iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro 18.0.1 Anyone else have issues with Camera Focus in third party Apps?

[Lifequest]

TLTR: Camera focusing issues in third party apps, have called Apple support, diagnostics of components ran by Apple support suggests it is functioning as normal. Have insisted a book-in with local apple store in 2 days time for on-site support. Anyone else having this issue?


iPhone 16 Pro iOS 18.0.1
Wondering if anyone else is having issues with their camera not auto-focusing at distances of closer than 20cm (8")?
Google translate (lens) or Australian McDonald's app.

• screenshot images attached for reference approx distances 6", 8", 15" ; Google translate app.
• Phone's camera app functions fine for both video recording and photo taking
• Activating camera on other third party apps that does allow for manual focus-on-tapping will work such as Facebook messenger app -> attach -> camera icon -> camera initially not clear but tapping screen does successfully focus. It is bothersome though. Would have to tap multiple times and wait for a few second delay for it to, what i suspect, switch lenses.
• In certain apps that don't appear to change focus-on-tap: have tried tapping on the screen to focus - it won't change focal length unless if I manually move further away
• iPhone 12 Pro & 13 Pro also running same iOS version 18.0.1 available from family members operates and focuses fine with third party apps such as Google translate and the McDonald's app
• Apple phone support screen shared and directed to reset-all settings; did not result in any functional changes
• Apple phone support screen shared and directed to run diagnostics; results were that everything functioning normally
• They concluded that this is within "normal operation" and that you I need to move further away. However, I have reiterated that all other phone models I have on hand can auto focus on third party apps at distances that is much closer to what I am required to with my 16 Pro

I am missing another iPhone 16 Pro so am unable to compare so wondering if anyone on MR has any thoughts to add or advice prior to my appointment in 2 days at the Appple store?

 

[ToddH]

I’m not sure. I don’t have the iPhone 6 anymore. It’s too old. It may not be supported by iOS 18.

 

[Lifequest]

I’m not sure. I don’t have the iPhone 6 anymore. It’s too old. It may not be supported by iOS 18.

My bad typo in topic. fixed to iphone 16 Pro

 

[ToddH]

My bad typo in topic. fixed to iphone 16 Pro

Ah ok… well the 1x camera has a minimum focus distance of 8 inches. Any closer than that the photos will be out of focus. If macro control is on, then the ultra wide camera will take over to achieve focus. The 5x camera has a minimum focus distance of 53 inches. If you get closer than that range with the 5x, the 1x camera will digitally zoom in to 5x to simulate the actual 5x. Take a look at his info…

You are probably getting too close and unable to achieve focus due to the limitations of the camera. Try again with a minimum of 8 inches on the 1x and 53 inches on the 5x.