Shiny rainbow effect on 3GS screen

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Level 1

10 points

Shiny rainbow effect on 3GS screen

My iPhone suddenly has a rainbow effect on the screen. Almost like an oil slick on it. I'm using an anti-glare screen protector on it. Not as noticeable indoors, very distracting outdoors. Does not affect functionality of the screen. Any ideas what caused this or how to make it go away?

iPhone 3GS, iPhone OS 3.0.1

Posted on Sep 4, 2009 9:30 AM

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Answer 1

Jason L

Community Specialist

Sep 4, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Amanda88

Hi Amanda,

Try testing the iPhone without the anti-glare screen protector.

If the issue persists make a reservation with a Genius online here: http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/
The Genius will take a look at the iPhone and repair or replace it, if needed.

-Jason

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Answer 2

Sep 4, 2009 9:41 AM in response to Amanda88

I have the same issue in the bottom left corner of the screen. No damage, it just showed up.

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Answer 3

Amanda88 Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 4, 2009 2:24 PM in response to Jason L

Took off the screen protector and the problem is gone. Not sure how that happened all of the sudden - I had just dropped the phone (it was in an Otterbox Impact case inside a leather sleeve at the time) so it may have jarred the protector loose. Looks fine now. I forget how much I love the feel of this phone without a screen protector. Alas, it won't last long. I'll be back at Apple this weekend getting another screen protector.

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Answer 4

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Sep 4, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Amanda88

Ah .. good.

Phil

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Answer 5

carl wolf

Level 6

14,631 points

Sep 4, 2009 5:08 PM in response to Amanda88

"My iPhone suddenly has a rainbow effect on the screen."

That's referred to as "diffraction", and can be caused by a myriad of things.

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Answer 6

Amanda88 Author

Level 1

10 points

Sep 4, 2009 6:07 PM in response to carl wolf

Ok. I'll bite - I'm curious. What causes it? For me it was a screen protector that's been functioning perfectly well for 2 months. What happened to it, and what else causes it?

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Answer 7

Sep 4, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Amanda88

At certain angles I see the same effect with the screen protector. I think that most of these protectors are made of a material that will give you that effect.

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