Apple's recent update, iOS 26, released in September 2025, introduced a new feature aimed at enhancing photo quality. Known as Lens Cleaning Hints, this functionality alerts users when the iPhone's camera lens requires cleaning, preventing the need for repeated photo captures due to smudges.
This feature is automatically activated upon installation but is only compatible with the iPhone 15 and newer models. Users with older devices like the iPhone 14 Pro will not have access to this option.
To enable Lens Cleaning Hints, users can navigate to the Settings menu, select Camera, and toggle the feature on. Once active, the device will notify users if the front camera lens is dirty, ensuring clearer pictures, especially for those who frequently share their phones with children.