iPhone 13 Pro Max Proximity Sensor Malfunction - Screen Constantly Thinks It‘s Near Ear (Calls & WeChat)

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Level 1

4 points

iPhone 13 Pro Max Proximity Sensor Malfunction - Screen Constantly Thinks It‘s Near Ear (Calls & WeChat)

Hello everyone,

I’m experiencing a critical and highly reproducible software/hardware issue with my iPhone 13 Pro Max, where the phone incorrectly believes it is constantly against my ear, forcing the screen off.

Detailed Symptom:

Trigger: As soon as I make or answer a regular phone call, OR when I play a WeChat voice message, the screen immediately turns black, as if I had put it to my ear.

Key Evidence: The screen is NOT frozen or dead. I can double-press the side (power) button and it wakes up instantly (both during calls and in WeChat). However, as long as the call or voice message continues, it will immediately turn black again on its own.

In short: The phone is perpetually stuck in the “in-call, screen-off due to proximity” state during any audio activity, even when it’s on the table untouched.

Critical Background Information:

iOS Version: 26.2.1 (This issue started immediately after this update. Previous version was fine).

Update Context: This update included fixes related to Apple headphone audio features. I suspect a conflict in the audio routing or sensor logic.

Recent Hardware Service: My battery was just replaced at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Full post-repair diagnostics found NO hardware faults, including with the proximity sensor.

Troubleshooting Completed: Removed case/screen protector, cleaned sensors, updated all apps, force restarted, reset all settings. Problem persists.

My Analysis & Core Question:

The fact that a double-press wakes the screen proves the touch and display are functional. The automatic, persistent blacking out points to one thing: The proximity sensor is sending a continuous “covered” signal, or the iOS software is misinterpreting its data.

Given this:

Started with iOS 26.2.1.

No hardware issues found by Apple diagnostics.

Perfectly reproducible with phone calls and WeChat audio.

Is this a confirmed bug in iOS 26.2.1’s proximity sensor driver or its interaction with the audio subsystem? Are other iPhone 13 Pro/Max users on this build experiencing the same? Is there a known workaround (like disabling a specific service via Accessibility settings) or an upcoming fix?

This makes the phone nearly unusable for calls. Any direct insight or escalation path would be a lifesaver.

谢谢。

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 1, 2026 12:47 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 8

45,864 points

Feb 1, 2026 5:33 AM in response to RtrBug

You’ll need to involve Apple Support or wait for next software update.

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

Explore Service Locations

Official Apple Support

You could try backing up your iPhone, resetting and erasing device and then restoring from backup.

Back up iPhone - Apple Support

Erase iPhone - Apple Support

Restore all content to iPhone from a backup - Apple Support

At the very least notify Apple of the issue through their official feedback channel. Apple and Apple Support do not participate in the communities.

Product Feedback - Apple

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Answer 2

RtrBug Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 3, 2026 7:10 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Hi Jeff,

Thank you so much for your detailed response and guidance. I really appreciate it.

I’d like to add some key details to clarify the situation further:

Battery Replacement & Hardware Diagnostics: My battery was replaced on February 1st at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. After the replacement, their technicians ran three thorough diagnostic tests using Apple’s professional tools. They confirmed absolutely no hardware issues—specifically noting that the proximity sensor and related components are functioning as expected. They also patiently explained that replacing the battery does not involve or affect the proximity sensor in any way, which aligns with your advice.
Software Timeline: The black screen issue only started after updating to iOS 26.2.1 (my device worked perfectly on the previous iOS version). Since the hardware is definitively ruled out, this timing strongly suggests the problem is tied to the latest software update—possibly related to the audio subsystem changes mentioned in the update notes (e.g., Apple headphone fixes).
Next Steps: I understand your suggestion to erase and restore, but given the clear correlation with the iOS update and the hardware confirmation, I’m inclined to believe this is a software bug. I will absolutely submit official feedback via the Product Feedback channel as you recommended.

Is there any way to escalate this to Apple’s software team, or is the best path to wait for the next iOS update? I hope Apple can address this quickly, as the issue makes calls and WeChat nearly unusable.

Thanks again for your help!

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