Marques Brownlee, widely recognized as MKBHD, recently encountered a perplexing issue with the camera on his iPhone 16 Pro, which may astonish many smartphone enthusiasts. While engaging in video recording, he discovered a peculiar pattern of bright dots appearing consistently in each frame. Initially suspected to be a fleeting glitch or mere dust on the lens, the problem persisted for weeks, revealing itself as a more serious distortion. Upon thorough investigation, MKBHD discovered that the iPhone’s camera sensor had sustained permanent damage.
Warning: LiDAR in Modern Vehicles Can Permanently Affect iPhone 16 Pro Sensors
As explained by Marques Brownlee, the apparent culprit behind this issue seems to be the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology utilized in numerous contemporary vehicles, particularly those equipped with sophisticated driver assistance systems or autonomous driving functionalities. The LiDAR systems operate by emitting rapid bursts of laser light to create a detailed map of their surroundings. While such emissions pose no threat to human vision, they can be perilous to the sensitive camera sensors in smartphones.
Brownlee highlights that professional cameras are generally equipped with more robust filters and protective coatings designed to mitigate infrared interference, thereby safeguarding their sensors. In contrast, smartphones are engineered for sleekness and compactness, which often leads to reduced protection against infrared damage. This compromises the vulnerability of camera sensors, particularly to the powerful LiDAR systems found in high-tech vehicles, including the Volvo EX90, which Mareques was recording when the camera issues began to manifest.
Numerous online demonstrations illustrate how LiDAR scanners in automobiles can inflict irreversible damage on camera sensors, leading to consistent visual distortions in every captured image or video. Unfortunately, this damage is permanent and necessitates the replacement of the entire camera module for any hope of rectification. The implications of such damage are significant, especially given that the camera is one of the most crucial features of any smartphone. Furthermore, this vulnerability is not exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro but applies to any smartphone lacking proper protective measures over its camera sensor.
Marques took to his YouTube platform to raise awareness among both creators and everyday users, emphasizing the need for heightened caution when shooting footage near vehicles equipped with LiDAR. A brief exposure to the LiDAR beam could result in permanent camera sensor damage. Have you faced similar issues with your iPhone or Android device? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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