The iPhone and Vibrations
Photo: Khoi Nguyen on Unsplash If you have an iPhone, you will need to check that your device is not exposed to high-amplitude vibrations within specific frequency ranges, most likely produced by powerful motorcycle engines. The company noted that more recent iPhone models come with advanced camera systems which have optical image stabilization (OIS) and closed-loop autofocus (AF), both of which automatically help to compensate, in real time, for movement, vibrations, and even the effects of gravity.iphone camera damage vibrations (ad) However, constant, long-term exposure to such high-amplitude vibrations at specific frequencies — which these systems can create — could eventually impair the operation of those systems and reduce image quality in photos and videos.
Apple instructs that you should not connect an iPhone to a motorcycle with a high-power or high-volume engine, as the vibrations could lead to damage from being sent through the chassis and handlebars. It is recommended to use a vibration dampening mount or gimbal with small volume and electric engines, such as mopeds and scooters, to reduce the risk of damage to the iPhone’s OIS and AF systems. Furthermore, it is advised to avoid frequent and prolonged usage which will help substantiate the longevity of the engine part.
This is not the first time the iPhone has faced this problem, with bike-mounted riders of Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones suffering similar problems after longer rides. This OIS problem on smartphones may be well-known to motorcyclists, some of which have resorted to incorporating anti-vibration setups to improve the situation.