Level 1

16 points

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

Hi,

my iPhone 13PM won’t do anything anymore when I tap on the screen to focus. Autofocus is working tho. But when I want to change the focus and tap anywhere else it wont do anything.

It works in video mode or potrait mode also with 0,5x and 3x lenses. Third party apps are also doing his job.

the problem only appers in stock camera app in photo mode woth the 1x lense.

I restarted the phone and also deleted the stock camera app and reinstalled it from the app store.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: camera focus issue after iOS26

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Posted on Sep 20, 2025 12:43 AM

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Community+ 2026

Level 9

60,280 points

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 2:15 PM

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

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33 replies

Dec 12, 2025 3:25 PM in response to arconteforever

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

Nov 3, 2025 1:46 PM in response to Strogg89

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.

Nov 7, 2025 5:44 AM in response to Strogg89

Mine doesn’t focus after the 26.1 update When I use the max zoom all lights at night turn into round pixel balls with a black flashing ring around it. Photo below is after the update from 26 to 26.1 the photo below was before update

Strogg89 Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 21, 2025 1:37 PM in response to Strogg89

Jeff, pls stop telling its a hardware issue. Again, there is no issue with third party camera apps. I can literally tap to focus. The problem only exists in stock camera app. Even in video or portrait you can tap to focus (in stock camera app).

Again: the 1x lense in photo mode with the stock camera app is bugged.

And to confirm other users here: 26.2 didn’t solved the problem.

Strogg89 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 21, 2026 6:34 AM in response to LD150

I did settings reset under phone settings but sadly it didn’t helped.

of course I could use third party apps but it’s annoying that the standard camera don’t work properly after the update anymore.

I already gave a feedback to apple camera team.

Jan 23, 2026 10:02 AM in response to Strogg89

It’s possible it’s software. It’s confusing what your settings actually are. Does it happen both Video and Photo modes? It would be helpful to see the scene too. AF struggles in low light conditions. So, yes an indoor, poorly lit scene maybe be difficult to lock focus. That’s true of my Canon R3 too. Although better than my 17 PM.

I’m happy to test settings if you can be more specific.

Jan 23, 2026 2:49 PM in response to Strogg89

Wow, you’re absolutely right. I just tried it myself and it also works for me in 4K 60fps and portrait mode. It’s clear this can’t be a coincidence, it’s a massive bug, and I don’t have much faith that Apple will fix it. It’s a shame because I’m really happy with the iPhone 13 Pro, it works wonderfully, and Apple has gone and screwed it up here.

Sep 26, 2025 4:53 AM in response to Strogg89

Is issue resolved??

Strogg89 Author

Level 1

16 points

Oct 15, 2025 10:23 AM in response to asimabbas_1

the problem is still not solved. Even iOS26.0.1 didnt do anything.

arnob193

Level 1

12 points

Oct 15, 2025 10:34 AM in response to Strogg89

Use Final Cut Pro Camera

i wish that will solve some problem or you have hardware problem like in camera

Strogg89 Author

Level 1

16 points

Oct 20, 2025 3:42 PM in response to Jeff Donald

AE/AF lock doesnt do the trick, sadly.

Nov 3, 2025 2:09 PM in response to konek_

I’m on iOS 26.1, which I installed today, and the issue still isn’t solved.

Strogg89 Author

Level 1

16 points

Nov 4, 2025 10:57 AM in response to arconteforever

no, I did not try a factory reset. Was hoping for iOS26.1 to fix it. I will wait a little bit longer for further updates but if you should try it please please please lets us know here if it works.

Nov 5, 2025 6:40 AM in response to Strogg89

I restored my iPhone to factory settings today, but it didn’t fix the camera problem…

Dec 12, 2025 3:09 PM in response to Strogg89

26.2, nothing solved. Thanks Apple.

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