iPad Pro (6th Generation M2, 13”) 0.5x camera not working/registering after updating to iOS 26

Question

iPad Pro (6th Generation M2, 13”) 0.5x camera not working/registering after updating to iOS 26

iPad Pro 6th Generation M2 - 0.5x zoom lens no longer recognized

I recently updated my iPad Pro to iOS 26 as I primarily use this device for video calls on zoom or FaceTime and the added benefit of multi window view seems like a great tool given the use.

After updating the device, I noticed pretty quickly that the camera app(s) I use on my iPad no longer register the native rear 0.5x lens. This is quite, well, alarming as I often use the camera for Screen Share when gaming on FT which I had done the day prior with not issue. I tried a hard reset to see if it was just a glitch, yet no avail. I have seen other members in the community discussing similar things happening to their iPads or 16th gen iPhone Pro and was wondering if anyone has found a fix for it? Or is apple working on this software bug?

This iPad lives on my computer desk and when not in use, lays flat in a drawer. I haven’t picked it up off the floor so I know it wasn’t nocked over. No cosmetic damage has been observed either so again, was not dropped.

Both the selfie and 1x lens work, it’s just not registering the 0.5 which it had registered the day prior to updating :/

Thank you all for your support! :)

iPad Pro, iPadOS 26

Posted on Dec 30, 2025 1:38 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2025

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185,185 points

Dec 30, 2025 1:57 PM in response to Mystery_person12

Have you updated to iOS 26.2, which is the most current version? And after you update, Force Restart your iPad (which is something I do after every iOS update, without fail) --> If your iPad won't turn on or is frozen - Apple Support

Follow the directions at the top if your Screen is Black or Frozen.

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Answer 2

Dec 30, 2025 3:47 PM in response to Mystery_person12

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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