the iOS camera, because that's how the application was created. Apparently with the new update they changed something and ruined the app.

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Answer 8

mateitheking Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 21, 2024 8:05 AM in response to Jeff Donald

but mine comes on when I'm more than a meter away.

No one seems to know what's wrong. All I have to do is download third-party apps and use them. I would can install the old camera app via certificate, but unfortunately Apple doesn't allow you to uninstall built-in apps...

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Answer 9

Dec 21, 2024 6:17 AM in response to mateitheking

This may help --> Photography using iPhone - Apple Community

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Answer 10

Jeff Donald

Level 7

28,937 points

Dec 21, 2024 6:19 AM in response to mateitheking

Please show examples of a well lighted outdoor scene. Why are you trying to take pictures of a blank wall in poor light?

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Answer 11

Jeff Donald

Level 7

28,937 points

Dec 21, 2024 6:30 AM in response to mateitheking

That’s not a well lit outdoor scene. Cameras may struggle to accurately focus indoors due to several issues. I’m trying to determine if it’s focusing correctly under easy conditions.

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