iPhone 14 Plus iOS 18.6.2: Rear Portrait mode photos not saving with depth data or blur effect (stock Camera app)

Device Information:

•  Model: iPhone 14 Plus

•  iOS Version: 18.6.2

•  Camera App: Stock (native) Camera app

Issue Description:

The rear Portrait mode on my iPhone 14 Plus is not saving photos with the expected Portrait effect, such as background blur (bokeh) or embedded depth data. When I capture a photo in Portrait mode using the rear camera, the preview shows the blur effect, but the saved image in the Photos app appears as a standard photo without any Portrait tag, editable f-stop slider, or depth metadata. This makes it impossible to adjust the blur after capture. However, third-party apps like Halide save rear Portrait photos correctly with full depth data and editable effects. This seems like a software bug or limitation specific to the stock app on non-Pro iPhones in iOS 18.6.2.

Steps to Reproduce:

1.  Open the stock Camera app.

2.  Swipe to Portrait mode (ensure the yellow Portrait icon appears).

3.  Use the rear main camera (26mm lens), position the subject 2-6 feet away in good lighting (e.g., outdoors or indoors with even light).

4.  Tap to focus on the subject’s face—the preview should show a blurred background.

5.  Take the photo.

6.  Open the Photos app and check the saved image:

•  It saves as a standard HEIF photo (e.g., 12MP, ~1.7MB file size) without the Portrait category or blur icon.

•  In Edit mode, no Portrait slider or depth options appear.

This happens consistently for rear shots, even in ideal conditions (e.g., bright daylight, simple background). Front-facing Portrait works fine.

Example from Stock App (Failed):

•  Taken outdoors at 3:12 PM in good light (ISO 50, 1/1344s shutter).

•  Metadata: Main Camera - 26mm f/1.5, 12MP (3024x4032), 1.7MB HEIF.

•  Result: Sharp background (buildings and cars in focus), no Portrait effect.

(Attach screenshot of the photo info panel here, blurring any location details.)

Comparison with Halide (Works):

•  Taken indoors at 12:02 AM (low light, ISO 40, 1/4s shutter).

•  Metadata: Main Camera - 26mm f/1.5, 12MP (3024x4032), 3.2MB HEIF, saved from Halide.

•  Result: Background blurred (door and floor with bokeh), Portrait tag present, editable f-stop slider in Photos.

Troubleshooting Tried:

•  Restarted Camera app and iPhone.

•  Checked Settings > Camera (Smart HDR on/off, Preserve Settings enabled, High Efficiency format).

•  Ensured >5GB free storage.

•  Tested in various lighting/distance conditions.

•  No hardware issues, as Halide and front Portrait work perfectly.

Has anyone else experienced this on iPhone 14/14 Plus with iOS 18.6.2? Is there a workaround or upcoming fix in iOS 18.7? I’d prefer not to rely on paid apps. Thanks for any help!