MGK43/LLA - Lost access to the camera I paid for.

Question

MGK43/LLA - Lost access to the camera I paid for.

How come iOS 26.4.2 is telling me that my camera is not genuine?

I surely didn't take the phone apart since yesterday. It'd be cheaper to buy a new phone than replace a camera on it.

Is it just because apple is a greedy corporation with creative ways to force an upgrade?

I'd love to hear a fix for this without someone asking me to format the device. I doubt it will happen, but the next person wondering why their device is similarly misbehaving can check the lack of useful replies here.

Thanks in advance,K

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Aug 1, 2026 4:18 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Community+ 2026

Level 9

55,797 points

Aug 1, 2026 4:24 PM in response to timtimtimtimtimtim

When you attempt to open the Apple Camera app, a series of calibration processes take place and if the camera module does not respond per specification it may show several errors including unknown camera etc.

This is typical of a hardware failure in the camera module. 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

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Answer 2

Blue_27

Level 2

210 points

Aug 1, 2026 4:45 PM in response to timtimtimtimtimtim

Before doing anything drastic, I'd update to the current iOS and perform a hard reset. After all, one reason for it's release was for "bug fixes'. Besides, your security is way out of date.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

234,608 points

Aug 1, 2026 6:23 PM in response to timtimtimtimtimtim

The message does not say it is not genuine. It says it can not be verified as genuine.

If it hasn't' been tampered with, the camera may simply have failed. It happens. Nothing lasts forever.

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Answer 4

Aug 2, 2026 10:15 AM in response to KiltedTim

Camera failed during a phone lock while camera was active (and maybe maybe maybe switching modes during) as I took another phone to take pictures with. When unlocking mine again it went to black camera screen (selfie cam still worked, but the three cameras do not), then the error popped up.

"Nothing lasts forever" is probably the most apt answer I will get here.

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