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.

Mamasarah14 wrote:

Your phone doesn’t need a repair.. mine is doing the SAME exact thing since updating it to 26.1! It’s so annoying! My camera will open and if it loads from a black screen at all-it freezes after 2 seconds of it being opened. Hopefully they fix this fast!

LD250 never suggested their phone needs a repair. Unless you have the ability to test a phone, like Apple can test a phone, you don't know if a phone needs a repair or not. If you're having an issue, waiting for a fix to magically fly through the air, doesn't seem a prudent decision. Most people aren't having issues like you're seeing. Schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius bar to have your phone tested.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Sounds like the phone needs repair.

The process of erasing and setting up again can very often fix a glitch.

Resources…

Backing Up: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Restoring: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

 If that fails, prepare it for repair and https://support.apple.com

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

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

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.

I have had serious issues with audio when recording videos at music events after updating my iPhone 15 proMax to iOS 26. I did take it to a "genius" at the local Apple Store. Friendly "Genius" didn't have a clue even after running an audio test, saying that he'd never heard of this being a problem, and that I should call Apple Support. Seemed weird to me since I thought he was Apple Support. After reading enough posts on Reddit and other online sources which would suggest that it seems to be a problem with the Camera App's processing of the audio, I filed a bug report with Apple. I have since started using the blackmagic camera app which seems to process audio fine.

Same odd behavior here with camera. Also with Siri. Time to call support. I have an iPhone 16 ProMax. This shd NOT be happening.

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...