AE/AF is a camera feature that means Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock. It is a warning that the feature is enabled.
Perhaps you accidentally enabled it. It can also be enabled using the camera control button on the right side of your iPhone 16 Pro
Settings->Camera->Camera Control->Lock Focus and Exposure-> check if turned on.
Use the Camera Control on iPhone - Apple Support
Lock the exposure and focus with the Camera Control
You can use the Camera Control to lock the exposure and focus settings on a subject as you take photos and record video.
- Go to the Settings app
on your iPhone. - Tap Camera, tap Camera Control, then turn on Lock Focus and Exposure.
- After you complete steps 1 and 2, you don’t need to repeat them.
- Click the Camera Control to open Camera
. - Lightly press and hold the Camera Control until you see AE/AF Lock above the frame.
- Keep your finger touching the Camera Control to maintain the AE/AF Lock.
- Note: If you release the Camera Control, the AE/AF Lock turns off.
- Click the Camera Control to take photos or click and hold to record video.
- Release the Camera Control to turn off the AE/AF Lock.
If the feature is not turned on then try rebooting your iPhone 16 Pro to clear the problem.
