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Why is my iPhone 14 Pro causing headache, nausea and eye strain? PWM Complaint...

Hello,


I purchased an iPhone 14 Pro recently. Ever since using it, I have fallen ill with nausea, headaches and eye strain. Even after using for sure durations (5-10 minutes).


Based on my research, this is due to the PWM (Pulse Wave Modulation) flickering which happens in iPhones (and other phones) with AMOLED screens which use PWM to dim the screen.


I currently use an iPhone 11 (standard) - which has an LCD screen with none of these issues.


Is Apple looking into any ways to fix this problem? Or at very least, continue to release phones with LCD screens for those of use with this issue? The only other phone option with LCD and 5G is the iPhone SE 2022...which is a smaller screen phone.


Thank you.




Posted on Oct 1, 2022 1:32 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 1, 2022 4:44 PM

So glad I’m not the only one having this issue. My family thinks I’m crazy. I was so excited to get the iPhone pro max and loved the phone except that I can’t stand to be near it. Horrible headache and sensation on my skin crawling. I don’t think it’s the screen. It can be sitting on a table in the same room and it causes my symptoms.

134 replies

Nov 29, 2022 2:49 PM in response to mihail292

mihail292 wrote:

hey everyone!
This is not about the screen, Headache is caused by the cellular antenna inside the iphone and amount of data you use. I notice that when I watch YT I feel nauseous and facial numbing sensations occur. Imho it’s the electromagnetic frequencies.

Science says that's false.


EMF hypersensitivity does not exist.

Nov 30, 2022 8:50 AM in response to mihail292

mihail292 wrote:

hey everyone!
This is not about the screen, Headache is caused by the cellular antenna inside the iphone and amount of data you use. I notice that when I watch YT I feel nauseous and facial numbing sensations occur. Imho it’s the electromagnetic frequencies.

If you only feel these things when you watch YouTube, it's probably due to the YouTube content, some of which is quite nauseating.


But no, it' not the "electomagnetic frequencies". The only thing that the "electromagnetic frequencies" from a cell phone do is warm your face up a bit if you talk on the phone for a long time.

Jan 8, 2023 4:50 PM in response to WideAwake

Yes, I have the same problem with IPhone X and 12 pro max. Now I am using SE, my headache is gone. But don’t ask the question on Apple forum, because we won’t get the real answer. Don’t you notice all the commenters with higher points want us to see a doc? It’s ridiculous. It’s clearly IPhone’s screen problem, not our problem.


[Edited by Moderator]

Jan 8, 2023 4:20 PM in response to Katrina1488

Katrina1488 wrote:
Don’t you notice all the commenters with higher points want us to see a doc? It’s ridiculous. It’s clearly IPhone’s screen problem, not our problem. Don’t let them bully us.

What is ridiculous about suggesting that someone who is experiencing sudden headaches and other issues see a doctor? How is concern for someone’s health “bullying”? I get the sense that some people mistake anything less than full-throated endorsements of their opinions as “bullying”.

Jan 8, 2023 5:07 PM in response to Katrina1488

Hello ~ I would think if people were telling you to stop using that phone and to please go see your physician would be the exact opposite of bullying you. We want the best for you and I for one will continue to encourage you to see you physician and let them then make a determination. After all this in not about an iPhone but your health. I hope that you put that first. Be well.


~Katana-San~


Jan 23, 2023 6:13 PM in response to WideAwake

Nausea from iPhone 14 pro motion:

I don’t get the headaches or eye sore, but I do get nauseous looking at my 14 pro max within a matter of minutes. I found that if I enable the “limit frame rate” setting (60hz option), I’m perfectly fine. It’s weird bc I do not have that issue with my s22 ultra or pixel 7 pro, both of which has 120hz screens. It happened with the iPhone 13 Pro and I thought i was tweaking. Using the 14 pro max confirmed I just have an issue with Apple’s implementation of the higher refresh rate. My guess is it’s the constant throttling causing the inconsistent refresh rate. Open up twitter or even the settings menu on a newer pro iPhone and the newer android phones and you can see the difference in how smooth the screen scrolls. I also noticed refresh rate tests strangely top out at 60hz for some reason when the phone’s in 120hz mode.

TL:DR try disabling 120hz and see if that helps.

Feb 27, 2023 11:31 PM in response to WideAwake

My goodness! I have the same problem & I was even admitted to see eyes specialist, ENT specialist & did MRI on brain...spent huge amount to check everything but nothing wrong...only recently I observe I will only not feeling well when I look at my newly bought Mac book & iPhone 14 pro max for more than 30 mins...what a waste of time & money on hospitalisation just because of that.


I am now trying to turn off the True Tone & off the automatically adjust light. It seems a little bit better. I shall monitor & see.

Mar 8, 2023 2:15 PM in response to WideAwake

You should make an appointment with your doctor because the problem you're experiencing is not limited to iPhones. PWM is present in various electronic devices, including phone screens, computer screens, and LED headlights in cars.


While it's possible that your reaction is linked to your phone, it's not a common occurrence. If you're sensitive to PWM, you'll need to do some investigation before buying any electronic device with a screen.

Mar 19, 2023 10:27 AM in response to 1luckypanda

I'm not sure what you're hoping anyone here or from Apple can do for you if the type of screen which Apple, Google, Samsung and others use in modern cell phones. If you have a medical condition which is exasperated by this type of screen technology, there is no magic button on iPhone or for that matter ANY phone or screen which will help you.


You've learned you need to use a phone with LCD screen technology. And that is because you have a medical condition which evidently makes you overly sensitive to the newer screen technologies. But to expect Apple or any manufacturer to be able to make it not an issue for you, is unrealistic.


The vast majority of people using the newer screens on cell phones, have no such sensitivities. It's unfortunate for you, you have an issue. But at least you know what to avoid the next time you buy a cell phone.


Sell your iPhone 14 if you can't use it, seems the only solution anyone could possibly offer you.


Edit: Have you spoken with your eye doctor or medical professional to see if there are any filters or glasses you can use, which will help you with this condition?

Why is my iPhone 14 Pro causing headache, nausea and eye strain? PWM Complaint...

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