Apple warns motorcycles could shake iPhone cameras out of focus forever

[cheb]

I found this on The Register today: https://www.theregister.com/2021/09/13/ ... n_warning/

Probably old news, I'm slow on finding out about these things.

Text from article:

Apple has advised motorcycle-riding iPhone owners that their metal steeds might damage their smartphones after prolonged exposure to engine vibration – but users report total dysfunction .

"The advanced camera systems in some iPhone models include technology like optical image stabilization (OIS) and closed-loop autofocus (AF) to help you capture great photos even in difficult conditions," states an Apple support article posted on September 10th.

While OIS and closed-loop AF are "designed for durability", Apple warns: "with many consumer electronics that include systems like OIS, 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."

The company therefore "avoid exposing your iPhone to extended high-amplitude vibrations."

No, that is not an excuse to avoid mowing the lawn or doing some odd jobs with power tools next weekend: Apple identifies only certain two-wheelers as the sort of thing you need to worry about.

"It is not recommended to attach your iPhone to motorcycles with high-power or high-volume engines due to the amplitude of the vibration in certain frequency ranges that they generate," the article states. Those of you astride mopeds and scooters are exposed, too, but Apple reckons your iPhone will be fine when used with a vibration-dampening mount.

"It is also recommended to avoid regular use for prolonged periods to further lessen the risk of damage," the article states.

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Apple names devices all the way back to 2014's iPhone 6 as susceptible to vibrations.

But the company appears to be offering too little advice, too late – this thread on iFixit features iPhone owners reporting that under one year's worth of use on motorcycles has proven disastrous for cameras. Some posters mention problems after using iPhones on mountain bikes, which have no engine to produce high-amplitude vibrations but do endure all sorts of other indignities. The thread includes tales of Apple Store staff replacing iPhones under warranty when the problem manifests, and of being well and truly aware that two-wheelers and iPhones don't mix. ®

[KungFooBob]

Mounting iphones (and late model Samsungs) with the floating camera to sold bar mounts has been killing phones for years.

Quadlock launched a special anti-vibration version of their mount to try and stop it.

[cheb]

I warned you I was slow on the uptake.

[KungFooBob]

I warned you I was slow on the uptake.

Not really.

It's strange that Apple have only just acknowledged it.

[Mr. Dazzle]

I've not heard of this before, but I'm also surprised that I'm surprised Vibration damage to micro electronics (or even macro ones!) has been a thing for years and years hasn't it? Anything important will have it considered as part of the design.

[Horse]

I've not heard of this before, but I'm also surprised that I'm surprised Vibration damage to micro electronics (or even macro ones!) has been a thing for years and years hasn't it? Anything important will have it considered as part of the design.

Didn't someone post in a watch thread that one of the high-end watch manufacturers were advertising with an image of motorcycling gent - but warning owners that the vibration would kill the watch?

Moral: buy cheap?

[Mr. Dazzle]

They did - again, that's been a thing for donkeys too. NASA did all sorts of vibration and acoustic testing to find a watch (the Omega Speedmaster) they were happy with in the 60s. It's standard practice in any sort of vehicle design.

TBF I imagine Apple did plenty of shock and vibration testing, just not for the sort of loads you get from rigidly mounting to a vehicle. For exampel ECU's probably aren't designed to be dropped onto a concrete floor, whereas phones are. Even in your pocket the engine vibrations would be significantly damped, so the peaks would be softened and it wouldn't all be at one frequency.

It's the same with watches. On your wrist is very different to glued to the headstock.

[Whysub]

Had phones (Samsungs) held in a RAM brand holder which I've used on (amonst others) a Guzzi V1200, a KTM RC8, an SV650 and a (much smoother) CBR600.

Never filmed with them as I figured they would be shaky, but fine when using it for routes.

[Yorick]

WTF would you want to put your phone on the bars ?

I managed without doing that. Maybe I missed out ?

[Mussels]

I mentioned this to my daughter and it seems to be a lot more common than bike riders, might be motorbikes accelerate the issue so it happens while the phone is still under warranty.

[cheb]

WTF would you want to put your phone on the bars ?

I managed without doing that. Maybe I missed out ?

Real time tips when doing a trackday on a track you've not done before.

[Skub]

WTF would you want to put your phone on the bars ?

I managed without doing that. Maybe I missed out ?

Real time tips when doing a trackday on a track you've not done before.

I'd be better with my Kindle on the bars,I could read a couple of chapters every lap.

[JackyJoll]

The vibration breaks the frame, never mind a fucking phone!

[formula400]

I had this issuer last year and posted about it, since then quad lock released a vibration damper.

seems all good so far.

[JackyJoll]

I had this issuer last year and posted about it, since then quad lock released a vibration damper.

seems all good so far.

Gayest answer yet.

[Mr Moofo]

it has been an issue ever since the iPhone 11 came out. I have had a phone replaced because of it - and all my Quadlok refunded - and a free vibration mount.
That said - as the phone is out of warranty, I don't use the mount.

Apple - just like when the iPad update screwed up the camera, didn't admit to any issue - they just replaced the phone

[formula400]

I had this issuer last year and posted about it, since then quad lock released a vibration damper.

seems all good so far.

Gayest answer yet.

its not bummed any one

[Scotsrich]

I used my iPhone on the GS a couple of times on a mount that fits where the sat nav should be.

Reading the reports I’ll probably get a quadlock with vibration mount to replace it but in the same position.

It’ll also give me the added bonus of being able to have it in portrait rather than landscape.

I did think about buying a cheap phone to use and not bother if it buggered it but it’ll probably work out easier and cheaper with the quadlock.