Alex Ruben
How To Adjust the Aspect Ratio on Your iPhone Camera
If you’re into photography with an iPhone, you probably noticed that switching between different aspect ratios isn’t super obvious, and sometimes it feels like a bit of a mess. Maybe you want square shots for Instagram or a wider view for landscape shots, but can’t figure out how to tweak it beyond the basics. Luckily, there are ways to do it, but it’s not always straightforward and can depend on the iPhone model or iOS version. This guide walks through some common methods to help get you there, whether it’s via the default Camera app or a handy third-party app. Expect some trial and error—because of course, Apple loves to keep things a little confusing. By the end, you’ll be able to switch between those ratios pretty smoothly and start taking more tailored shots.
How to Fix or Change the Aspect Ratio on Your iPhone Camera
Method 1: Using the Default Camera App’s Built-in Cropping (most recommended)
This is the easiest way, but kind of limiting since the Camera app itself doesn’t have an explicit “aspect ratio” toggle in newer iOS versions. Instead, it’s about cropping after taking the shot. Pretty annoying, but if you want a quick fix without extra apps, this works.
- Take your photo normally. No fancy settings required — just tap the shutter button.
- Head into the Photos app, find your shot, and tap Edit.
- In the editing tools, find the crop icon (usually looks like a square with two arrows).
- Select the aspect ratio tool—often represented by a dropdown or preset icon. Here, you can choose options like Square, 16:9, or even custom ratios.
- Crop and adjust your photo as needed, then save it. This isn’t true in-camera ratio change, but it’s the quickest workaround, and it works on pretty much every iPhone.
It’s kind of weird, but cropping after capture is often the only way unless you use third-party apps. Expect some quality loss if cropping heavily, but for casual shots, it’s fine.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Camera App (more control, better results)
If cropping in post isn’t your thing or you want true aspect ratio changes as you shoot, grab a dedicated camera app. Apps like ProCamera, Camera+ 2, or even Winhance on GitHub offer presets and controls for aspect ratios. Some good ones allow you to select 4:3, 1:1, 16:9, or custom ratios right in the app.
- Download and install the app of choice.
- Open it up, and look for settings for aspect ratio — usually a dropdown or a toggle on the main screen.
- Select your desired ratio, then frame your shot. Many apps also let you lock the ratio so it doesn’t change accidentally.
- Capture with the ratio you set — much cleaner, especially if you’re shooting for social media or specific formats.
This is more reliable for getting true in-camera aspect ratios, especially if your default camera doesn’t support those options natively. Some of these apps might cost a few bucks, but they’re worth it if you shoot a lot.
Method 3: Changing Camera Settings through Accessibility or Settings (rare)
In some cases, your iPhone’s settings might influence how the camera handles aspect ratios, especially if you’re working with specific features like Live Photos or Cinematic mode, which have their own crop presets.
- Go to Settings > Camera
- Look for any options related to aspect ratio or formats. Usually, the native options are quite limited.
- If you see options for recording videos at different ratios, that’s your best bet for video. For still photos, cropping post-shooting is the primary way unless you use a third-party app as mentioned.
This isn’t often the fix for photos, but it’s worth checking if you’re dealing with specific formats like ProRes or HDR.
Extra tips & what to expect
Not sure why, but some iPhones don’t let you change aspect ratios directly when shooting stills—so cropping remains king. Pretty frustrating, but on one model it worked fine, and on another, not so much. If you want the real deal, third-party apps are definitely the way to go. Also, remember that cropping or changing ratios can crop out a lot of the scene, so compose accordingly.
Wrap-up
Changing aspect ratios on an iPhone isn’t always straightforward, especially with newer iOS versions that hide those options behind a few more taps or require apps. Cropping after the fact is easiest, but using dedicated camera apps gives you more control. Either way, it’s about making your photos fit better for your needs — whether that’s for social media, printing, or just personal preference. Expect some experimenting, but once you get the hang of it, shooting becomes way more flexible.
Summary
- Use cropping in Photos for quick fixes, but be aware of quality loss.
- Try third-party apps for in-camera aspect ratio control — good for keeping info in the shot.
- Check your settings and app options to see what’s supported on your specific iPhone model.
- Expect some trial and error—Apple’s not always super transparent with these features.