How The iPhone 14 Is Failing Already
Since its launch, there have been multiple reports of bugs affecting the iPhone 14, with the most pertinent issue affecting the performance of the Pro Max model's camera functionality.
Tech heavyweight Apple released their new iPhone 14 series for sale on September 16th. It includes the iPhone 14, 14 plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max, but without the iPhone 14 mini. It is the latest update from Apple for almost a year. So with all the usual hype surrounding an iPhone drop, why does it seem like it failed already?
There has been some skepticism and concern around this new release from iPhone, as most consumers are feeling the effects of global hyperinflation. Will the serial upgraders still want their yearly upgrade, or will they sit this one out? Especially with minimal changes to their new handsets.
Multiple Reports of Bugs
What Apple didn’t want was an array of bugs in the first week of sales. However, tt has been reported that users have found multiple bugs in the new iPhone 14, including data migration, authorization, photo issues, iMessage, and FaceTime issues. Apple has since released iOS 16.0.1 to address these issues specifically.
Software Bug within OIS Camera System
In a support document, Apple has admitted to these problems and acknowledged that iMessage and FaceTime might not complete the activation on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, even after updating to iOS 16.0.1. But the most significant bug so far has been the problems with the optical image stabilization, which causes the camera to physically fail when using social media apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
This bug appears in the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the most expensive model in the range retailing at $1,099, which seems to affect the optical image stabilization (OIS) feature, which uses a motor to eliminate the effects of the camera shaking when taking pictures. Opening the camera in social media apps can cause the OIS feature to malfunction. When the iPhone malfunctions grinding sounds can be heard along with physical vibrating.
Since the vibration does not occur during the use of the built-in camera app, it is suggested that the fault is in the software. There is a warning from users that people experiencing the bug should limit the usage of all apps as the vibration might permanently damage their handset. Apple has yet to respond to these claims from various users on social media.
The Durability of the OIS System
While they have not admitted to the OIS bug, the tech giants are aware of the durability of the OIS system in question. They have previously released a statement expressing that “long-term and 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.” Apple recommends avoiding exposing your iPhone to extended high-amplitude vibrations, including attaching your iPhone to motorcycles with high-power or high-vibration engines.
In a week that should bring excitement and delight that their new headset is successfully on the market, Apple has had a nightmare week and has been hit with problem after problem. Will this be the first iPhone to fail? Once Apple has fixed all their teething issues, let’s hope not.
