Apple warns that engine vibrations can damage iPhone cameras

The camera function is probably one of the most used features of modern smartphones. Needless to say, devices like the iPhone 12 (from US$689 on Amazon) and certainly the upcoming iPhone 13 can take incredibly detailed pictures with their multi-camera setup. However, in a new support document Apple has now warned that the mechanisms in these tiny camera modules may be susceptible to damage when they are exposed to vibrations at certain frequency ranges for an extended period of time.

In the aforementioned document, Apple specifically talks about high-powered motorcycle engines, which can cause extensive wear to the movable components that are used for the iPhone's closed-loop autofocus and optical image stabilization features. The iPhone maker asserts that high-amplitude vibrations can cause these systems to degrade, which means their performance would be compromised.

One symptom of this degradation is reduced image quality. Apple recommends that riders of high-powered motorcycles do not mount their iPhone on their bike, and even owners of regular or even electric motorcycles should use vibration dampening mounts to avoid exposing their iPhone to these dangerous vibrations.