iOS 26 bug causes photos to turn red when shared from an Android device

Apple's recent iOS 26 update is encountering significant backlash as users have reported an unusual bug that alters the appearance of photos imported from Android devices. This issue, which has garnered attention on platforms like Reddit, results in a striking red tint being applied to certain images when viewed in the iPhone's native Photos app. Users have described the glitch as alarming, as it is not immediately noticeable. Initially, the photos appear normal in thumbnail previews, but upon tapping or zooming in, the unsettling red overlay becomes apparent. This has understandably led many to worry that their image files may be compromised. Compounding the problem, some users have experienced issues where cropping these affected images causes them to turn completely black and white. The bug seems to primarily impact photographs taken on popular Android devices before being transferred to an iPhone. Experts suggest that the root cause of this anomaly lies in how iOS 26 processes embedded color information or HDR metadata, particularly with regard to the gain maps utilized by formats like Android's Ultra HDR. This leads to a significant imbalance in color channels, particularly affecting the red spectrum. Despite the persistence of this glitch even after the release of the iOS 26.2 update, Apple has not officially acknowledged the issue. A temporary workaround exists for users affected by the red-tinted photos; they can restore the original color profile by selecting 'Edit' and then 'Revert' on the altered image. However, this solution requires users to repeat the process for each individual photo, highlighting the inconvenience until Apple addresses the problem with a more permanent fix. This bug adds to a series of early issues reported with iOS 26, which also includes user complaints about battery drain and animation stuttering since its launch.