Skip to main content

Bug in iOS Photos app lets you zoom into every pixel of your photos

apple iso bug glitch rotation zoom unlimited ios photos
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Apple’s Photos app in iOS limits how much you can zoom in on an image in review mode, regardless of its resolution (we’re not referring to the digital zoom when shooting using the Camera app). While it isn’t a huge issue to not be able to view every pixel nor is it practical to do so, it’s definitely inconvenient at times when trying to scope out a detail, say a street sigh or that relative way in the back of a family reunion.

Interestingly, it appears as though there’s a way around this limitation thanks to a strange bug that occurs when adjusting the rotation of the image, according to AppAdvice.

To get this unlimited zoom potential, you can simply follow the steps below in the correct order:

  1. Open the Photos app on iOS
  2. Choose any photo within the app
  3. Select edit in the upper-right-hand corner
  4. Press the crop button on the lower-left-hand corner
  5. Rotate the image 90 degrees
  6. Select done

For whatever reason, the photo should then be able to zoom in an incredible amount, to the point of pixelation.

As is the case for most bugs, it isn’t without a few quirks. Most notably, this extreme zoom capability is lost when you exit the Photos app or choose another image.

We tested the it and was able to replicate it on both an iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5c running iOS 9.3.2. It isn’t yet known whether this little glitch is iOS or device specific.

Below is a video from YouTubers iOSJailbreakPro showing off the glitch in action. Keep in mind it is in Spanish.

BUG: Zoom ilimitado en iPhone

It’s worth pointing out that the bug won’t likely stay around long. Now that it’s getting its fifteen minutes of fame, Apple will likely fix it in the upcoming version of iOS.

Editors' Recommendations

This could be our first look at iOS 18’s huge redesign
An iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro standing upright on a desk.

While iOS 17 fell short on a visual overhaul, Apple is rumored to be working on an updated identity for its next iOS version. Previous reports have claimed that the upcoming iOS 18 will feature visionOS-like elements introduced on the Apple Vision Pro. A new report confirms this with a leaked image of the iOS 18 Camera app.

According to a report from MacRumors, the next version of the Camera app could feature visionOS-style design elements. It is based on an iPhone frame template that the publication received from an anonymous source who claimed to have received it from an iOS engineer. It is said to have been included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18.

Read more
10 reasons you should buy an iPhone in 2024
Purple iPhone 14 (left) and a green iPhone 15 in hand.

The iPhone 15 lineup — which includes the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro — is the iPhone at its best. It's the latest series of iPhones available today and the default choice if you're buying a new iPhone in 2024.

But it’s not the only choice of iPhones you can purchase. In fact, Apple still sells the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and the iPhone SE on its website. You could also find other iPhone models available – refurbished or new — from other retailers or carrier stores.

Read more
We now know when Apple is adding RCS to the iPhone
The iPhone 14 Plus held in a man's hand.

Last November, Apple made a surprise announcement when it confirmed that RCS was coming to the iPhone in 2024. It's something iPhone and Android phone users alike have been waiting years for, but there was just one small problem: Apple never said when in 2024 RCS was coming. Thanks to Google, of all companies, we now have a better idea of when RCS is heading to the iPhone.

As spotted by 9to5Google, the Android website was recently updated with a new page dedicated to Google Messages. If you click on the "See more features" button for the section talking about RCS, there's a section titled "Better messaging for all" with the following text: "Apple has announced it will be adopting RCS in the fall of 2024. Once that happens, it will mean a better messaging experience for everyone."

Read more