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faziakhai23
User level: Level 1 (7 points)

iPhone 18 Pro Max camera preview lags and shakes when panning in Photo and Video mode at 1x

Got my iPhone 18 Pro Max 4 days ago, and I’ve noticed a slight lag/delay or shakiness in the camera preview when panning left to right in both Photo and Video mode, especially at 1×. I compared it with other iPhone models, including the 16 Pro Max and 17 Pro Max, and their camera previews look much smoother. Has anyone else experienced this on their iPhone 18 Pro Max? Is this normal, or should I ask Apple for a replacement?

Posted on Sep 26, 2026 9:07 PM

7 replies

SravanKrA
User level: Level 10 (454,138 points)

Sep 27, 2026 3:18 AM in response to faziakhai23

You should visit an Apple Store again and demonstrate the exact problem you are experiencing to the staff. If possible, show them the issue directly on your iPhone rather than just describing it.


They can run the appropriate diagnostics, check whether the camera and its stabilisation/panning system are functioning as intended, and determine whether the behaviour is normal or indicates a hardware or software issue. If there is genuinely a problem with the camera panning on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, they should be able to advise you on the appropriate solution or service option.


It would also be useful to compare your iPhone with another iPhone 18 Pro Max in the store under the same conditions. That can quickly establish whether what you are seeing is specific to your device or is normal behaviour for the model.

Jeff Donald
User level: Level 9 (64,078 points)

Sep 27, 2026 5:31 AM in response to faziakhai23

It’s not normal, but rather than run you through a bunch of troubleshooting steps, consider returning it for another device. Apple has a 14 day return policy. If you purchased your iPhone from another merchant please review their return policy. Good luck !

AlonsoCgura
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 15, 2026 12:07 PM in response to güner230

Hey, mine does the same. Even in low light conditions, it shoots almost every video at 24fps or lower. What did they tell you at the store? Did you replace your phone, or does it look like all the phones have the same problem?

nbenadom
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 22, 2026 11:16 PM in response to SravanKrA

When multiple users have the same problem with the same hardware and software, it’s not a troubleshooting issue on the user side. Apple is too **** lazy to fix the software updates before they roll them out because it’s much easier to to pass the buck and blame it on everyone and everything else instead of the real problem… bad software and hardware engineers, and this is from a former software engineer.

Logfile
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 29, 2026 10:47 PM in response to faziakhai23

Did you end up going to the Apple Store to compare it with other devices, or did you exchange your iPhone? I’m having the exact same issue, so I’m really interested to know what you found out.

güner230
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 13, 2026 2:25 PM in response to faziakhai23

I got my 18 pro Max today and I have same issue,I gonna to Apple Store tomorrow

LZD20_25
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 18, 2026 2:30 AM in response to güner230

Was your issue resolved? I don’t live in the US but bought my phone there so I want to know if it needs changing or something.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256365753