Apple has begun the global rollout of the incremental iOS 26.2 update for iPhone users, introducing several new features. However, this update appears to have overlooked a peculiar issue where certain photos display a red tint. This bug has been a point of frustration for users over the past few weeks, particularly affecting images saved from Google Photos that were originally taken with Android devices.
Reports from users on Reddit indicate that images captured on devices such as Samsung and Motorola smartphones show a pronounced red cast when viewed on iPhones. This issue manifests particularly when users zoom in on these photos. One Reddit user shared, “Mine is doing this too. Any photo originally taken on my partner’s Android turns red when I zoom in. They also turn black & white when I try to crop.”
Despite the iOS 26.2 update, which was released in early March 2024, the problem persists for many users. Some have speculated that the issue may be linked to high dynamic range (HDR) processing, which could be causing the unexpected red coloration. As of now, Apple has not issued an official statement regarding this problem, nor have any Android manufacturers acknowledged it.
Interestingly, attempts to replicate the issue on various iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, running the latest software, did not yield the same results. Users have reported that this bug is not widespread, with only a select number of images exhibiting the red tint.
Several theories have emerged regarding the nature of the bug. Some users believe it may involve corrupted files, suggesting that only the red spectrum of the RGB color model is being decoded. This explanation raises questions about why only certain files are affected rather than an entire gallery of images taken with specific devices.
Until Apple addresses the issue with a software update, users experiencing the red tint can attempt to revert their images to the original state. To do this, users should follow these steps:
1. Open the affected image in the Photos app on the iPhone.
2. Tap on the three-dot option button located in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Revert to Original” from the context menu.
It is essential to note that reverting will erase any edits made to the photo. Given that this issue does not appear to impact all users, drastic measures such as resetting the device or wiping the photo gallery are not recommended.
As users await a potential fix from Apple, patience may be key. Until then, reverting edits may provide a temporary solution for those affected by the peculiar red tint in their photos.
