camera glitch after updating IOS 26.1

If the camera does not work even after a restart, it may indicate a hardware issue.

In my case, however, restarting the device or changing the system language temporarily restored the camera, but the issue reappeared after a few hours or a few days. When launching the Camera app, the preview appears briefly, becomes blurred (similar to the transition during lens switching), and then freezes after a few seconds.

Even after erasing the device and restoring from a backup, the problem reoccurred a few days later. Over time, the frequency of the issue gradually increased, which made it seem like something abnormal was progressing.

After that, I reset all settings and used the device with default settings only, and the problem has not recurred for over a week.

I have not yet identified which specific setting was responsible, but the non-default camera-related settings I previously used were:

• Video resolution set to 4K

• ProRAW controls enabled

• All “Preserve Settings” options enabled

• Liquid Glass disabled via Accessibility settings

Do any of you experiencing similar issues have these settings in common?

drdre74 wrote:

This what I keep getting anytime I try and use my camera. If I try and zoom or if I try and switch from photo to video it freezes. We’ve had two RC builds an neither of them fixed the camera. I got a iPhone 17 pro max and a uses camera

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/8ffc2059-8afd-4a8b-9607-4f6077409d4e

Since you mention RC Builds, this means you're using Beta Software on your iPhone. And you can't discuss possible issues with Beta software, per the NDA you signed when you became a Beta Tester. Use the feedback link you were provided.

Did you slide/swipe right?

janeabaker wrote:

I spoke too soon, it’s back to doing the same thing 😔

I didn't think changing a lock screen setting would affect the camera itself.

Intermittent problems often point to flakey hardware. Flakey hardware reacts to change, is all.

Apple didn't take Portrait or any other option away. Read this and you'll learn how to change through the camera options --> Use Photographic Styles with your iPhone camera - Apple Support (VN)

xxthankunext wrote:

cuz they talking about 150$ for a camera sensor nobody paying that you might as well get a new phone off backmarket

Nah, I would not recommend third party repairs or used phones from Backmarket.

Was really hoping that would help me but nope it doesnt. i can open the app seems fine for a second but if i try and zoom or switch between modes the camera become blurry and pauses. I've reset my settings and tried turning off the lock screen swipe and nothing works.

I was using my iPhone as my camera for Zoom calls. Since updating to iOS 26.1 My camera looks crazy on zoom - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f0ahofb7caziloog28545/Screenshot-2025-12-12-at-10.08.38-AM.png?rlkey=5pmezau777rfehclyf97xoigv&dl=0 Can someone help me resolve this?

Thank you for posting the tip, that worked for me. I normally hold off on doing major IOS updates due to glitches/bugs but against my better judgement, did it anyway. I'm surprised that this issue fell through the testing cracks. I've been in IT for over 40 years and would imagine the functionality of a camera would have been in an automated regression test...

My variation is a bit different. After updating to 26.1, I have no problem with the normal camera on the back of the phone. However, when I take a picture with inside of the phone (selfie), lights in the background appear to be warped, as in a lightbulb will show with a horizontal “warp” line (think Starship enterprise) extending to the side of the screen. This ruins selfies. I didn’t have this issue until 3 days ago when I upgraded. Thoughts?

IOS2.26.1

Same issue here once I use the zoom screen turns grey.

Magic trick! This worked, thank you so much!

awesome thanks worked

same, mine only work when i go to video & then it tries taking pictures using videos

[Edited by Moderator]