Some iPhone 16 Pro users report camera delay on iOS 18.2

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro has been lauded as a cutting-edge device, but some users are discovering an unexpected bug: a delay and occasional failure in the camera app. A section of users on Reddit have been vocal about their experiences, sharing frustration over a feature that’s supposed to work seamlessly but doesn’t.

Several users reported that the camera app takes several seconds to load, with some facing an entirely black screen before the camera finally activates. For a $1,000 smartphone that touts advanced photography capabilities, this issue is a glaring flaw. One user lamented that even launching the camera from third-party apps like Snapchat resulted in significant delays, while another claimed their older iPhone 14 Pro Max opened the camera faster.

It’s not just the camera app causing headaches. The settings search bar reportedly lags, calls take several seconds to ring after the screen displays an incoming call, and some users are experiencing flashlight malfunctions. For a device running on iOS 18.2, these performance issues feel out of place on a flagship model. Here’s a video illustration of the glitch.

While some speculate that these issues are software-based, others suggest that it might be linked to how the device handles storage or background processes. One user recommended performing a hard reboot, but many are holding out hope for a software update — perhaps iOS 18.2.1 — to address these bugs.

Previous reports further highlight challenges for the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera. Users have flagged issues with the camera control button, with some praising improvements while others remain unimpressed. Additionally, problems like macro mode freezing, resolution glitches, and app crashes are compounding frustrations for photography enthusiasts. These bugs suggest that the camera’s performance may need more than a minor patch to meet expectations.

This Reddit thread captured a spectrum of reactions. Some expressed regret over upgrading, with one user saying they would have stuck with their previous iPhone if they’d known about the bugs. Another reflected on this being their first disappointing Apple experience. Meanwhile, other users, perhaps the majority, claimed they hadn’t encountered any problems at all, which puts the device’s consistency into question.

Apple has built a reputation on delivering polished, reliable products. For the tech giant, resolving these bugs quickly will be critical to maintaining user trust and enthusiasm for the 16 Pro. Until then, many users are stuck waiting — sometimes literally, as their camera app struggles to load.

Hopefully, the next iOS 18 incremental update fixes the camera delay issue for affected iPhone 16 Pro users. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed that the next photo doesn’t require an extended staring contest with a black screen.