Apple Says iPhone 14 Pro Camera Vibration Issue Doesn't Require Repair

Monday September 19, 2022 2:37 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

A strange issue causing the rear camera to vibrate on some iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models does not necessitate a repair, according to Apple.

iPhone 14 Pro Camera Vibration

iPhone 14 Pro camera vibration issue via Luke Miani

When asked if customers who already experienced the issue on their new iPhone should visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple said users simply need to update their iPhone once a software update with a fix is released next week, suggesting that the issue does not cause permanent hardware damage to the device.

"We're aware of the issue and a fix will be released next week," an Apple spokesperson informed MacRumors earlier today. Apple did not provide any further details, but it's likely that the fix will be included in an iOS 16.0.2 software update.

Following the launch of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, some users have noticed that the rear camera's main/bottom lens vibrates uncontrollably when the camera is opened in apps such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, resulting in the lens making a rattling sound and shaky video appearing within the viewfinder on the device.

YouTuber Luke Miani claimed that the issue resulted in the main lens on an iPhone 14 Pro Max that he was testing being unable to focus properly in subsequent usage, even in the Camera app. Miani said that he took the iPhone to an Apple Store and was able to exchange the device for a new one, but it's unclear if there was any permanent damage.

So uh, we’re having some issues with the 14 Pro Max camera pic.twitter.com/7HH1wLFjdF — Luke Miani (@LukeMiani) September 16, 2022

Apple has not revealed the underlying cause of the issue. The main lens on both iPhone 14 Pro models features new "second-generation" sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and it is possible that the stabilizer is acting up for reasons unclear, but this is only speculation. In any case, the problem should be fixed in a matter of days.

It's unclear if next week's update will address a few other camera and AirDrop bugs that have been uncovered on iPhone 14 models since they launched on Friday.

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Top Rated Comments

Internet Enzyme

24 months ago

Yes, yes—of course, we'll let everyone know that their devices need to be repaired because we love having to perform thousands of free repairs/device swaps and inflate our refurbished inventory.

While a repair may not be necessary, this is like buying a "new" car that has 50,000 miles on the engine already. If this issue has happened to you, your camera's IBIS system has been stressed far beyond what it would have been, and you should go in and try to get a replacement as soon as possible.

Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Juicy Box

24 months ago

It is good that Apple is on top of this, acknowledging the problem, and giving a timeframe for a fix.

Maybe they took some lessons from the butterfly keyboard disaster.

YouTuber Luke Miani claimed that the issue resulted in the main lens on an iPhone 14 Pro Max that he was testing being unable to focus properly in subsequent usage, even in the Camera app. Miani said that he took the iPhone to an Apple Store and was able to exchange the device for a new one, but it's unclear if there was any permanent damage.

I noticed that a lot of YouTubers make faces like Luke Miani is making in his video thumbnail. I forget where, but I recall seeing something, somewhere basically saying that thumbnails with people making real life emoji faces increase clicks and was encouraged by YouTube.

They have an opposite affect on me, I tend to avoid videos with people making goofy faces on the thumbnails. Anyone else like that?

Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Lexdexia

24 months ago

Is this really a software issue? I watched Luke Miani’s video and he mentioned the camera was only shaking on his friend’s phone and not his own. You’d expect a software issue to happen regardless of hardware.

Also don’t take Apple’s word for it, if your device has this problem, return it as soon as possible for a refund/exchange within the 14 day window. Doesn’t take an engineer to figure out that insane amount of the camera sensor shaking will have put unnecessary wear on the hardware and shorten it’s component lifespan.

Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)

zorinlynx

24 months ago

Meanwhile the crazies were out with pitchforks talking about how this was going to cost Apple BILLIONS and end Tim Cook's career. Yawn, as usual. Nice touch with the generic youtube video with the host making an exaggerated face, and some buzzword and an arrow. Way to contribute, MR.

Some people HAVE reported inability to focus in the stock camera app after having this issue, and Apple HAS replaced some phones already over this.

Maybe Apple figured out a way in software to "reset" whatever goes out of alignment when the problem occurs, but there has been evidence of something that looks a lot like "damage". Hopefully it's not!

Either way, this is costing Apple sales. I was on the fence about upgrading this year, and was going to make my decision in a month or so. This has pushed me squarely into "I'll upgrade next year". I kinda want USB-C anyway, and my 11PM is still excellent with good battery life. This has been a bad iPhone launch year for Apple, the first bad one in some time.

Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)