With iOS 26, Apple has redesigned the Camera app to make it easier to see when certain features are active. Instead of relying only on icons at the top of the screen, the app now shows floating camera indicators for settings like flash, Live Photo, and Action mode. These indicators appear directly on the viewfinder, so you can quickly confirm whether a setting is turned on or off without leaving your frame.
This change reduces the chance of accidentally shooting photos or videos with the wrong settings. For example, if the flash is on when you intended to keep it off, or if Live Photo is accidentally enabled, you’ll see a clear on-screen cue. The indicators are subtle, designed to blend with the camera interface, but they provide instant visual feedback while capturing moments.
To enable the new camera indicators in iOS 26:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and select Camera.
- Look for the section called Camera Indicators.
- Toggle the switches for Flash, Live Photo, and Action mode indicators depending on your preference.
Once enabled, these indicators will appear each time you use the Camera app. For instance, if you activate flash, a small flash symbol will show on the screen; if Live Photo is turned on, a circular Live icon will appear; and if you use Action mode for video, its indicator will be displayed as well.
These changes are part of Apple’s broader effort in iOS 26 to simplify the photography experience. By giving users immediate feedback on core camera settings, the update makes it less likely to miss a shot because of an overlooked toggle. Combined with new system-wide features like performance improvements and updated visual design elements, the Camera app is now more transparent and easier to use.
If you’re exploring more of iOS 26, you may also want to check out how to fix common iOS 26 issues after upgrade or learn how to unenroll from the iOS 26 beta program. You should also tryout the new Bright Photographic Style available for iPhone 16 and later.
