How to turn off Auto Macro mode on iPhone 13 Pro

Apple's iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have an impressive camera setup that's incredibly fun to use. The cinematic video mode, with its dynamic focus-panning, is enough to make you feel like a creative pro.

In addition to the video mode, Apple also added the option to take Macro photos — that is, close-up shots of objects — for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. 

Also: How to take great macro photos with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

However, when the phones were first released, there wasn't any sort of button to switch into Macro mode. Instead, the phone would recognize that it was getting close to an item and automatically switch to Macro mode. 

The problem: you don't want this jarring automatic switch interrupting your quick, creative snap. 

As the reviews rolled in and users expressed their annoyance, Apple quickly confirmed that a future update would include a toggle to disable Auto Macro mode switching. And with the release of iOS 15.1, Apple made good on its promise. 

How to turn off Auto Macro mode

How to take a Macro photo with automatic switching turned off

Now that your iPhone's camera will no longer automatically detect and switch lenses to take a Macro photo, how do you take one on purpose? Glad you asked. 

Open the camera app, switch to the ultra-wide camera — it's the 0.5 option in the app — and then get really close to the item you're trying to photograph. 

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In my basic testing, it doesn't appear that you can get as close with manual Macro mode as you could previously, but the results are still impressive.

How to use Macro Control Mode

All of this isn't to say that Auto Macro is useless. If you still want to utilize the magnified shots that Macro mode delivers (and with the iPhone's suggestion), you can also turn on the Macro Control toggle within the camera settings. 

Simply go to Settings > Camera > and turn on Macro Control. 

What exactly does this control toggle do? When taking your next close-up picture, get up close to the subject and the Camera app will display a macro button — a flower encapsulated by a yellow circle. Tap the button to turn off the automatic switching or tap again to turn it on — the choice is yours. 

FAQ

What can you expect from the results of a macro photo?

Macro shots allow you to capture subjects as close as two centimeters away. Still macro photos, with enough lighting, can capture finer details like the whiskers of your furry friend to the droplets on a flower petal. 

For a little inspiration, check out the finalists from Apple's Macro Shot on iPhone Challenge.

Should I turn off Macro Mode or use Macro Control?

If you're a photography buff or wanting to unleash your inner creative, you may want to opt for Macro Control so you can play around with the advanced feature. 

Also: How to use the Pixel 7 Pro's Macro Focus Mode

If you purchased the iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max for a routine phone upgrade or for reasons aside from the camera updates, the automatic shift to Macro mode when simply trying to take a close-up of your morning cup of coffee may call for you to turn the mode off completely. 

Do the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro have the same cameras?

While both the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro offer multi-camera setups, the difference in the cameras lies in their rear lenses. The iPhone 13 has a dual camera system — including an ultra-wide and wide lens. 

Also: iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?

If you're looking to shoot from further away or capture more candid moments, the iPhone 13 Pro has an additional telephoto lens and, of course, the capability to shoot macro photography.