iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera Issue Explained: Causes and Fixes

The iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple’s latest flagship, has been met with excitement—but also a concerning camera glitch. Users have reported black blocks or white squiggly lines appearing in photos taken under certain lighting conditions, particularly when shooting LED screens or at concerts. Apple has acknowledged this issue and released a targeted iOS 26 update to address it.

🔍 What Is the Camera Black Block Issue?

Reports from tech reviewers like CNN Underscored’s Henry Casey describe encountering black rectangles and white squiggles in about 1 in 10 photos taken during concerts or events with bright LED lighting. This anomaly affects both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models, especially when the camera faces intense light sources directly.

Credit by Henry Casey

What Causes the Black Blocks?

Apple attributes this issue to a rare interaction between ultra-bright LED lighting and the camera’s image sensor. In these specific conditions, the sensor may overload, causing visual artifacts like black blocks or white lines. This problem is not present in typical indoor, daylight, or portrait photography scenarios.

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How Apple Is Fixing It

Apple has released a revised iOS 26 build (version 23A345) specifically for iPhone 17 Pro models. This update aims to fine-tune the camera system and resolve the black block issue. A broader iOS 26.0.1 update is also being prepared to address similar bugs across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

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Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s black block issue is an unusual but fixable bug. Apple is actively addressing it with a software update, and users can mitigate the problem by adjusting their shooting conditions in the meantime. If you continue to experience issues after updating, consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for further assistance.

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