iPhone screen showing negative/shimmering black/dark areas

Just got my iPhone today - I have this issue.

-phil

I also recently purchased an iphone and I too am experiencing the shimmering blacks. So, to further investigate whether all the iphones had this problem I made a trip to the apple store. Upon, directly comparing my iphone to the display units it was clear mine had a problem displaying the blacks that none of the other units had. So I compared my serial number which begins with a 7 to the display iphones to find that all of them start with a 3. So, I have an appointment tomorrow with a genius to see what can be done.

+"So I compared my serial number which begins with a 7..."+

Yep, same here.

i can't believe i have to post here-- but i think i'm having this issue, too. what's weird is that i'm only noticing it after 2 weeks of blissful use.

i'm sure it's more likely that i just didn't view any content that had adequately dark scenes to show the "negaitive" blacks but is it possible my iphone didn't initally have this problem?

I would be suprised if it just "appeared" after a time. I noticed it right away.

Can you describe what that looks like (I'm wondering if I have the problem or not)? As I mentioned in a previous post, when I watch a black and white film on my phone, the images are pristine (no shimmering). However, on a couple of other films, darker images (not necessarily black) in dark scenes have a shimmering quality to them (like the image is pressed to tightly against the screen). It doesn't happen in every scene, but it is noticeable.
Thanks

Harkening back to High School Physics class.....

Could be an example of:

http://webphysics.davidson.edu/physletresources/**_semester2/c26thinfilm.html

Apparently, today's iPodTouch update addresses the negative screen issue for those devices ...

http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/09/27/ipodtouch111/index.php

You think Apple has another iPhone update up their sleeve?

=phil

I hope so because I checked out my test picture after I downloaded the iPhone update and no change. Guess I'll call Applecare tomorrow, ref my ticket and ask about when the fix will go to iPhone. I'll bump to higher level too so I get someone a littel tech savvy.

Well, here's my story:

Both my girlfriend and I have iPhones. I noticed my screen was a bit dark and showed negative images in the black areas (as everyone else is noticing here). So I compared it to my girlfriend's and WOW, HUGE difference. So since I was still under my 14 day return deadline, I went to my local Apple Store (Garden City, NY). I had to show the issue to 3 people before I could get an exchange... it was apparent they didn't want to acknowledge there was an issue with my iPhone.

So when they brought out the replacement one, it had the SAME problem. When I tried to explain that this was unacceptable, they told me that there are two display manufacturers and it is luck which one you get--but both are within Apple's specs. After I pushed the issue, they opened another one and I got lucky with a good version.

I asked them, "Honestly, I know you have to obey certain protocols, but you can see why I have a problem with this, right?" The manager just gave me an attitude saying that until Apple officially acknowledges there is an issue, there is nothing wrong with this phone. I explained how this was just like the iPod Touch problems which Apple DID acknowledge and his reply was simply that it is an entirely different issue and it has nothing in common with iPod Touch. This guy got really adamant and was extremely confrontational, despite my trying to calmly reason with him. He basically tried to make me feel privileged to get a working product and not have to pay TWO restocking fees.

I have to say, time and time again I have the WORST experiences with the employees at Apple Stores. I have been using Apple products exclusively for 15 years, and I know my way around the hardware/software very well. Yet, more times than not, I am reduced to a simple-minded, ignorant and lowly consumer in their eyes and they have no reservations about letting me know it.

At the end of the day, I am happy they finally did the right thing, but to act like they are some kind of authority figure (and not a common sales person that they are), really has been leaving a bad taste in my mouth since the store's inception.

Bottom line is, there IS an issue with the iPhones (ane very MUCH like the iPod Touch issue). Be calm, state your case, and most of all be firm and hopefully you can get an iPhone that is working they way it SHOULD.

was this the phoenix store by chance?

I called Applecare yesterday and was directed to go to a Genius Bar so I have an appointment this afternoon. I will report back.

OK, followup on visit to Apple store.

Went in yesterday at the appointed Genius Bar time. I took with me the iPhone, original Box (unnecessary) and a usb drive with the test pic I used to show the problem with black levels. (simple gradation from white to black made in photoshop).

Note: Don't go at lunch as I did. Even though the whole process took 20 mins, it was just too important that the first guy who helped me get to lunch on time that he passed me off to someone else.

So I pulled up the test photo on the iPhone and pointed out the black area that looked lighter than the very dark grey next to it. He transferred the pic on the drive to his MacBook and a few of them looked it over. One of the more surley of the bunch looked at it and said give him a replacement if that will make him happy but he gets only one. It won't fix it because its a 6-bit depth screen anyway. (I am a bit appalled t this point.) I tell this guy, but it doesn't render Black! No reply and he's off to the back. (Lunch?)

So, "first guy" has retrieved a replacement iPhone form the back and is typing away at the macbook and I ask him nicely what he is doing. He's swapping out the unit he says. I ask if we can check it out to see if it will solve the issue and he tells me it is not activated and so can't. At this point I realize they are on automatic and I should just sit and be quiet. Should I have an issue with unit number two, I will have to take it up with Applecare.

"First Guy" leaves for lunch and "Second Guy" steps up to complete the swap transaction. A nice person.

He swaps the sim card and loads the test image I brought and shows me the two units side-by side. Darn if the new unit properly shows black levels. Sweet. I am happy and lucky at the same time. Finish the paperwork and wonder if he will really reset the old unit after I leave.

NOTE to Apple: You would go a long way to reassure your customers if you have your Genius Bar people make an important deal about resetting the iPhone in front of them and showing them it was completed. People have private info on their phones.

Lesson: This issue might have been solved by a firmware update but it apparently can also be solved by a hardware replacement. The better is probably better.

What steps must you perform in Photoshop to create this gradient? Can you download this graphic somewhere? Photoshop newbie here. 😟

If you wish to post your email address I can send it to you. No way to post things here.