Apple Warns Vibrations Like Those From High-Power Motorcycle Engines Can Harm iPhone Cameras

[MacRumors]

Apple today published a new support document warning iPhone users that the cameras on their devices can be damaged by exposure to certain vibrational frequencies such as those generated by high-power motorcycle engines.

iPhone camera lenses with optical image stabilization (OIS) or closed-loop autofocus (AF) are susceptible to this damage due to their use of gyroscopes and/or magnetic sensors to help compensate for movement and vibration when shooting photos or video.

The OIS and closed-loop AF systems in iPhone are designed for durability. However, as is the case with many consumer electronics that include systems like OIS, long-term direct exposure to high-amplitude vibrations within certain frequency ranges may degrade the performance of these systems and lead to reduced image quality for photos and videos. It is recommended to avoid exposing your iPhone to extended high-amplitude vibrations.

Due to this risk, Apple recommends that users not attach their iPhones directly to the chassis or handlebars of such motorcycles, as direct transmission of vibrations can be intense. Apple even recommends that users mounting their devices to lower-powered devices like mopeds and electric scooters at least use a vibration-dampening mount to minimize the chances of any damage.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1433944579892523009

It is unclear whether there is a specific reason Apple has posted the document at this time, but there have been a number of reports on discussion forums and other venues over the years about damage caused in such scenarios, including on mountain bikes.

Apple has previously warned that OIS and closed-loop AF systems can similarly suffer from magnetic interference that degrades camera performance when used with certain iPhone accessories, although magnet-related issues tend to be temporary and can be remedied by simply removing the accessories. Vibrations can more easily result in permanent damage to the systems.

All iPhone models from the iPhone 7 onward, as well as the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus, have OIS and/or closed-loop AF and are potentially affected.

Article Link: Apple Warns Vibrations Like Those From High-Power Motorcycle Engines Can Harm iPhone Cameras

 

[alex00100]

That's the first step of apple introducing apple-branded motorcycles that will be safe to use with your iPhone.

 

[swingerofbirch]

I have a really vague recollection of one of the iPhone announcements in which Apple was showing off the cameras by taking video in a desert, and I think the cameras were attached to off road vehicles or motorcycles or something like that. Didn't even have one where they attached to a hockey stick? It all blurs together. Anyhow, they always show their products in ads taken to the extreme but then of course AppleCare won't cover it.

Edit:

I found one of them (I think there were more like this). They even show the word "SHOT" shaking back and forth and you can see these vehicles are obviously vibrating:

 

[lamina]

Sounds like a Harley problem to me lol

 

[SamRyouji]

In other words: strap a gimbal to whatever your vibrating thing and then attach the tough yet delicate and tender iPhone to the gimbal.
.
I wonder what other vibrating devices that will do such damage if even gentle vibrations from a scooter could potentially do harm, because I routinely massage my iPhone after its hard day's work.

 

[kfstop]

Totally had this happen to me. Had my iPhone 10x on a ram handlebar mount. Eventually the camera could not focus and would make a clicking sound all photos came out blurry.

 

[Shirasaki]

So where do we suppose to use apple devices? Dust free room? Treating an iPhone like a $4m equipment?

 

[KaliYoni]

Funny, I had no idea Tim Apple was a Sturgis guy...
(cue photo of Marlon Brando rocking an iPhone on his handlebars in The Wild One)

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

How is that even possible? Image stabilization is not coming handy?

 

[0134168]

I put my Iphone 11 in my handlebar, a BMW R1200R, every day, for almost an hour. 2 years now. Never had any problem.

 

[hagar]

keep it in your pants, and you’ll be fine. 😜

 

[ian87w]

I wonder if this issue is valid with any smartphones with auto-focus/OIS. Curious if other OEMs would have similar issues.

 

[Madmic23]

How many people are actually out there using their expensive iPhone as an action camera? That’s what a GoPro is for.

 

[mikethemartian]

I have a really vague recollection of one of the iPhone announcements in which Apple was showing off the cameras by taking video in a desert, and I think the cameras were attached to off road vehicles or motorcycles or something like that. Didn't even have one where they attached to a hockey stick? It all blurs together. Anyhow, they always show their products in ads taken to the extreme but then of course AppleCare won't cover it.

I find it funny that Apple will refuse to service one of their products if they detect tobacco use.

 

[DogHouseDub]

I use this vibration damper for my iPhone 11. Works well but I suspect this is predominantly an iPhone 12 problem

Motorcycle - Vibration Dampener

The Quad Lock® Vibration Dampener protects smartphone camera's image stabilisation from harmful vibrations wherever you use your motorcycle. The Quad Lock Vibration Dampener reduces over 90% of high frequency vibrations produced by motorcycles.

www.quadlockcase.com

 

[Ninjaman]

This is a very easy fix. I use quad lock to lock my iPhone down on the steering wheel. I use a dampener that reduces the vibration. 4 months of riding I’ve had zero issues with the camera or pictures. I have read many people that didn’t use a dampener have had to get the phones repaired. They were doing it for free but I doubt anymore after this article

 

[Ninjaman]

I use this vibration damper for my iPhone 11. Works well but I suspect this is predominantly an iPhone 12 problem

Motorcycle - Vibration Dampener

The Quad Lock® Vibration Dampener protects smartphone camera's image stabilisation from harmful vibrations wherever you use your motorcycle. The Quad Lock Vibration Dampener reduces over 90% of high frequency vibrations produced by motorcycles.

www.quadlockcase.com

View attachment 1829412

Ha ha you beat me to it

 

[Ninjaman]

How many people are actually out there using their expensive iPhone as an action camera? That’s what a GoPro is for.

Not being used for an action camera. My 2021 Honda African Twin motorcycle has apple CarPlay so I use it as I would in my car

 

[4jasontv]

Good. Get rid of the motorcycles and pickup trucks.

 

[Denzo]

Is this the same for all major brand of smart phone or an apple only thing?

 

[JayJohnPaul]

“The toughest and the most durable Cameras in any smartphone” -Phil Schiller on September 14th

That will most likely be the selling point of the iPhone 13 lineup.

 

[johannnn]

So where do we suppose to use apple devices? Dust free room? Treating an iPhone like a $4m equipment?

Lol who would even strap their phone directly to the motorcycle. Ever heard of pockets? Pockets with zipper even?

 

[risenphoenixkai]

Lol who would even strap their phone directly to the motorcycle. Ever heard of pockets? Pockets with zipper even?

Ever heard of GPS? Turn-by-turn directions even?

 

[risenphoenixkai]

This is a very easy fix. I use quad lock to lock my iPhone down on the steering wheel. I use a dampener that reduces the vibration. 4 months of riding I’ve had zero issues with the camera or pictures. I have read many people that didn’t use a dampener have had to get the phones repaired. They were doing it for free but I doubt anymore after this article

What kind of iPhone have you got? I’ve been thinking of mounting my 12 Pro to my FTR 1200 so I can use it for GPS directions, and I’m definitely leaning toward quadlock because of the vibration dampener.

 

[twocents]

Pretty rough summer for any CSAM collecting bikers