ios 26.1 update radically changed certain photo exposure settings

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Level 1

4 points

ios 26.1 update radically changed certain photo exposure settings

iPhone 13 mini, recently updated to ios 26.1. I often take photos of old newspaper clippings (photos) to share on facebook or messenger. Since the update, the photos have been blanched out, very much overexposed. I have taken them in various lighting situations. I have not changed anything in the settings. I have toggled many things back and forth in the camera settings and photo settings, nothing makes a change, good or bad. My old iPhone 6 works perfectly by comparison. The problem IS with the 13 with the new ios and only when taking photos of old black and white newspaper photos. I should not have to edit these photos after the fact.

iPhone 6s, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 10, 2025 8:14 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 10, 2025 9:23 AM in response to swe60

You say iOS 26, but your signature says iOS 15, maybe 4 years old. I'm guessing the 26 is the real one?

Have you tried taking a picture using the attachment (paper clip) menu in Notes? The document scanner there may be just what you need.

Otherwise, I would try a different camera app from the app store. This doesn't sound like a permanent solution (unless you find one you love,) but it would let you know if it's the phone's camera app or something else, and you could continue taking pictures.

I don't click on links…

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Answer 2

léonie

Level 10

200,525 points

Dec 11, 2025 7:43 AM in response to swe60

Have you checked, if a photographic style has been set? Use Photographic Styles with your iPhone camera - Apple Support (EG)

Or if the exposure has been locked to an overexposed photo?

Have you tried to set the exposure correctly by tapping an area of the photo that should be gray?

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Answer 3

Dec 10, 2025 8:29 AM in response to swe60

You didn't tell us much about your settings. Have you tried changing Settings>Apps>Photos>View Full HDR?

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Answer 4

swe60 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 10, 2025 9:36 AM in response to Richard.Taylor

I’m also using my old iPhone 6, which has no SIM card; I no longer use it as a phone but I do use it to access the internet using my home wifi. The iPhone 13 has 26.1, which I never should have installed.

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