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iPhone 5s accelerometer/gyroscope/compass values incorrect

My first 5s in space gray:
Nice Name: iPhone 5s
Machine Model: iPhone6,1
Family name: A1533
Model Number: ME311
Group1: iPhone
Group2:
Generation:
CPU speed: 1.3GHz
Screen size: 4 inch
Screen resolution: 1136x640 pixels
Colour: Space Gray
Production year: 2013
Production week: 34 (August)
Model introduced: 2013
Capacity: 64GB
Memory - flavour: xx
Factory: DN (China, Chengdu - Foxconn)

Had about 3-4degrees off where the home button side is below the level. The compass also acted strangely.

Nice Name: iPhone 5s
Machine Model: iPhone6,1
Family name: A1533
Model Number: ME312
Group1: iPhone
Group2:
Generation:
CPU speed: 1.3GHz
Screen size: 4 inch
Screen resolution: 1136x640 pixels
Colour: Silver
Production year: 2013
Production week: 38 (September)
Model introduced: 2013
Capacity: 64GB
Memory - flavour: xx
Factory: F2 (China, Zhengzhou - Foxconn)

This replacement iPhone 5s was much better. The horizontal axis was only at -1 degree (-1.2 from a more sensitive level) on flat surface it's about -3, and on games, the slight tilt is much less noticeable. I am definitely a happy camper!

FYI - both of these phones were purchased from Best Buy Manhattan, NYC. The 1st space gray was pre-ordered and picked up on launch day. The replacement was pre-ordered on 9/24 and picked up on 9/28.

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iBighouse said:
I spoke with the guy booking reservations for tech support and he said "Oh, I have not heard of any kind of gyroscope issue". I'm always amused by this line...they use it all the time! Would be fun to have a friend walk in afterward and ask the technician the same question...I'll bet the Apple rep would again say "oh, that's the first I've heard about that issue"!
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree with you more! To be honest, I am disappointed at how Apple "Genius" treats customers and would say that they have never heard of this issue (I got the same exact company tag line when I asked them the exact same question).
 
It looks like Apple is burying its head in the sand on this issue... Maybe be it's still a bit too soon though...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
syd430 said:
It looks like Apple is burying its head in the sand on this issue... Maybe be it's still a bit too soon though...
Click to expand...

Likely too soon. It may take a while to get this addressed. I think there's enough people (read: almost all) affected by this that Apple will take steps to rectify the situation.
 
I apologize for not reading the whole thread but Im curious if the 5c has the same problem?
 
UK store will ship my 5s sometime next week, should I cancel my order and wait for this problem to be fixed?
 
gs28 said:
UK store will ship my 5s sometime next week, should I cancel my order and wait for this problem to be fixed?
Click to expand...

If it's a software issue I wouldn't worry about it. A patch will come out in the next few months I imagine. Do you use the feature frequently if at all? If not, I would wait for a software fix. I'd be surprised if it's hardware but if it is, the typical Apple warranty should cover that easy.
 
Black Magic said:
the typical Apple warranty should cover that easy.
Click to expand...

It will be my fist iPhone so you can imagine I'm a bit worried, especially when I forked out 710 quid for an 64GB one.
What's their policy in case it's something hardware? Are they replacing them with new or refurb units?
 
gs28 said:
It will be my fist iPhone so you can imagine I'm a bit worried, especially when I forked out 710 quid for an 64GB one.
What's their policy in case it's something hardware? Are they replacing them with new or refurb units?
Click to expand...

If it turns out to be a hardware problem. Apple will replace the device. They are offering to replace the device right now but as others have mentioned, most of the replacement devices are affected by the same problem. It sucks that an expensive apple device suffers from this but it still works as a phone and internet consumption device until the problem is found/resolved.
 
gs28 said:
It will be my fist iPhone so you can imagine I'm a bit worried, especially when I forked out 710 quid for an 64GB one.
What's their policy in case it's something hardware? Are they replacing them with new or refurb units?
Click to expand...

If you going big and getting the 64GB version like I do, I would probably get AppleCare+ so that you don't have to worry about anything for 2 years.

Again, Apple will replace it if it's hardware under there regular warranty but I think this will be fixed with a software update.

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fat jez said:
I don't think we've found anyone who has bought a 5C yet to ask them :D
Click to expand...

lol
 
I think there is a simple way to see if this is a calibration/software error or a more serious hardware thing.
If it's calibration, then the values should be constantly off nomatter what angle. Say, for a flat surface it has a -4 error, then for a 45 degree surface it should read 49 (or 41) and so on. The compass should exhibit the same behavior.
Can you guys run some tests and see if this is the case?
 
gs28 said:
I think there is a simple way to see if this is a calibration/software error or a more serious hardware thing.
If it's calibration, then the values should be constantly off nomatter what angle. Say, for a flat surface it has a -4 error, then for a 45 degree surface it should read 49 (or 41) and so on. The compass should exhibit the same behavior.
Can you guys run some tests and see if this is the case?
Click to expand...

I have access to a digital smart level. I will see about running some tests at various degrees today and post the results.
 
What about third party apps? Has anyone tried a third party compass app? Does it agree with the built in compass or is it giving different results?
 
vincebm said:
What about third party apps? Has anyone tried a third party compass app? Does it agree with the built in compass or is it giving different results?
Click to expand...

I tried a third party spirit level and it agreed with the built in one. Both wrong. Other have had gyro issues with games. It's not just the app.
 
I think we need to do an informational campaign outside do Mac rumors forum. To bring attention to this issue so Apple will take notice. I sent a tip the other day to cult of Mac and the next day they did an article on it. I would recommend we all make a bit of noise under "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" clause.
 
I'm having these issues with my 5s Ordered at 12:03 Launch delivered in first wave.


I'm not quite sure if it's the gyro/compass that's really causing the issue. I think the true issue is the M7 chip.

I seem to be having issues with the following:

1. Apps that use GPS/Compass/Gyro not registering correct information.
2. Compass/Level are both off. Compass by 3degrees and Level slightly.
3. Parallax stutters and also seems to lag sometimes when switching screens

I would assume that all three of these functions are mainly controlled by the M7 which leads me to believe that's where the problem is.

Now is it a software bug accessing the M7, faulty chips, or what?

I think I'm going to either go to Apple tomorrow or give tech support a call. I want a brand new replacement phone before my 7 days from delivery is up, but I don't want to be without a phone. I think I'm going to see if they'll order me a phone and let me give this one back when it arrives.

Maybe in the meantime we'll figure out if it can be fixed by software...I'm starting to have my doubts though.

Just a note I had an iPhone 3, 3gs, 4, 4s, 5 and have always had absolutely perfect phones with no issues. This is the first problem I've ever had with an iPhone. Coming from the 5 I love the new features, but I'm a bit upset with the build quality at this point. Really feels like the first batch was rushed out the door.
 
I didn't read the whole thread so sorry if this is redundant...

I'm not too concerned about the level. I don't think I'd ever use that. However, the compass is off by several degrees. And it makes me calibrate every time I open it.
 
TonyC28 said:
I didn't read the whole thread so sorry if this is redundant...

I'm not too concerned about the level. I don't think I'd ever use that. However, the compass is off by several degrees. And it makes me calibrate every time I open it.
Click to expand...

Same here.
 
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