iPhone 8/Plus Ugly Green Tint When Using Rear Camera

[naturalstar]

So I’ve already made a Genius appointment that is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

That said, I graduated this past Saturday. While waiting to start the procession to our seats, my camera goes from its normal view on my screen to one with an ugly green cast and darkened view. Oh gee, great!

I checked to make sure I didn’t accidentally hit a filter or change a setting. All was normal. Even my son checked to be sure. It has remained this way since. I also noticed an occasional screen stutter/glitch as if the camera wanted to die. I hadn’t dropped the phone (at least not at any recent point - a few months ago and it was in a case) and it has not ever hit any water.

This is only occurring with the rear camera. The front facing camera behaves normally. My camera is still like this now even after a reset. I did not do a full restore since it doesn’t seem like a software issue.

I’m pretty sure I’m either going to have to get it repaired or replaced. I have AppleCare. My concern is that I don’t have a backup phone in case it turns out to be a repair situation.

So:

1) Has anyone experienced this?

2) I’m not aware of any temp phones given for repair service. Should I ask for a replacement instead or should I expect to have to purchase a backup phone on top of the repair?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Apple does not hand out loaners anymore. I suggest that you do an encrypted backup via iTunes before you go in case they exchange your device for a refurbished one. The green could be software or hardware, Apple will know.

Because you have Applecare why not call Apple and let them send you a replacement phone, Express Replacement. They will put a temp charge on your credit card and remove it when they get your return.

 

[JPack]

You can purchase a new iPhone from the Apple Store and return it for a full refund once the repair is complete.

In most cases, you'll want your phone to repaired. If parts are available, replacing the camera module should not take more than 2 hours.

You don't really want a replacement phone from Apple as it will be a refurbished device. Cosmetically, they appear like new. But internally, they could have undergone significant repair (e.g. water damage). If you know your iPhone is in good condition, you don't want a refurb.

 

[naturalstar]

Apple does not hand out loaners anymore. I suggest that you do an encrypted backup via iTunes before you go in case they exchange your device for a refurbished one. The green could be software or hardware, Apple will know.

Because you have Applecare why not call Apple and let them send you a replacement phone, Express Replacement. They will put a temp charge on your credit card and remove it when they get your return.

Thanks for this. I have never had to use AC before so I didn’t look closely at the options available. It was recommended to me to send it in for replacement when I described my issue online, but opted for an in-store appointment instead.

Would I get a new phone by doing the Express Replacement or would it most likely be a refurbished phone also?

Reason being, I’m on the Verizon UP this year since I planned on upgrading again on the next release. I know I will need to probably talk with Verizon if I end up with a different phone and one that is refurbished. Just don’t want problems if I do decide to upgrade later this year.
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You can purchase a new iPhone from the Apple Store and return it for a full refund once the repair is complete.

In most cases, you'll want your phone to repaired. If parts are available, replacing the camera module should not take more than 2 hours.

You don't really want a replacement phone from Apple as it will be a refurbished device. Cosmetically, they appear like new. But internally, they could have undergone significant repair (e.g. water damage). If you know your iPhone is in good condition, you don't want a refurb.

This is my thought as well. I know how I’ve treated my phone which has been very well. I would prefer a repair. If they can have it done in a few hours or same day, I will survive. Sending it out would be an issue.

I could purchase a phone as a replacement during the repair period and then return it. Guess I better look into a backup phone anyway as a just in case for the future. Experience is the best teacher, as the saying goes.

 

[JPack]

This is my thought as well. I know how I’ve treated my phone which has been very well. I would prefer a repair. If they can have it done in a few hours or same day, I will survive. Sending it out would be an issue.

I could purchase a phone as a replacement during the repair period and then return it. Guess I better look into a backup phone anyway as a just in case for the future. Experience is the best teacher, as the saying goes.

You can see the process for removing the camera (not complicated) in step 6:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPhone+8+Plus+Teardown/97482

This is not a complicated process so the Genius will likely schedule a repair.

 

[naturalstar]

Awesome. Thanks for the knowledge!

 

[naturalstar]

So as a follow-up for anyone else in the future, I received a brand new phone replacement for free due to warranty/AC. They “assured me” it was brand new.

Apple took the phone and said the repair would be a couple of hours. However, when I returned, they said they were unable to fix the issue. So a new phone (so they say). It looks brand new...

I forgot I have LTE service on my Apple Watch, so I didn’t miss any calls.

I do have to get a new screen protector. It has a warranty, so just the $6 shipping fee.

Not a painful process at all. Apple’s customer service comes through again.