iOS 26: Keep iPhone Camera Lens Clean With This Smart Setting

[MacRumors]

In iOS 26, Apple has a helpful new feature that notifies you when your iPhone's camera lens needs cleaning – something Android devices have offered for years. Here's how to turn on this smart notification system.

Whenever your iPhone's camera is active, iOS 26 monitors the incoming light for signs of reduced clarity or smudging that could indicate a dirty lens. When triggered, you'll see a discrete alert suggesting you clean your camera lens to improve image quality.

To benefit from the feature, you'll need an iPhone running iOS 26 (currently in beta). It's currently unclear which models support Lens Cleaning Hints, but you can check by looking for the following toggle:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Toggle on Lens Cleaning Hints.

Once enabled, your iPhone will analyze image quality and display a notification in the Camera app when it detects your rear camera lens could benefit from cleaning.

• Will My iPhone Support iOS 26?

This feature joins another camera-related change in iOS 26 – a completely redesigned Camera app interface that includes a new minimalist navigation bar. If you don't have the beta software installed, you shouldn't have long to wait: Apple is expected to officially release iOS 26 in September.

Article Link: iOS 26: Keep iPhone Camera Lens Clean With This Smart Setting

 

[Rychiar]

someone remind us of this when it's out. I'm not trusting enough of betas on my phone.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Seems like a feature that would be ON by default, but you have to turn it on?

 

[mattopotamus]

Seems like a feature that would be ON by default, but you have to turn it on?

It is on by default. Just checked, running the beta, and it was on.

 

[avanpelt]

Doesn't look like it's supported on the 13 Pro. I don't see the option.

 

[Timpetus]

Discreet, not discrete. Discreet means unobtrusive, discrete means separate.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Doesn't look like it's supported on the 13 Pro. I don't see the option.

Lens Cleaning Hints require the latest Neural Engine, Apple Intelligence and a special co-processor.

Please upgrade to a new iPhone.
We'd also be happy to sustainably recycle your 13 Pro for you at an Apple Store.

-TC

 

[ignatius345]

Whenever your iPhone's camera is active, iOS 26 monitors the incoming light for signs of reduced clarity or smudging that could indicate a dirty lens. When triggered, you'll see a discrete alert suggesting you clean your camera lens to improve image quality.

* discreet

Discrete means separate. Discreet means subtle, unobtrusive.

 

[contacos]

Please copy "show your palm to take a selfie" from Android next. So convenient when taking group shots

 

[iObama]

No dice on my 13PM. Anyone on a 14 series?

 

[Gathomblipoob]

This would be nice if I could actually reach the lenses. Now, the lens protectors are a different story.

 

[Megakazbek]

How about the make the lens enclosure flat so we don’t spend 15 minutes wiping every side and corner of every camera?

 

[DOD250]

No dice on my 13PM. Anyone on a 14 series?

My 14PM doesn't have this function either.

 

[iObama]

My 14PM doesn't have this function either.

Can we get a 15 anybody with a 15 step right up with a 15

 

[macbookpro212]

Someone will say - This has been on Android since 5 years! 🤣🤣🤣

 

[axantas]

Can we get a 15 anybody with a 15 step right up with a 15

Present on 15Pro Max

 

[iObama]

Present on 15Pro Max

A titanium-exclusive feature, I see.

 

[Zacharybinx34]

Lens Cleaning Hints require the latest Neural Engine, Apple Intelligence and a special co-processor.

Please upgrade to a new iPhone.
We'd also be happy to sustainably recycle your 13 Pro for you at an Apple Store.

-TC

View attachment 2537170

For the first time ever, In legit thinking of switching back to Android.

The new Apple sux.

 

[TechRunner]

I'm a serial screen/lens wiper, so I never got this message during the years I had Android phones. Didn't even know they had it. Still, will be glad to have it on iPhone.

 

[elgipsy]

Neat... now we need another article "How to properly clean your iPhone lenses"

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Seems like a feature that would be ON by default, but you have to turn it on?

“I like to use vaseline every now and then to give my images a soft look. I know what I’m doing and I don’t need nanny Apple to tell me when there’s something on my lens! This should be defaulted off!”
— Someone, probably

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Neat... now we need another article "How to properly clean your iPhone lenses"

With a link to the Apple branded microfiber cloth!

 

[NoGood@Usernames]

Can we get a 15 anybody with a 15 step right up with a 15

Present! I have a base model 15, and the feature is available here (on by default).

 

[UliBaer]

Remember: ONLY use Apple™ Polishing Cloth!

 

[Robert.Walter]

Remember: ONLY use Apple™ Polishing Cloth!

“Use often and replace frequently.”