iPhone 5s accelerometer/gyroscope/compass values incorrect

[viperGTS]

My phone was off 1-2 degrees in the leveling feature of the compass. Not as bad as some other people here but I'm really hoping that this can just be fixed with a software update. My 5s is nearly perfect otherwise and I don't feel like playing with the refurbished lottery any time soon.

 

[mustu]

Hi I too dont want the swapping and I hope Apple sorts the matter out.

I dont game that much but I still want the phone to function how its meant too.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

If it's hardware and fixable by software then Apple will release a software upgrade and in the background, quietly fix the hardware problem meaning that future buyers will never know if they have a phone with the revised hardware

 

[mustu]

iHandy kind off points to it being a software so we shall wait and see.

 

[niccodeamus]

I have a week 39 32gb phone and it shows a 3º error, I made a video on youtube showing the problem with a 5.
however, i must agree that it must be software or the interpretation of the calibration process that is at fault. I have tried two third party levels now, iHandy and Surface Level. if you calibrate them they remain true, it is a one tap calibration and it remembers the calibration after quitting the app.

Apple still have to fix their system though, as most apps will call on the apple calibration of the gyros for their data. I have tested this with Starwalk, and despite having Surface Level calibrated, Starwalk still thinks the horizon is at 93º, and no doubt, has north off by whatever....

This gives me some confidence that the error can be fixed without a replacement

 

[gCloud]

Well, I keep checking bad for any info people have. I too have this problem my level is of by 4 degrees.

What I find most interesting is some people claim reputable Apple reps say it's a software issue, while others say it's a hardware fault. Who's lying posters or Apple.

don't think anybody is lying, people are just guessing.

 

[benfranke]

Just coming back from my Genius Bar appointment (Munich, Germany). They had never heard of this issue. Three guys compared their iPhone 5 readings to mind and we had a f good laughs when one guy's 5 was completely off, worse than mine.

They replaced my phone with another faulty one and told me that if this really is a hardware problem, exchanging it over and over wouldn't do any good right now. I agreed to keep the phone for the moment, but they took a note in their system that this phone is faulty as well and as soon as they get any good ones, I can get another replacement.

Really hoping for a software fix.

 

[gCloud]

Just coming back from my Genius Bar appointment (Munich, Germany). They had never heard of this issue. Three guys compared their iPhone 5 readings to mind and we had a f good laughs when one guy's 5 was completely off, worse than mine.

They replaced my phone with another faulty one and told me that if this really is a hardware problem, exchanging it over and over wouldn't do any good right now. I agreed to keep the phone for the moment, but they took a note in their system that this phone is faulty as well and as soon as they get any good ones, I can get another replacement.

Really hoping for a software fix.

exchanging over and over will buy you a new 14 days return period every time, and keep the pressure up on apple. Some people don't want a service-unit replacement if it turns put to be a hardware fault in the end.
and you never know you might get lucky and get a good one they are out there.

 

[mustu]

Hi Guys here these guys are having issues with the iPhone 5

https://discussions.apple.com/message/23070621#23070621

 

[Londoncity]

Got my service replacement today, only slightly better but still faulty. Going to hold on and wait for a fix instead if going the refund route.

The serial number of the replacement starts C3 , the same as my old one so don't know if this means it's refurbished or not, it came unmarked with the stickers front and back.

 

[Mercenary]

Am I the only one who has different values depending on whether on which long side I put the phone?

There's about a difference of 4 between the left and right side.

Got my service replacement today, only slightly better but still faulty. Going to hold on and wait for a fix instead if going the refund route.

The serial number of the replacement starts C3 , the same as my old one so don't know if this means it's refurbished or not, it came unmarked with the stickers front and back.

It's new. It's still too early for apple to be making phones from spare parts. Mine was made in week 37. Which was release week I belive. So it's impossible for them to have made it from spares of returned phones when there weren't any to return.

 

[Swinn]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, but have been following this thread for a few days. I currently own a 4S **my first iphone ever, love it!** and I'm at the end of my contract; I plan on giving it to my son before he goes overseas for three years and am in the unlock stage with AT&T. I only really have one question...do the problems with the sensors affect GPS Navigation? I can read a physical map, I just like the convenience of the step by step instructions.

One one hand I'm thinking, "Duh, the compass is off so of course maps will be too." On the other hand I'm thinking, "But, maps uses GPS whereas a compass uses magnetic pull."

My apologies if this question has already been asked/answered. I've done my best to look through older posts, but I didn't see anything.

 

[InAustralia]

Factory Restored - Still no fix

I decided to give Apple Support a call (had some time spare) and reported the issue.

They claimed that they have never seen or heard of this issue before and there was nothing in the Apple Database of any similar issues. They suggested I do a factory restore and set up as a new phone (rather than from backup) and see if this fixed the problem. I was reluctant to do this as I thought it would be a waste of time, but the Technician said that when they looked at the diagnostic report for my iPhone 5s it was reporting it was running on iOS7.0 (even thought the iPhone said it was running iOS7.0.2).

