Usability regression in iPhone camera app

Recent iOS versions removed visible mode selection in the Camera app without any in-app guidance. As a result, common features (e.g., Panorama, Slo-Mo, Portrait) appear to be missing unless the user already knows undocumented gestures.


This change forces users to search online or use AI to discover basic functionality that previously required no explanation.


This is not a simplification — it is a discoverability failure. The app provides no visual affordance or onboarding to explain where features went.


In general long-time iPhone users should not need external help to access core camera features.


Failure to document changes disproportionately affects older users and accessibility-minded design principles.

iPhone 13 mini

Posted on Feb 6, 2026 9:26 AM

Reply
4 replies

Feb 6, 2026 11:29 AM in response to Bfsing

Bfsing (author)

Perhaps with an iPhone update/upgrade through iOS 18.7.4, & natural

progression within. Or by upgrade in Hardware and iOS 26.x to recent

Apple OS for iPhone by hardware necessity. Aside from these paths..


The iOS systems included the information you seek inside the iPhone,

and is (or was?) available from the main display by touch and left-side

motion, where the Tips screen is (or was?) available to a see "How To"

access many things inside the present system and your iDevice.


For older iPhone users, such as an XR running older iOS 18.7.4, currently

the last supported version for the vintage hardware; this Tips, allows user

complete access to see and use, an internal version of iPhone User Guide.


Given Tips panel inside older XR series with recent update, does this not

also exist within newer iOS26.x? My newer iPhone 11 Pro is not active now

as the official battery replacement, required; was not available locally. But

had pre-paid a battery order and labor fee, to get an XR battery, sent here.


So this grasp of why this other factor is mentioned at all, away from L49

US situation; with independent authorized Apple service, is in reference.


However, stated method to get "iPhone User Guide" w/ table of contents

direct from Apple support.. Or internal version with full links to Apple site,

is a matter of consequence to the end user. Changes 'top-down' happen.


Just thought to mention, if you'd never side-swiped the main menu screen

to the far left panel, where content Tips view is (or was) in evidence ~try it.


.Without add'l investment to 2 newer iPhones w/ iOS 26: An XR is my proof.

Yet an iPhone User Guide has been within an iPhone itself through this point.

Usability regression in iPhone camera app

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