Iphone 16 Pro Max Camera Shows Black Screen When Accessed from Lock Screen

When opening the camera from any location, it displays a black screen. It’s not a freezing issue; rather, it seems to be an 'initializing' problem. This happens at random times, and the only way to get the camera to work again is to shut down and restart my iPhone 16. This is incredibly frustrating and annoying. It always seems to happen at the worst possible moment—when I have only seconds to take a picture, but I can’t because it takes so long to restart the phone. I’ve tried everything, and nothing has worked. The iPhone 16 is clearly defective, at least mine is. I’ve always been a loyal customer, and I’m very disappointed. So much money for such poor quality. Not good!

My phone was just upgraded to iOS 18.6. I wouldn’t be surprised if the issue was related to that. I saw advice to restart the iPhone. I haven’t done that yet. But just closing the camera app seem to bring picture back.

Same problem here and I want to dump this phone. It’s getting worse day by day. This was not a restore of a previous phone, set it up as new. Hopefully it’s resolved in iOS 26. If not, Apple can shove this phone where the sun doesn’t shine. Over 1k usd for a phone with so many problems it’s frustrating and not reliable.

I’m having the same issue. Tried force resetting the phone, tried fully charging etc etc etc. it’s very frustrating. Can be a black screen for 10+ seconds for me.

I’m having the same issue. Also WhatsApp keeps crashing.

Experiencing the same issue too!

Sooo frustrating for a very expensive phone!

I hope Apple fix this with a software update or something…

I have the same issue

I also have this issue. Sometimes the same issue with the flashlight when the phone is locked.

Same issue. Been happening since day 1, no iOS updates have corrected it.

Same issue no fix in sight, shouldn’t have to restart my phone every time I want to take a picture, multiple updates from apple in iOS 18 no fix, it’s a joke

Hi, facing it on Iphone 16 when having more apps in background and switch from rear to front camera, Update to latest ios as well, my phone is a month old, does anyone knows whats the fix ?

Issue I find is now affecting the measure app and the torch. Seems anything that runs via the back camera pad is an issue

Doesn’t help or work

I bought the 16 pro max a month ago and that exact same thing you describe above happened to me twice today. I am currently on ios 18.6 and will upgrade to 18.6.1 tonight

my 16 pro got dark screen inside camera app but still can capture picture

but i have to estimate photo border by first previous picture first

my iOS 18.6.1

will this be fixed by iphone 18 pro