I don’t see how this is a software issue. Cold weather affecting a screen sounds more hardware. What software could they adjust to make it reliable in the cold?
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Cold-Display-Unresponsiveness is driving me CRAZY!
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Ipadfever
macrumors 6502a
They won’t replace it since Apple has acknowledged the issue and is warranting a fix.
Vermifuge
macrumors 68020
There is a temperature sensor. For example when the phone gets too hot and shuts down. Perhaps it’s not calibrating properly. Software bugs pop up in all sorts of weird instances.
Source: I’m a quality assurance engineer.
Brookzy
macrumors 603
I heard this is related to the accidental touch rejection algorithm. This is why:
- It is sharp temperature change rather than cold temperatures in general that causes the issue.
- It can be fixed with software.
Well, if we just stayed inside when it was that cold here we would be housebound half the year, as is the case in many places people live. People here still go outside and do stuff (walking, running, skiing, snowboarding, and on and on) in winter. Or need to commute to work, and well, live their daily lives, and so on. They just dress for it.
It is funny as I don’t even consider -10 C or so that cold - certainly not cold enough to prevent doing things outside! I still dress warm of course though. When it starts dipping into colder than -20c and especially into the -30s C then yes, I am going to limit my time outside a little more as I am not that fond of the real cold (or frostbite).
Yes, I have used my X for an extended period this past week while outside, including while going for walks over lunch hour. Including web browsing, moving between apps, browsing and selecting on Spotify, Podcasts, sending texts. All with Touch sensitive gloves of course. I also never had an issue with my previous iPhones.
I don’t typically carry my phone in a coat pocket - it is usually in my hand or a bag/purse. I am too paranoid about accidentally putting my keys or coins in my pocket with my phone! I will also say pockets in coats at -20 C do not stay all that warm without hands or chemical warmers in them, though!
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Sumter
macrumors 6502
I personally haven’t experienced this myself but I would be extremely frustrated and upset if my phone froze while outside in the cold weather. I took my phone outside today at -6C and it was working fine... only my hands were freezing. I don’t know why not everyone is experiencing the freeze issue, but luckily Apple acknowledges this and will fix in an update... so let’s wait and see.
Yes, I feel fortunate and would also be really irritated if I was experiencing it. It would really limit my use a lot! I mean what would I do while I was waiting for my car to warm up! 😉
macfacts
macrumors 603
Assuming it is a software issue. Maybe it is a hardware issue and that is the coverup. Ice-gate
Well, I have for brief moments (at a little below -0 C), but I am curious as to why that would make a difference? Other than the chance to freeze my fingers. They are touch sensitive gloves, obviously.
Some phones just do not appear to have this issue, while others do. Who knows why, but I know I am not the only one who has not had issues with it.
I can walk outside and try now, but it is only -4 C right now 🙂
ETA: I am typing this ten minutes later, outside, at -4 C, without gloves, after leaving my 22 C house. No screen or delay issues. Okay, going back inside now as I don’t have a proper jacket on!
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As a temporary fix, when it starts acting up, lock the phone and unlock it. It’ll work fine then. Like someone above said, it’s all about the sudden change in temp that triggers the bug.
Suspenders
macrumors regular
I experienced this today in the Toronto area. It was 1 celsius (33.8F) and I had trouble texting.
Glad to know I'm not the only one... Doesn't bother me that much though so long as they can fix it.
Thankfully there's Apple Care 🙂
Glad to know I'm not the only one... Doesn't bother me that much though so long as they can fix it.
Thankfully there's Apple Care 🙂
Itram_Ifan
macrumors newbie
Vermifuge
macrumors 68020
Poor advice. What's to say if someone purchases another phone, that one won't have issues either? Again, this main concern in this thread topic is a software error that can be patched.
Haha thanks for enduring this!
Well I was thinking if it’s the sensor messing around with sudden changes in Temperature maybe it’s not so bad if you wear gloves cause your fingers aren’t as warm on the cold screen or something..
But obviously your unit is just handling it better.
No need to replace the unit, it was confirmed as a software issue, likely related to a temperature sensor in the device detecting a sudden drop in temperature and decreasing or inhibiting the touch input system. A software patching expanding the “operable limits” of the temp sensor should clear this up. An easy way to confirm that this is not hardware is when the problem starts, to lock the phone and unlock it again—>the sensor doesn’t detect a sudden change at this point, and the touch system is intact.
Patience is all that’s needed, hopefully we’ll see 11.1.2 this week.
jr866gooner
macrumors 68020
jamesrick80
macrumors 68030
borntrouble
macrumors 6502a
How are you so sure that it is a software bug and not a hardware issue that Apple's now trying to solve with a software workaround?
In my opinion, this has always been a thing in the past and I think it finally gained some momentum now because it's the first time the release date of a new iPhone is in the cold season.
PanAm-L1011
macrumors 6502a
So glad I don’t have to deal with the cold some of you do. You all crazy. I escaped winter and I’m never going back. Hope they send out a software update soon for you all.