Tech giant Apple has issued a new warning for iPhone users particularly those who ride motorcycles. The company has shared a support document that suggests that mounting your iPhone on the motorcycle could lead to potential damage to the device. The damage would extend to the camera, which could result in the camera module being broken. The iPhone’s optical image stabilization (OIS) could be damaged as a result of the prolonged vibrations, bringing a drop in the camera quality.
In its statement, Apple said, “Exposing your iPhone to high amplitude vibrations within certain frequency ranges, specifically those generated by high-power motorcycle engines, can degrade the performance of the camera system.” The manufacturer further added that 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.”
The issue though isn’t just with Apple but most modern smartphones equipped with OIS and another tech to help you take better shots and iron out movement, vibrations, and other effects. The issue is specific to high-powered motorcycles that are heavy on vibrations, which travel from the engine to the handlebar.
Essentially, the Apple iPhone’s camera module comprises a sensor that helps compensate for your hand movements to help you get a more stable shot. The sensor moves using little springs correcting the little undulations. On a modern-day iPhone 12 Pro, the camera module can move up to 5,000 times per second. When the iPhone is exposed to the vibrations for a prolonged period, the springs connected to the sensor break. That’s when the phone won’t be able to focus correctly and will give you random blurriness in the pictures instead. This will also extend to the video that will record without clarity.
A simple way to counter this issue is to use a high-quality phone case that gives the phone enough protection from vibrations. However, it does not completely protect your iPhone camera from damage.