Despite its reputation as a state-of-the-art smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro has a surprising flaw: its camera app is plagued by frustrating delays and occasional failures. A growing number of users have taken to Reddit to vent their frustrations, expressing disappointment that a feature meant to work flawlessly is falling short.
Some iPhone 16 Pro users are experiencing frustrating camera delays on iOS 18.2. The issue is causing the camera app to take several seconds to load, with some users facing a completely black screen before the camera finally activates ¹. This glitch is not only limited to the camera app, as some users are also reporting lag issues with the settings search bar, delayed ringing on incoming calls, and even flashlight malfunctions.
Affected users have taken to online forums to share their experiences and seek solutions. Some have suggested performing a hard reboot to resolve the issue, while others are holding out hope for a software update, possibly iOS 18.2.1, to address the bug.
The camera issues are not the only problem plaguing the iPhone 16 Pro. Some users are also reporting lag, crashes, and glitches, particularly after upgrading from older iPhone models.
Reports are emerging that the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera app is beset by frustrating delays, taking several seconds to load and sometimes displaying a completely black screen before finally activating. This glitch is particularly egregious given the device’s $1,000 price tag and touted advanced photography capabilities.
The issue extends beyond the native camera app, with users experiencing significant delays when launching the camera from third-party apps like Snapchat. Some have even compared the performance unfavorably to older models, such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Furthermore, users are reporting additional performance issues, including lag in the settings search bar, delayed ringing on incoming calls, and flashlight malfunctions. These problems are all the more surprising given that the device runs on iOS 18.2, and are decidedly uncharacteristic of a flagship model.
Theories abound regarding the root cause of the iPhone 16 Pro’s issues, with some attributing them to software problems and others suggesting a possible link to the device’s storage management or background process handling. In search of a solution, one user proposed performing a hard reboot, while many others are eagerly awaiting a software update, potentially iOS 18.2.1, to resolve these bugs.
These issues are not isolated, as previous reports have highlighted additional camera-related issues for the iPhone 16 Pro. Users have reported problems with the camera control button, with some noting improvements while others remain dissatisfied. Furthermore, issues such as macro mode freezing, resolution glitches, and app crashes are exacerbating frustrations for photography enthusiasts. These persistent bugs suggest that a more comprehensive fix may be necessary to meet expectations and unlock the camera’s full potential.
A Reddit thread revealed a wide range of reactions to the iPhone 16 Pro’s issues. Some users expressed buyer’s remorse, with one individual stating they would have kept their previous iPhone had they known about the bugs. Another user noted that this was their first disappointing experience with Apple.
On the other hand, many users reported not encountering any problems, which raises questions about the device’s consistency. As a company known for delivering refined and reliable products, Apple faces a critical test in resolving these issues promptly. Doing so is essential to maintaining user trust and enthusiasm for the 16 Pro.
Until a fix is available, affected users must wait patiently – sometimes for several seconds – for the camera app to load. Hopefully, an upcoming iOS 18 incremental update will address the camera delay issue for iPhone 16 Pro users. In the meantime, users can only cross their fingers that their next photo doesn’t require an extended wait.
