Screen
A small black line suddenly appeared on my screen near the home button. Should this be taken seriously?
My iphone is 11.
iPhone 11, iOS 16
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You can easily determine if you have a hardware or software issue. A reliable method to confirm a screen or other hardware fault is to take a screenshot when the fault is evident - and then review the captured screenshot image...
When reviewed, if the line is not present in the screenshot image, then you have demonstrated that you have a hardware fault that, sooner or later, may develop and become sufficiently severe that repair or replacement of the iPhone are the only options. If the line is visible in the screenshot, then something other than hardware will be the cause.
Note: When reviewing the image, rotating the iPhone screen orientation by 90°, from Portrait to Landscape, will ensure that the image does not coincide with screen defects if present.
Take a screenshot on your iPad – Apple Support
If the test indicates that a hardware fault (as, given your description this is very likely) a visit to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store is recommended - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPhone. This will likely inform your next steps: