Apple Says Don’t Hang Your iPhone On Your Motorcycle Handlebar
Apple published a support document warning users that certain vibrations from high-power motorcycles can damage iPhones. The tech giant says that iPhone camera lenses with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or closed-loop autofocus (AF) can receive damage because they use gyroscopes and magnetic sensors.
Hence, Apple recommends not to attach iPhones directly to motorcycle handlebars or chassis. The support document even recommends using a vibration dampening mount if users are attaching their iPhones with small-volume or electric engines such as mopeds or electric scooters.
High Intensity Vibrations Harm iPhone Cameras
First spotted by MacRumors, Apple’s support document thoroughly explains how attaching iPhones to motorcycles with high-powered engines can go wrong.
“The OIS and closed-loop AF systems in iPhone are designed for durability. However, as is the case 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.”
To clarify, this means that most modern iPhones with new camera technologies are in danger due to strong vibrations. Previously, Apple warned that OIS or closed-loop AF systems on iPhones could suffer from magnetic interferences. In turn, using magnetic accessories could degrade camera performance. However, these effects are only temporary, and removing the accessories will remove them. The damage done by vibrations will permanently retain.
The reason why Apple decided to publish the document at this time is unclear. Although, there have been reports of the same issue on various forums. iPhone 6 Plus and later models that feature OIS and/or closed-loop AF can receive damage. Likewise, high-intensity vibrations can harm the said iPhones’ cameras.
Do you own one of these iPhones? Let us know in the comments below if vibrations can harm your iPhone.
