How to Fix iPhone 16 Pro Ultrawide Camera Shaking Issue ?

Many iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users have noticed a strange issue with the ultrawide camera. While recording videos, the camera appears to shake or jitter, especially when the phone is moved slightly or used indoors. However, when the footage is reviewed, the shaking is not visible in the final video. This has led to confusion among users who rely on their iPhones for casual and professional video recording.

If you are wondering why the iPhone 16 Pro ultrawide camera shakes during recording and how it can be fixed, the issue is likely connected to software glitches or autofocus behavior, not hardware failure in most cases.

What Has Been Observed?

The issue mostly occurs with the 0.5x (ultrawide) lens.
Shaking is seen during recording but not visible in the saved video.
The problem tends to appear indoors, around 1.5 meters (5 feet) from a subject.
The shaking disappears when the phone is moved slightly or the screen is tapped.
Factory resets, cache clears, and even DFU mode restores have not solved the issue permanently.
No visible damage to the camera hardware is found.

Is It a Software Bug or a Hardware Issue?

Evidence strongly points toward a software-related cause. Some users have reported that after a recent firmware update, the issue was fixed on their iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, others using the iPhone 16 Pro (non-Max) still face the problem, even with the latest update.

A possible cause could be a camera module revision, where slightly different components were used during assembly. If firmware is not optimized for all module types, it may result in such bugs. This could explain why only some units are affected.

How to Fix iPhone 16 Pro Ultrawide Camera Shaking Issue

The most effective fix shared by users has been the following:

Go to Settings > Camera > Macro Control.
Turn off Macro Mode.

Although macro mode is designed to activate at close distances (under 0.6 meters), it may be mistakenly triggered when the subject is slightly farther. This can confuse the autofocus system and cause visible shaking.

Turning macro mode off has helped many users eliminate the shaking completely.

Additional Tips to Reduce Shaking on iPhone 16

Tap to focus on a specific point in the frame to lock autofocus.
Avoid bright backlighting, as it may cause the autofocus to hunt.
Record in good lighting where the autofocus system can clearly identify a subject.
Use a tripod or stabilizer to limit unintended motion.
If possible, record in 1x or 2x mode when ultrawide is not necessary.

When to Contact Apple Support

If the issue continues even after updates and macro mode adjustments, it may be wise to contact Apple Support. A hardware diagnostic can be performed at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. This will help rule out any camera hardware problems.

Final Thoughts

The ultrawide camera shake on the iPhone 16 Pro seems to be caused by software, and not by physical damage. While a permanent fix may require a firmware update from Apple, the issue can often be resolved by disabling macro mode and using manual focus lock. Until an official fix is rolled out, these steps can help improve the experience and keep your video quality smooth and professional.