Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Severe Eye Strain due to OLED PWM Dimming

Hello , i have been using iphone for 10 years or so and with changes after iphone X which uses OLED , i am really unable to use my iphone due to PWM dimming which causes severe migraine and dizziness for me in 5mins. I have been stuck on iphone 11 due to LCD panels but i am worried whats going to happen in future since LCD is gone now. Can Apple implement DC dimming via software Update? i have tried 14 pro and it had same problems even though flicker has been reduced but doesnt help. I tried every accessibility option like reduce white point , keeping 100% brightness.

Posted on Mar 29, 2023 1:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 14, 2023 10:43 AM

  1. I don't believe we're going to get DC dimming for OLED screens as updates.
  2. For those who don't understand what PWM is and how it affects a small groups of people, before asking them to go see an eye doctor, at least read a few articles about how PWM affects their eyes, and in some cases, dizziness and vertigo. Here is a start: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Why-Pulse-Width-Modulation-PWM-is-such-a-headache.270240.0.html
  3. Currently only iPhone SE 3 have LCD screens. The plain iPhone 11 is the last big display iPhone that have LCD and users who are affect by pwm can only use these 2 phones (that is if they can buy an iPhone 11 model). Note that iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max uses OLED. And any thing from 12 onwards uses OLED.
  4. I am in the same boat as you because I am also affected by the pwm. If apple changes everything to OLED then I just have to say goodbye to iPhone. We are such a small group and I don't think they really care.

Similar questions

81 replies
Sort By: 

Mar 19, 2024 3:28 PM in response to giu-se

We can still use the later iPhones but we need to know what are good lcd screen replacement options because some brands still offer lcd screen replacements for later iPhones. We would just have to pay a bit more to replace the screen when we buy a new iPhone. My question is what brands are the best for iPhone lcd screen replacements for likes of iPhone 12,13,14 etc?

Reply

Apr 1, 2024 11:20 PM in response to GmXplode

I am a migraine sufferer like 2-3 a year but lately its 2 a week and i suspect my iphone13 pro screen, i have had for 2 years but recently did a update- is there any answers on how to improve this? I lowered white point, have night mode on and also “limit frame rate” in settings, so its stuck at 60 and cant go down to 10 (which apparently makes it worse for us) this is the only thing i can guess thats changed for my triggers - im due for a new phone what type should i get to avoid Oled screen. I thought having a bright screen was a trigger so i always have it so low but seems that could also cause this? Pls help. Its getting ridiculous

Reply

Apr 16, 2024 7:18 AM in response to stikboi

I had the iPhone 8 then went to the 12, lasted a few weeks and got rid of it due to the unbearable headaches, then went to the 11, all good. Went to the 15, (great phone) lasted a few weeks then the severe headaches and eye pain came back, it’s really bad, now back on the 11. If all that’s required is a dimming feature that Samsung has why wouldn’t Apple? Really shocking, when the 11 stops being supported and it’s not fixed it’ll have to be Samsung, assuming they have really dealt with the issue.

Reply

Jul 4, 2024 4:45 AM in response to GmXplode

I had severe eye strain and headaches after using XS Max. I had to switch to iPhone 11, but in a few years it is going to be obsolete. If Apple keeps ignoring people sensitive to PWM, they would just stop using their products, as I would do, because they wouldn’t give me any option.

Reply

Aug 4, 2024 3:29 AM in response to giu-se

We're a relatively small group, but I've read 4% or people are sufferers. And I think there are probably more people that are milder sufferers who just have minor eye strain and live with it, without realising it is to do with their phone screen. You wouldn't think it was a big ask for apple to keep just one LCD screened phone in the range. The new SE 4 is going to be oled when it's out. They vaunt oled as being better, but I wonder if it's just a cost saving to have the whole range as oled?

Reply

Sep 1, 2024 5:05 AM in response to GmXplode

Apple to not acknowledge this issue is really troubling, I can get flicker free bulbs from Philips, TVs with zero PWM but soon there won't be a single Apple phone without it. It's a real shame the iPhone 11 will be my last iPhone unless something changes.

Reply

Severe Eye Strain due to OLED PWM Dimming

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.