A peculiar issue has emerged among some iPhone users, where photos inexplicably turn red when zoomed in on. This phenomenon raises concerns for users, as it disrupts the typical viewing experience in the Photos app. Reports indicate that this problem primarily affects images taken on Android devices, rather than those captured on iPhones themselves. The issue appears to stem from a compatibility problem between iOS and certain Android file formats.
Multiple users have shared their experiences on platforms such as Reddit, highlighting the unexpected color shift. For instance, a user identified as djenki0119 posted a screen recording showcasing photos taken with a Samsung Galaxy S24. Initially, the images appear normal, but upon zooming in, they take on a striking red hue, reminiscent of film developing in a dark room. Another user encountered a similar issue with photos captured on a Motorola Razr.
While it remains unclear what specifically triggers this color change, it is evident that the iOS Photos app is misinterpreting certain Android image files. According to 9to5Mac, it seems that a red filter is being applied erroneously during the zoom process. This issue has gained attention recently, leading to speculation about a potential bug in the current version of iOS, specifically iOS 26.
Interestingly, some users, including those using devices like the Pixel 8 Pro, have reported no issues when transferring images to their iPhones. This suggests that the problem may arise from a unique combination of hardware and software, potentially involving specific versions of Android and iOS on certain devices.
Fortunately, users experiencing this issue do not need to wait for an official fix from Apple or Android manufacturers. To restore photos to their original color, users can easily revert the images within the Photos app. By selecting the affected photo, tapping on “Edit,” and choosing “Revert,” the image will return to its proper state, removing the unintended red overlay.
As this situation continues to unfold, it remains essential for users to stay informed about potential updates from Apple and Android regarding compatibility and fixes for these unexpected color changes. For now, those encountering the red photo issue have a simple workaround to restore their images to normalcy.
