iPhone 16 Pro Max: Developer app camera won't focus for ID

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5 points

iPhone 16 Pro Max: Developer app camera won't focus for ID

Hello everyone,

I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and I’m trying to enroll in the Apple Developer Program through the Developer app on my iPhone.

When I’m asked to photograph a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, the camera does not focus properly, so I’m unable to complete the identity verification.

I’ve already tried enabling and disabling Macro Control, restarting the iPhone, and checking for software updates. My iPhone is currently running the latest version of iOS.

The regular Camera app focuses normally. The issue only occurs inside the Apple Developer app.

Has anyone experienced this issue or found a solution?

Posted on Jul 29, 2026 10:12 AM

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Answer 1

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akarce

Level 1

18 points

Jul 30, 2026 3:25 AM in response to michaelmatta

me too, and this is quite frustrating and shockingly ridiculous for an app that is developed by apple, for developers. same thing on my 16 pro max, the capture view just won't focus at ID distance and it doesn't let you zoom either. tried macro control on and off, restarting, holding it further away, nothing. stock camera app focuses fine, it's only this app.

what finally worked for me: the developer app on mac. downloaded it, signed in, started enrollment there, and when it asks for the ID photo you can pick your iphone as the camera. it was still capturing from too far away and my ID had gaps on the sides, but unlike the phone app it actually accepted the submission and let me continue with the next steps, no support ticket needed. there's also an option to use the mac's own camera holding the ID up, but I didn't trust that to pass so I stuck with the iphone.

so if you're stuck, try enrolling through the mac app with your iphone as the camera. and apple, please fix the capture view in your own developer app, this close focus issue has been around since the 14 pro.

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