iPhone 15 Pro screen brightness issue after iOS 26 update

After ios 26 update when waking up the phone (iphone 15 pro), the screen brightness is very low. After unlocking the phone, screen remains dimm regardless of the light intensity. I have to lock and unlock phone again to make automatic brightness start working (and brighten the screen to level that allows me to use the phone). This doesn't happen every time but often enough to be annoying.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: IOS 26 brightness bug

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Sep 19, 2025 1:35 PM

Top-ranking reply

FrancoisDvassa

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Feb 19, 2026 6:58 AM

Fixed (for me)

Problem: Approx 35% reduction in brightness immediately after IOS 26.3 update on 02.17.26. Tried nearly everything on the boards, except Reset All Settings.

Solution: Accessibility>Zoom>Zoom Filter.

As part of the 26.3 update, the three-finger, double tap, full screen 2x zoom shortcut that I’d been using for over a year began applying its Low Light filter option, which worked perfectly: approximately 35% universal reduction in display brightness. Restoring the Accessibility>Zoom>Zoom Filter to None, solved the problem immediately.

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194 replies

Mar 29, 2026 3:22 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

It’s now 6 months after the release of iOS 26 and here I am still dealing with the same screen brightness issue. I pick up my phone and the brightness is so low. I have to lock my phone and unlock it a few times for it to adjust. Apple, please fix it.

Bjay85

Level 1

18 points

Apr 20, 2026 7:23 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

This happens to me constantly as well. It’s ridiculous how Apple seems to forget the simplest functional things. They roll out a new iOS without fixing the existing bugs, and then we just get a fresh set of issues with the next update. It's been nearly a year of this, can we just get a stable update that focuses on fixes rather than just 'new' content. Apple has gone downhill since 2011.

Sep 19, 2025 2:51 PM in response to WheelieNick

tried, didnt't help

Sep 20, 2025 12:45 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same issue with my 15 Pro.

I do not use “always on display” if that matters.

This bug is extremely annoying.

Sep 23, 2025 6:05 AM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same issue here. iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Sep 24, 2025 12:16 PM in response to rokrigjay

Hi. I’m having exact problem on 15 pro max.

I have to unlock twice to see the brightness working normally.

jemmalh

Level 1

14 points

Sep 24, 2025 4:07 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same here. 15 Pro Max.

Sep 25, 2025 10:43 AM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same here. 15 pro max

eckh80s

Level 1

8 points

Sep 25, 2025 12:11 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

I’m having the same issue with my iPhone 15 Pro.

Hope to get the fix on iOS 26.1

alif73

Level 1

20 points

Sep 27, 2025 3:00 AM in response to rokrigjay

I already tried a factory reset on my 15 Pro Max, but I restored my phone with a backup after the reset and the bug is still happening.

erhan124

Level 1

8 points

Sep 27, 2025 11:16 AM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same here with 15 pro, super annoying issue

tvfmc

Level 1

15 points

Sep 27, 2025 3:52 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

I have the same annoying issue with my iPhone 15 Pro, since I updated it to iOS 26.

The behavior is not permanent, but apparently it occurs randomly.

Pls fix it ASAP.

Thks.

Sep 28, 2025 5:35 AM in response to BaltazarGabka

Me tooo I’m 15 pro max, please tell me if they release an update to fix it for this

Sep 28, 2025 7:26 AM in response to Ipoder3636

Same issue here. 15PM.

Sep 28, 2025 6:51 PM in response to BaltazarGabka

Same issue for me with iPhone 16 Pro

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iPhone 15 Pro screen brightness issue after iOS 26 update