Iphone 11 Pro Extreme lens flare

Hi there,

I don’t think this is a real issue. From the moment I noticed the flares on my iPhone 11, I started to notice them in all the pictures and videos taken by the people around me with other iPhones/phones. There’s one trend that I noticed: newer iPhone/phone models have more apparent flares. If you simply take an iPhone 6 or a mid range android phone, you will notice that it barely has any flare because it can barely capture anything from a bright source that it faces. I could only bring the flares out when I manually customised the lightings and found the perfect angle where the camera could actually handle the light properly.

All I’m saying here is that these flares appear because the iPhone 11 has a more sensitive/capable sensor. Perhaps it’s also over exaggerated compared to other flagships since the camera holes are larger and maybe apple’s AI system treats it as a detail and tries to sharpen it. It’s important to point out that other flagships still have it but less exaggerated as you can see in the first posts in here: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=76&topicid=257319

The theory of a defective coating might sound reasonable but I’ve seen too many examples of flares close to what I’m seeing on relativity new iPhone models such as iPhone XR, 8, and 7 that I can’t simply ignore and assume that it’s a defect.

Take a look at this apple article which points out to flares and other light artifacts.

https://support.apple.com/en-kw/HT203692

Also look how this iPhone 11 camera review has flares in some of the examples but it never gets pointed out as an issue. Take a look at 7:04, 7:45, and 7:11

https://youtu.be/k4bs5rdZy6k

For those who reported a flare-free experience after some kind of repair, it’s quite strange that most of them didn’t provide evidence, or if they did, the before & after comparison wasn’t very consistent or it only included examples of very minor flares. I will only believe if someone reproduces one of the intense flare-examples that they had ( the ones with clear green reflections ) but with dramatic improvement (in term of flare) after the repair without any photoshop tricks.

I recommend you guys to take a look at this reddit post if you feel like it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/da6qft/iphone_11_pros_irritating_lens_flare_problem/?utm_source=amp&utm_medium=&utm_content=comments_view_all

My last words for you guys: Ease-off your minds and enjoy most of the beautiful pictures that you will actually take in normal daylight instead of weird lighting scenarios!

Yes it is completely normal for a sensor this size coupled with these lenses.

It's not "missing coatings" and if you care to read the entirity of this thread you'll see that's been proven time and time again.

Your iPhone XS used an entirely different lens design, so direct comparisons don't apply.

If you really think something is wrong with your particular phone, Apple would be happy to take a look for you:

Contact - Official Apple Support

I agree with you, even with the iphone 6, there was no such reflections .. there is a real problem on the 11 !

What can i do? refund? Waiting for an improvement ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J77FgXz58dg

I see the same problem at night and also in the day. The picture at night is incredible but the lens flare is not acceptable. I am on iOS 13.2 and don’t see how the software is going to help at all. It is the glass cover over the lens that is creating the reflection and flares. Very disappointing. I observed this today as well in the sun. I never had this on my iPhone XS Max or older iPhones.

Mine had the same problem. It is a manufacturing problem with the first batches of iPhone Pros. I'm thinking they were missing a coating or something.

I insisted the lens was defective and they swapped it out with a new one. Now it all is working as expected.

Is this considered normal? This photo was posted in another thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250850937?page=2

I can’t believe that Apple would sell this camera with this reflection issue. I’m starting to think that “Deep Fusion” was secretly named “Oh, Crap” and it didn’t fix the issue.

This thread pretty much shows the same results that I’ve experienced:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250850937?page=1

I didn’t take this photo BUT it illustrates my results with flare and a subject in front of a lit Christmas tree:

Hello JJoe15,

Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities. I understand you have concerns regarding lens flares with your new iPhone.

I suggest ensuring your iPhone is updated: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If the issue persists after testing the behavior in different lighting conditions, then I suggest reaching out to Apple Support for additional assistance: Get Support

Have a great day!

josé133 wrote:

I choose to buy the new Iphone 11 pro max . Im a photographer/videographer.. I need my total refund

Normally, if it's been less than 15 days since your purchase, you can get just that by returning your device.

However, because of the holidays:

Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 15, 2019 and December 25, 2019, may be returned through January 8, 2020. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Online Store Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such items purchased. All purchases made after December 25, 2019, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple

Note it says online, but generally they extend their return policy to items purchased in physical Apple Stores as well.

luismoreno wrote:

I'm not changing my very expensive phone for a refurb no offing way.

It's not up to you; under the terms of the warranty you agreed to by accepting the device (emboldening mine):

If during the Warranty Period you submit a claim to Apple or an AASP in accordance with this warranty, Apple will, at its option:

(i) repair the Apple Product using new or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability,

(ii) replace the Apple Product with the same model (or with your consent a product that has similar functionality) formed from new and/or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or 

(iii) exchange the Apple Product for a refund of your purchase price.

https://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/ios-warranty-document-us.html

You are not writing Apple, so Apple won't respond to you. Cognizant Apple employees don't participate here. This forum is user to user only.

If you are concerned about the camera on your iPhone, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and you can also provide feedback via this link --> https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

There are issues of severe flare & ghosting as well as these phones lenses covers are extremely fragile and seem to shatter fairly often too...

If you need to submit the matter to Apple here you go:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/

The more feedback, the more something may be done about it assuming the issue is or become statistically significant i.e. product defect, recall, etc...

Apple wants you to share photos taken in night mode. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/01/share-your-best-iphone-night-mode-photos/

Everyone who has lens issues, let's send them our beautiful photos.

You have to submit your photos on shotoniphone@apple.com using this file format "firstname_lastname_nightmode_iPhonemodel"

EDIT: No joke, I mean it.

Exactly. I don’t think enough people care that their $800 phone has issues with the camera.

I’m sure the next I phone’s camera will be touted as the “best camera ever” will some change to the lens to prevent the flare or at least reduce it.

The thing that ticks me off is that Apple keeps advertising the 11’s phone as if it’s perfect. The Share Your Best Night Photo is a good example. I know my phone can’t take night photos like submissions on this page:

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/01/share-your-best-iphone-night-mode-photos/

Pjphilippe wrote:

As far as I know it is not possible to test iPhones, take some snaps, go home, check these out then decide to buy or not to buy... I would have bought it anyway as I was curious about the 3 cameras integration which I must admit is interesting and well done although I believe that there are no optical zoom in there.

In most areas of the world, Apple has a 14 day, full refund return policy, so it is in fact possible to do what you want.

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple