iPhone camera still freezing on black screen after iOS 18.2.1 update

If you’ve been experiencing an iPhone camera that seems to have hit the snooze button one too many times, you’re not alone. It all started with the rollout of iOS 18.2, an update that was supposed to bring shiny new AI features and squash some pesky bugs. Instead, it seems to have introduced a particularly annoying one: the dreaded black screen when opening the camera.

Reports of this issue have been piling up like unedited photos in a camera roll. Imagine gearing up for the perfect shot only to be met with… nothing. Just a black void staring back at you. Users from Reddit to tech forums have been venting their frustrations, and frankly, it’s driving many of us to the brink.

The initial coverage of this issue by BGR highlighted the widespread nature of the bug. Whether it’s through the Camera Control, the app icon, or even from the lock screen, the result is often the same: a black screen that stubbornly refuses to snap a photo. And it doesn’t stop there. Even Face ID seems to get caught in the crossfire, leaving users locked out and camera-less.

The release of iOS 18.2.1 was supposed to be the knight in shining armor, riding in to rescue our cameras. However, reports suggest the fix was more of a cardboard sword. The black screen issue continues to haunt even those who diligently updated to the latest version.

A quick dive into user complaints reveals a variety of desperate attempts to bring their cameras back to life. From restarting the app multiple times, toggling between camera modes, to hard resets — it’s clear that the frustration is mounting. Even a full device reset seems to offer no solace.

And the plot thickens with iOS 18.3 beta testers reporting similar woes. The camera bug appears to be playing hide-and-seek across versions, and it’s the users who are losing.

The kicker? This issue isn’t limited to older models. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users are also feeling the sting. Imagine dropping a small fortune on the latest tech only to be met with a camera that’s more temperamental than a diva on a bad hair day. As one user sarcastically put it, “I always love when my $1200 iPhone works as good as a $300 Android.”

So, what’s the deal, Apple? While the company remains tight-lipped, the community’s patience is wearing thin. This bug has been photobombing our lives for far too long.

In the meantime, if you’re facing this issue, you might want to keep a backup camera app handy, or maybe even dust off that old point-and-shoot. Here’s hoping Apple gets their act together soon. Because let’s face it, in a world where every moment is Instagram-worthy, a working camera isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.

Featured image: u/pierreor (Reddit)