Camera won't focus on tap in Photo mode with 1x lens after the iOS 26 update on iPhone 13 Pro Max

Sounds like a hardware issue. You need to have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.

If you’re in the US, please call  1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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I’d start suspecting that the issue is hardware related and not software. You need to have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.

If you’re in the US, please call  1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Yes, I’ve done that and everything is 100% perfect. I repeat, it’s not a hardware issue. I have friends who also have the iPhone 13 Pro and the same thing has been happening to them since iOS 26.

My granddaughter was in town over the holidays and she has my old 13 Pro Max. No issue whatsoever with the focus or using the tap to focus feature on her camera. I used it for a day while she tried my 17 PM.

Are you close to an Apple Retail Store? If so, make an appointment at the Genius Bar and demonstrate the issue you’re experiencing.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

How long are you taping and holding? It does seem a little long before I get AE/AF Lock and the yellow box.

Can’t hurt to have Apple diagnosis the issue. It helps alert the support team to the extent of the issue.

Have you tried doing a factory reset on the iPhone to see if that fixes the problem? I’m actually thinking about doing that myself to see if it solves the problem...

I just called my granddaughter in Knoxville with the 13 PM Her’s works perfectly in all Video modes, Video, Cinematic, SLO-MO, even Time Lapse. She set it for 1080p HD 30fps (except slo-mo and time lapse) and no issues. It even instantly identified her dog on the couch, she said.

I’m not saying that you’re not experiencing valid and real symptoms. But if it’s a bug, it’s very selective. This is why I suggest Apple diagnostics to everyone. If their iPhone passes diagnostics (especially in store) then it’s most likely a bug.

There is speculation that some cameras may have a software issue in regard to focus with iOS 26. I’ve personally not experienced the focus issue.

Most likely just an OS issue. Should be fixed with the next update.

Again, sounds like a hardware issue. Have you had Apple perform diagnostics?

I’m having the same issue as you, and it still isn’t resolved. I’m on iOS 26.1, iPhone 13 Pro. Do you think Apple will do anything about it? I’m so frustrated. I love photography, and this is really annoying.