After iOS26.2.1 update, iphone15 PRO MAX no longer able to photograph aurora

SMc-007 wrote:

My iphone15 has taken award winning aurora pix. Just driven 300 miles, aurora is PERFECT - phone USELESS. Nighmode was brilliant but IOS 26.2.1 update has removed required control. Now, maximum settings are still too dark. I can see aurora with naked eye, can see stars - I just can not increase exposure and brightness sufficiently to take night photos. As a camera, the quality is pathetic (now totally useless for why it was bought). Is there a solution?

I use Night Mode a LOT. It wasn't removed in iOS 26, 26.1, 26.2 or 26.3. Read this and maybe it will help you --> Use Night mode on your iPhone - Apple Support

As the preceding experts have said:

SMc-007 wrote:

Nigh[t ]mode was brilliant but IOS 26.2.1 update has removed required control.

• iOS 26.2.1 was released by Apple on January 26, 2026.
• iOS 26.3 was released by Apple on February 11, 2026.

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

SMc-007 wrote:

Yes, that would work for you as there is loads of light in that photo - off the moon, the water etc. I have been photographing the aurora for more than 10 yrs. Tonight was like "normal" from main location etc etc. But not enough light. Not because anything I am doing has changed and not because it is a darker night but because the tenth of time of the exposure is shorter than it was before. And yes, I was the person extending the exposure time (it was not automatic) it is that it is not possible to extend the time for as long as is required

Any chance you use lens protectors on your cameras?

I can't commend about photographing the Borealis as I don't live anywhere where it can be seen. But Night Mode works as it always has on my iPhone. Here's a fairly recent, night mode photo I took:

And this:

What control was removed?

Granted, I have a 17 pro, but the night mode control is still there in 26.3. I'm pretty sure it was there isn 26.2.1 as well, but admit I don't use it much.