A couple of frustrating iPhone 16 Pro camera glitches surface

Update 04/10/24: Apple is rolling out a new iOS 18.0.1 update that fixes the macro mode issues on iPhone 16 Pro units. Here’s part of the changelog addressing this issue:

Camera may freeze when recording macro mode video on the Ultra Wide camera in 4K with HDR turned off on iPhone 16 Pro models

Original article follows:

If you’ve been flexing your iPhone 16 Pro Max’s fancy new camera features, you might have run into a snag—literally. Some users are reporting that macro mode, the up-close-and-personal shooting feature, is acting up, especially when recording in 4K at 24fps and 30fps. To make matters worse, others are noticing that macro photos are only saving in 12MP, far from the promised 48MP resolution that made headlines when the device launched. So, what’s going on with the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s macro mode, and why are users feeling left out of the high-res party?

Several iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max owners are hitting Reddit and Apple’s support forums to voice their frustration about macro video recording issues. The problem? The phone’s macro mode simply refuses to play nice when recording in 4K at either 24fps or 30fps. Instead of capturing crisp, detailed close-ups, users are met with frustrating freezes that halt their creative flow.

One user described the experience as “infuriating,” noting that the camera seems fine until they switch to 4K, where it “locks up completely” and refuses to continue recording. Another mentioned, “I’ve tried rebooting, changing settings, and even resetting my camera options. Nothing works.” It’s clear that the bug isn’t just a minor hiccup — it’s a full-on roadblock for those hoping to capture high-quality macro videos.

The consensus on the forums? This issue isn’t about user error; it’s a bug that Apple needs to squash, and quickly. Some suspect it’s a software glitch related to the phone’s new camera algorithms, while others are holding out hope that an iOS update will smooth things out. For now, users are left navigating workarounds, like switching to lower video resolutions or avoiding macro mode altogether, which defeats the purpose of having such a powerful camera in the first place.

It’s not just videos causing headaches — macro photos are also taking a hit. Instead of capturing those stunning 48MP images that the iPhone 16 Pro Max promises, users are finding that their photos are saving at just 12MP. And let’s be real: that’s not what anyone paid top dollar for.

Users on Reddit and Apple forums are buzzing about this issue, with some wondering if they’ve done something wrong, while others are ready to head back to the Apple Store. “What’s the point of having all this megapixel power if it’s not working?” one frustrated user commented.

There’s a bit of debate over whether the issue is a bug or some kind of sneaky software limitation in macro mode. Several users reported testing their cameras with third-party apps like Halide, which claim to bypass some of the default camera app’s quirks, but results were mixed. Some saw improvements, while others reported similar resolution downgrades, pointing to a deeper issue within the phone’s camera processing.

With the iPhone 16 Pro Max positioned as a top-tier camera phone, these bugs are a real buzzkill for those eager to push the device’s macro capabilities to their limits. So far, Apple hasn’t officially acknowledged the issue, leaving users in the dark about when (or if) a fix might come. Many are hopeful that the next iOS update will bring some relief, but for now, macro enthusiasts are stuck waiting.

The good news? The power of community is on full display as users swap tips and tricks, commiserate over their shared struggles, and push Apple to take notice. If you’re experiencing these issues, you’re not alone — and if history is any indication, Apple will likely get to the bottom of it soon enough. Until then, keep your fingers crossed, and maybe stick to lower video resolutions if you want to avoid an impromptu macro mode meltdown.