Anyway, decided to give it a go as it was only going to take a short time to restore to factory settings and set up as a new iPhone. 1 hour later and no change.

I did not think a factory restore would work, but gave it a go anyway.

 

[Mercenary]

I decided to give Apple Support a call (had some time spare) and reported the issue.

They claimed that they have never seen or heard of this issue before and there was nothing in the Apple Database of any similar issues. They suggested I do a factory restore and set up as a new phone (rather than from backup) and see if this fixed the problem. I was reluctant to do this as I thought it would be a waste of time, but the Technician said that when they looked at the diagnostic report for my iPhone 5s it was reporting it was running on iOS7.0 (even thought the iPhone said it was running iOS7.0.2).

Anyway, decided to give it a go as it was only going to take a short time to restore to factory settings and set up as a new iPhone. 1 hour later and no change.

I did not think a factory restore would work, but gave it a go anyway.

I used to work on first line support (not apple) and the company lines always to claim issues don't exist. You can't admit a problem because it opens you up to compensation claims.

 

[InAustralia]

I used to work on first line support (not apple) and the company lines always to claim issues don't exist. You can't admit a problem because it opens you up to compensation claims.

I agree, it is always easier to deny.

Still, the Apple Support person spent over 1 hour on the phone with me. That can't be good for Apple's bottom line to keep a support person engaged for that long if they really did think that the fix was not going to work.

 

[macbd]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, but have been following this thread for a few days. I currently own a 4S **my first iphone ever, love it!** and I'm at the end of my contract; I plan on giving it to my son before he goes overseas for three years and am in the unlock stage with AT&T. I only really have one question...do the problems with the sensors affect GPS Navigation? I can read a physical map, I just like the convenience of the step by step instructions.

One one hand I'm thinking, "Duh, the compass is off so of course maps will be too." On the other hand I'm thinking, "But, maps uses GPS whereas a compass uses magnetic pull."

My apologies if this question has already been asked/answered. I've done my best to look through older posts, but I didn't see anything.

From what I can tell so far, GPS positioning seems to be fine. There is an issue though if you have it in the mode where it shows the direction you are facing, which makes sense, due to the compass issues.

 

[Khedron]

I was assured by a senior representative that if it is, indeed, a hardware malfunction, then Apple will honor exchanges for a full year after the purchased date. That makes sense to me. If this is a hardware glitch that cannot be remedied via a software patch (which I think it can), then it's Apple's responsibility to replace the defective unit. With my years of experience with Apple customer support, I have no problem believing this would be the case. So don't worry too much about your return/exchange period ending guys (and gals!); if it's a hardware problem, you'll get your new hardware.

Granted, I don't know if the unit will be "new", "as-new", "refurbished", or "better than nothing", but I've found the quality and longevity of Apple-certified refurbished products to be excellent. Aesthetically, they are brand new, and all internal components go through at least as much quality testing as the new models, if not more. Now, I know there are those who demand a new product on principle, but that's a debate for another forum.

I agree with the previous poster that said that the reactions to this issue are a bit over the top. Don't get me wrong, I dislike a defunct product as much as the next guy. I am about as picky as they come, and I have demanded (via a trip to the Apple Store and two lengthy phone conversations) that this issue be addressed. Same would go for a rattly power button or a scuffed edge. If I'm not 100% satisfied with such an unquestionably premium product, I will take the necessary steps to remedy the issue until I am 100% satisfied.

But I think, right now, going through the hassle of multiple exchanges or returns is a waste of time (I'm sorry to all those who already suffered through this fate!). Either a software update will be issued in the coming weeks -- we all must be patient -- or they'll exchange the faulty hardware. Apple, or at least those who matter, is aware of the problem and is working on a fix. Now we wait.

Officially Apple still haven't acknowledged the problem which is what causes so much uncertainty and frustration.

Also, for people who might have only had the phone in their hands for a couple of days so far, the prospect of going from having the world's most advanced mobile device, to accepting something like "...the quality and longevity of Apple-certified refurbished products to be excellent..." is a huge step down in experience considering the commitment of money/contract involved.

The best course of action for many is simply to return now for a refund while all the power remains in your hands, and then wait for a fixed version without any compromises about what "as new" may mean, or whether the fix will be "genuine" or simply an approximate workaround.

 

[Swinn]

From what I can tell so far, GPS positioning seems to be fine. There is an issue though if you have it in the mode where it shows the direction you are facing, which makes sense, due to the compass issues.

Thank you, Macbd! I may go ahead and brave buying the 5S just like I did with my 4S--I can't remember the major issue going on when it first came out, but I couldn't have been happier that I went ahead and bought it anyway. I'm hoping for the same with the 5S.

I wish we had an Apple store here because all the carrier stores along with Best Buy and Radio Shack do not have them in stock. Some won't have them in for another two weeks.

