Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update

Following the iOS 18 release on September 16, 2024, users of the iPhone 13-series of smartphones noticed the rear-facing-cameras of their devices were no longer functional. One user filed a Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaint and Apple responded, claiming that according to the Software License Agreement, they were not responsible for hardware failure due to issues with their own provided software or software update.

Background

Users of the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro/Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Mini report widespread camera issues after updating to iOS 18 and including some later iOS 18 updates. This is not only limited to Consumer Releases, but also happened to releases that were distributed as part of the iOS 18 Beta Testing Program. These issues range from visual glitches on the camera, "part not recognized" warnings, one or two of the three rear-facing cameras lacking function, or total rear camera bump failure with no camera usability or image output.

Failure 1: Camera Blackout

Failure 2: Vertical Lines

Failure 3: Unrecognized Part

Failure 4: Misc. Framing Issues

Widespread Camera Failure Incidents

Camera Blackouts:

One of the first widespread reports of this incident was made by a Reddit user in September of 2024 who stated their iPhone 13 Pro Max rear-facing cameras were unresponsive after updating to the brand new iOS 18.0 release. This post received over 250 replies from other users who similar problems after updates, even months later.

Visual Glitches & Unrecognized Part Errors

Another post, dated May 2025, shows vertical lines spreading across the camera viewfinder in the iOS camera app. Customers running the beta version of iOS 18.1 experienced an error showing an unrecognized part even though the phone is entirely composed of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts.

One repair shop owner claimed seeing this issue on a regular basis among customers with not only the iPhone 13 line of models, but with the iPhone 14 line as well.

These have appear on the official Apple community website.

BBB Complaint & Apple's Response

On September 24th, 2024, a customer filed a complaint to the Better Business Bureau after their iPhone 13 Pro Max camera failed due to the original iOS 18.0 update. They claimed that an employee of the Apple Store said the device was "permanently physically damaged" and that it was "really old," suggesting that the customer should instead purchase a newer model.

Apple responded to the BBB complaint, stating that according to Section 8 of the Software License Agreement, Apple was not responsible for any hardware failure caused by issues within their provided software, suggesting that the problem may have even stemmed from the customer's "inability to use the Apple Software."

Apple's Full Response:

BBB Case #: 22331190

Dear Better Business Bureau:

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the above-referenced case number.

The following iOS AND iPadOS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT excerpt(s) may be viewed at https://www.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/iOS18_iPadOS18.pdf:

“8. Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS LICENSE, TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL APPLE, ITS AFFILIATES, AGENTS OR PRINCIPALS BE LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, OR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, CORRUPTION OR LOSS OF DATA, FAILURE TO TRANSMIT OR RECEIVE ANY DATA (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION COURSE INSTRUCTIONS, ASSIGNMENTS AND MATERIALS), BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE APPLE SOFTWARE AND SERVICES OR ANY THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE, APPLICATIONS OR SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE APPLE SOFTWARE OR SERVICES, HOWEVER CAUSED, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY (CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) AND EVEN IF APPLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.”

Apple, based on the iOS AND iPadOS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT, declines the customer’s compensation request.

The following Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty excerpt(s) may be viewed at https://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/ios-warranty-document-us.html:

“WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY?

Apple Inc. of One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, U.S.A. 95014 (“Apple”) warrants the Apple-branded iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV or HomePod hardware product and the Apple-branded accessories contained in the original packaging (“Apple Product”) against defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with Apple's published guidelines for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase by the end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period"). Apple’s published guidelines include but are not limited to information contained in technical specifications, user manuals and service communications.”

Apple records confirm the customer’s iPhone 13 Pro Max was purchased on April 8, 2022, and it was covered by the Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty through April 7, 2023. The customer’s iPhone 13 Pro Max is approximately eighteen months outside of the Warranty Period. As such, Apple declines the customer’s request for a covered repair or replacement.

BBB Complaint and Response for iPhone 13 Camera Issue