Scanning barcodes in apps

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18.3.1

When using the camera app and I bring something close to the lens, like a barcode, it automatically switches to macro mode and focuses on the barcode. When I'm in an app - for instance a food tracker - and I try to scan a barcode it's like the focus is locked on infinity and it won't switch to macro mode or even try to alter focus. This happens in multiple apps. I should also mention that this used to occur on my iPhone 7+, probably back to at least iOS 17.x.

Scan QR Codes is on

Macro control is on

Apps are up to date - DVD profiler, Vida health, ControlMyWeight

Thanks in advance