The long-awaited iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max finally went on sale on Friday, and fans around the world eagerly lined up outside Apple Stores to be among the first to get their hands on the new device.
But some early adopters are already reporting a bizarre issue — the main rear camera lens physically shakes and rattles when taking photos or videos on some third-party apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram.
Apple has now confirmed in a statement that it is working to fix the bug and will be releasing a software update next week to fix the problem.
It’s unclear how widespread the issue is or what the underlying cause is, as the issue doesn’t seem to affect the iPhone’s built-in camera app.
However, several concerned iPhone 14 Pro users have taken to Reddit and Twitter to describe their experiences and share videos demonstrating the issue.
A handful of videos showing the problem have been shared on social media, including this one by TikTok user Damian Munoz. The videos show the user opening the camera function within a third-party app on the iPhone 14 Pro and seeing a blurry image on the display while the device’s main lens vibrates uncontrollably and makes a rattling noise
In response, Apple has announced that it is working on a fix for the bug and will be releasing a software update next week that will fix the problem
HOW MUCH DOES THE IPHONE 14 SERIES COST?
iPhone 14 – £849
iPhone 14 Plus – £949
iPhone 14 Pro – £1,099
iPhone 14 Pro Max – £1,199
“So I’ve experienced my camera shaking uncontrollably when I open Snapchat or use the camera for Instagram,” wrote one Reddit user. “However, I have no problems using the regular camera app.”
Another wrote: “I picked up my new iPhone 14 Pro yesterday and am getting intermittent camera shake in Snapchat (by shakes I mean I can see and hear it).
“My iPhone 14 Pro just arrived and when I opened Snapchat the camera was shaking a lot and making a pretty weird mechanical noise,” wrote another.
A handful of videos showing the problem have been shared on social media, including this one by YouTuber Luke Miani and another from TikTok user Damian Munoz.
The videos show the user opening the camera function within a third-party app on the iPhone 14 Pro and seeing a blurry image on the display while the device’s main lens vibrates uncontrollably and makes a rattling noise.
Miani said the incident resulted in the lens on his iPhone failing to focus properly upon later use, even in the iPhone’s default camera app. He took the device to an Apple store and was able to exchange it for a new one.
Some users have suspected that this could be due to a software bug affecting the device’s optical image stabilization.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported yesterday: “Apple has found a fix for the camera shake issue on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max and a software update will be released next week.”
The announcement comes as a relief to those who spent a grand on the latest device, as it suggests it’s a software issue rather than a hardware issue.
Apple is yet to comment on the issue, but some users have suggested it could be due to a software bug affecting the device’s optical image stabilization
One user said that restarting the phone and then opening the default camera app before opening Snapchat temporarily solved the problem.
However, if iPhone 14 Pro owners are concerned about potential damage to the rear camera system, they should avoid opening the camera in apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram until the matter is resolved.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced four variants of the iPhone 14 on Sept. 7 at the company’s Far Out launch event.
These were the standard iPhone 14 model, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The new models have a number of eye-catching features, including improved camera technology, an “always on” display and satellite connectivity (currently only available in the US).
The standard model costs £849 and comes with a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus costs £949 and has a 6.7-inch screen.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch screen and costs £1,099, while the Pro Max has a 6.7-inch screen and costs a whopping £1,199.
The Pro models are more expensive, mainly because they have more advanced cameras and an ingenious pill-shaped notch at the top of the screen called “Dynamic Island.”
WHAT NEW APPLE PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN ON SALE?
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The standard model costs £849 and comes with a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus costs £949 and has a 6.7-inch screen.
They support satellite connectivity that allows users to send satellite SOS messages when they get caught in an emergency with no service.
They also feature technology that can detect when users are in a car crash and automatically call emergency services if vehicles are hit, thanks to a dual-core accelerometer that can capture G-force readings.
They will be available in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple and Red colors.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch screen (like the standard model) and costs £1,099, while the Pro Max has a 6.7-inch screen (like the Plus) and costs a whopping £1,199.
They have more advanced cameras than the Standard and Plus models and an ingenious pill-shaped notch at the top of the screen dubbed the “Dynamic Island.”
Dynamic Island hides the front camera but also resizes to show important alerts, notifications and activities, blurring the line between hardware and software, according to Apple.
They also feature satellite connectivity and car crash detection technology, and will be available in Deep Purple, Silver, Gold and Space Black colors.
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8
The £419 ($399) Apple Watch Series 8 features an always-on display – meaning the screen shows a small amount of quick-to-read information when it’s idle.
It also has a strong, shatterproof front glass, a temperature sensor that provides estimates of when a wearer is ovulating, and the same crash detection technology as the iPhone 14.
Thanks to a power saving mode, the Series 8’s battery also lasts longer – up to 36 hours on a single charge – than the SE 2’s.
Apple Watch SE 2
Apple Watch SE 2
The Apple Watch SE 2 offers some of the advanced features of the Series 8, including crash detection, at a lower price (starting at £259 or $249).
Although it has the ovulation function, it is less comprehensive than the 8 series.