How to Fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Focus Issue

There are 5 pages of posts in this thread. Look at the images provided and then post some of your own showing the issue. Also include complete information, lens used, f/number, shutter speed, ISO, are you using fusion camera, format shot in etc.

just as a reference, I shot this last night in macro.

these photos that someone posted already.

honestly even with iphone12mini the photos are a lot sharper than the IP 16 pro max . I chatted yesterday with Apple support and took photos / videos for them as advised to see and compared a IP12mini photo with them and it is clearly different - they arranged for me to see an Apple technician this week . Now, I’m not an expert photographer but I take a lot of product photos for ecommerce platform and used my iPhone 12 mini until recently - then I upgraded to IP 16pro max hoping for better quality but clients tell me off for the photos are not up to standard - even after tweaking in photoshop with sharpness, exposure etc the older photos are still better. I have no complaints about the IP 16 pro max itself it works amazingly smooth and fast with everything else, however there is something definitely not right with the camera . I hope the iOS 18.2 will solve this problem but I have to wait as it won’t be available here until next year.

Here’s your image and specs.

Object = 10 ¾ inches X 18 ¼ in

Distance from lens to subject = 24 inches

Lens 1X = camera choose 13mm .5X Why???

Follow this path,

iPhone > Settings > Camera > Macro Control > enabled > forces camera to .5X for and 13mm ultra wide.

Settings = 12 mega pixel, ISO 64, 1/99 sec shutter speed

———————————————————————

Here’s your image and specs.

Object = 10 ¾ inches X 18 ¼ in

Distance from lens to subject = 22 inches

Lens 1X = camera choose 24mm 1X

Follow this path,

Lens 1X = camera choose 24mm 1X Why???

Follow this path,

iPhone > Settings > Camera > Macro Control > disabled > camera stays at 24mm/1X

Above image resized to meet 5mb website restriction ,

Image reduced from 75MB to 3 MB file size, 8064 x 6048 reduced to 2048 x 1536, resolution reduced 48MP to 12MP

What does app the above show? Settings make a huge difference. Best results for that distance? Turn off Macro Control and force use of 1X 24 mm lens and maintain at least 1/100 of a second shutter speed and add enough light to maintain ISO of 100. Better results obtained with a tripod.

13mm lens .5X 12MP

24mm 1X lens at 48 megapixel

AND NOW!!!

Here is the same shot taken with my iPhone 13 Pro, i have also circle /markup / draw in red where i think there is smudgy / blurry text on the same A4 Pamphlet shot at 1x zoom 12MP obviously not 24MP because its an iPhone 13 PRO. NOT macro, NOT 0.5x zoom, NOT 2x zoom, NOT 5x zoom, NOT 1.3x, NOT 1.5x, Just the plain old simple 1x zoom.

Oh wait, I didn't need to circle /markup / draw anything on it because the text is sharp all around :), but here is the same pamphlet anyways from the iPhone 13 PRO below:

They also don’t know they just keep trying like we do; they may have some knowledge but they are definitely not qualified technicians to know the problem; even when we tried the iPhone X which takes a more clear photo that the IP 16 pro max, they still try to persuade you it is normal. So I guess we just have to keep trying until the result is satisfactory - I will share two photos side buy side - the best image comes out with the 13mm ultra wide camera as you can see. The images a bit darker as I just screenshot them from my phone so you have to zoom in to see.

I think this issue is also effecting the iPhone 14 Pro model too. I am noticing blurry photos in the app and when trying to take a 48 megapixel picture. I’m not sure what is going on.

Hi there!

The iPhone 16 pro camera focus is a known issue already

I I will attach a link later on here on how to solve the focus lens problem since there is a tutorial for it

I think you are a little competitive, Mr. Jeff

one thing I've noticed about forum experts is some try to tear people down to make themselves look important ... so boring

Agreed! I am so disappointed in this camera quality. I miss my iPhone 12. And the autofocus on this new phone that keeps blurring everything is so annoying

I have the same issue.

Also all pictures have more noise than my 13 pro.

How does your issue relate to an iPhone 16 Pro Max having focus issues? Did you read through the thread? There’s 9 pages of posts and photos discussing the issue.

I have the same issue.

Also all pictures have more noise than my 13 pro.

I said I have the same problem. With 16 Pro. PLUS noise. What’s the problem with my reply?

Jeff Donald wrote:

"No, my experience will speak for itself. His review was worthless in troubleshooting a focus issue. How many 16X20 images do have hanging on your walls of resolution test charts? I have none. Pixel Peepers and gear heads are concerned with test charts and 1:1 images."

I think Mr. Jeff was referencing my earlier referenced Tony Northrop video about the 16 Pro Max camera review on utube

FOCUS LENS TEST CHARTS

since Mr Jeff brings up professional lens test charts -- charts are a useful tool to have available -- I personally would not be so quick to deem them them worthless in troubleshooting lens issues

getting your subject in proper focus is goal number one -- and knowing how to run a quick test to troubleshoot a focus defect (or lens personality) is invaluable -- regardless of the approach

each lens will have its own personality -- what counts is the look you get out of it -- much like the sound a musician gets out of their instrument

I doubt if every musician has or needs a metronome or tonometer, but if someone is having issues maintaining time or tone they may be helpful if they don't have the experience or natural instincts to produce the sound they are after... or adjusting them in the software