A specific subject region is detected, and if a focus detection area that is encompassed in the specific subject region is present, focus detection is performed on that focus detection area. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of a conflict between far and near subjects and reduce the amount of time required for focus detection in an image capture apparatus and in a control method therefor, the image capture apparatus being for performing automatic focus detection based on contrast evaluation values for a plurality of focus detection areas that are each located at a fixed position and each has a fixed size.