 

[cdmoore74]

Just coming back from my Genius Bar appointment (Munich, Germany). They had never heard of this issue. Three guys compared their iPhone 5 readings to mind and we had a f good laughs when one guy's 5 was completely off, worse than mine.

They replaced my phone with another faulty one and told me that if this really is a hardware problem, exchanging it over and over wouldn't do any good right now. I agreed to keep the phone for the moment, but they took a note in their system that this phone is faulty as well and as soon as they get any good ones, I can get another replacement.

Really hoping for a software fix.

Swapping your phones at this stage is pointless. Either return them out right or wait for a fix. We still don't know if it's software or hardware related. You people need to relax or you can end up with a new issue like dead pixels.

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I agree, it is always easier to deny.

Still, the Apple Support person spent over 1 hour on the phone with me. That can't be good for Apple's bottom line to keep a support person engaged for that long if they really did think that the fix was not going to work.

You just wasted one hour of your life. Just calm down or return the phone. If your past your return period just wait. You guys are getting out of control. Apple knows that there is a problem but their trained to say that there isn't one until official communication is released. Otherwise no one is going to be on the same page with he said she said speculation.

 

[gCloud]

Swapping your phones at this stage is pointless. Either return them out right or wait for a fix. We still don't know if it's software or hardware related. You people need to relax or you can end up with a new issue like dead pixels.

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You just wasted one hour of your life. Just calm down or return the phone. If your past your return period just wait. You guys are getting out of control. Apple knows that there is a problem but their trained to say that there isn't one until official communication is released. Otherwise no one is going to be on the same page with he said she said speculation.

there are good ones out there why does it bother you if peopel try their luck?

 

[InAustralia]

Swapping your phones at this stage is pointless. Either return them out right or wait for a fix. We still don't know if it's software or hardware related. You people need to relax or you can end up with a new issue like dead pixels.

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You just wasted one hour of your life. Just calm down or return the phone. If your past your return period just wait. You guys are getting out of control. Apple knows that there is a problem but their trained to say that there isn't one until official communication is released. Otherwise no one is going to be on the same page with he said she said speculation.

I think you are going to bust a blood vessel worrying about what other people do.

If you don't like what others choose to do with their own time, then I would suggest you don't read this post (or at least don't reply to them). Now that is probably a bigger waste of time.

 

[cdmoore74]

I think you are going to bust a blood vessel worrying about what other people do.

If you don't like what others choose to do with their own time, then I would suggest you don't read this post (or at least don't reply to them). Now that is probably a bigger waste of time.

You should heed your own advice.

 

[Nolander07]

This thread is out of hand. I understand that the compass, level and inclinometer are off by a few degrees. I understand that everyone (including me) wants their brand new phone to be perfect. Does this problem really affect the use/enjoyment of your phone? How many people have the compass app hidden away in a folder on the last page? I bet a lot. I never even knew the compass app had a level feature before this thread.
All this calling Apple and returning phones is hysteria, after the info is already out there on this thread that these actions will not be a fix. All it does is take time and money away from Apple fixing the problem.
Why is it that we accept imperfections and glitches with our much more expensive items. Cars have idiosyncrasies, expensive watches, even houses and appliances. We accept these. No other company would be so liberal with all these returns or exchanges.
It would be a big deal if you couldn't make calls, connect to the internet, screen was messed up, buttons didn't work, etc. The phone works. It's not like if the compass and level don't work then the phone is useless. Enjoy your new devices. It will be fixed and forgotten soon.
My rant is over.

 

[highlightshadow]

It's not that the compass app is wrong. It's that any game that uses gyro for control; driving, balance, puzzles require that the phone be tilted to be level

Photography apps with a horizon level bar shows incorrectly
Pano feature isn't quite right

So yeah. Damn right I want my £650 expense item to be fully functional without error

 

[Khedron]

This thread is out of hand. I understand that the compass, level and inclinometer are off by a few degrees. I understand that everyone (including me) wants their brand new phone to be perfect. Does this problem really affect the use/enjoyment of your phone? How many people have the compass app hidden away in a folder on the last page? I bet a lot. I never even knew the compass app had a level feature before this thread.
All this calling Apple and returning phones is hysteria, after the info is already out there on this thread that these actions will not be a fix. All it does is take time and money away from Apple fixing the problem.
Why is it that we accept imperfections and glitches with our much more expensive items. Cars have idiosyncrasies, expensive watches, even houses and appliances. We accept these. No other company would be so liberal with all these returns or exchanges.
It would be a big deal if you couldn't make calls, connect to the internet, screen was messed up, buttons didn't work, etc. The phone works. It's not like if the compass and level don't work then the phone is useless. Enjoy your new devices. It will be fixed and forgotten soon.
My rant is over.

People are trying to enjoy their device but their apps won't work correctly because of the faulty sensors which were advertised as one of the main new features.