iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is flickering

I found a very strange way of recreating it (but only works half the time)

In the GoPro app when I connect my iPhone to the GoPro via WIFI the iPhone switches to data to stay connected online while the WiFi is being used to preview the GoPro.

When the phone switches to data the flicker lines show up the same way it does when waking the phone up or at random times.

I makes kinda sense as a lot of people report them when they are outside.

So as other users have said before it has to be related with the use of 5G or 4G affecting the display drivers or something along those lines.

Makes me hopeful thinking it has to be software related so it can be fixed without replacing the phone.

I have been having the same issues. People say turn off always on. Still have the same issue. I feel like this iPhone 6s bend gate. Anyways, took it the so called geniuses at the store and they flashed my phone completely. Had to start completely fresh. I was so mad. They put software that was fresh directly from them. Walked around for two weeks. Still same issue screen flashes line and the bootlog is trying to reset. Do anyone's apps freeze and you have to pull the screen down and push it up like pull down to control center? I have a few apps and games freeze because of this issue. Also, I went back and told them that it is still happening. So they replaced the screen and it is still happening to mine. It sucks and if you want a new device from the store good luck. They wanted to replace the motherboard and A18 pro chip. I was heck no. By now, I was angry. Apple customer service said they would send me a new one via express exchange. I am like cool. They where like we need your credit card number. I am like for what? We have to put a $1279 hold on it. It is only until the old device is in our hands. I was like no. This phone is pure junk. I hate it. Miss my 13 Pro Max.

Bought my 16pro max in December and two weeks ago it began flickering. Mostly colored lines on the bottom right hand side but occasionally it’s the whole screen and can be black and white lines or multi colored. I cannot replicate it and it doesn’t happen with any continuity.

Monday I traveled two hours to the nearest Apple Store. They wanted to replace my screen but didn’t have one in stock. I went home and they called me the next day to say the part was in. I was able to make it in today and get the screen replaced. 10 minutes into my drive home, the flickering started again. I went back to the store. They had me erase the whole thing. Assured me that would fix it. Well, they are wrong because it’s still flickering.

I texted with Apple support and am getting a phone call tomorrow from a specialist. If I get anywhere, I’ll post here. I’m not holding my breath though.

ps. Turned off my “always on” display to see if that does the trick. Not thrilled that may be the fix but we’ll see.

ryanfes wrote:

I'm also experiencing same issue and this bothers me a lot as it might gets worsen after warranty expired. Hope Apple is seeing this and they investigate further.

Hello~ Apple isn’t “seeing” it here as we are your fellow forum members. You can click on below to leave feedback or better yet take your iPhone in for a check

Product Feedback - Apple

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Find Locations

~Katana-San~

After two replacements, it has been fixed for me. I am not sure where the issue was. It could be hardware or software.

The issue persisted for me even after I received a replacement phone sent from Apple. So I would skip that kind of step.

I know how to fix the issue; you just need to disable the 5G connection and keep 4G permanently enabled… Unfortunately, it's a network modem interference problem.

tying disable 5G connection (4G only). you'll fix that issue.

Same here. Seems to be fixed with the update. My nightshift is still not working correctly but whatever. As long as the screen isn’t flickering, I’ll take it.

Seems to be software issue. I mostly notice it when just unlocking my phone. In dark environment, maybe something to do with light sensor and sudden change in brightness. Replacement does not seem to be fix issue

I went to apple on Wednesday to see if they could fix the flickering white lines on my phone. Wish I could demonstrate it to the genius bar at apple, but unfortunately it randomly happens . The tech ran test and told me every components of the phone was working as its was designed to do. So he recommended to do a reinstalling of the IOS cause it might of been a faulty download. They reinstalled the IOS thinking that it could be a faulty IOS patch, but the next day of doing this its happened again. As of today Saturday it has happened twice. Can anybody recommend what should be my next step or should I wait for the next updated IOS to see if that change?

It happened to me too, but the flickering is so instant and random that it is not possible to reproduce it when showing it to Apple tech. This looks like a hardware issue rather than software.

I put this query on ChatGPT and it came with below explanation

“

It can be frustrating when issues like random screen flickering occur intermittently, especially when they’re hard to reproduce on demand. While it could be a hardware issue, such as a loose connection, display panel problem, or GPU issue, intermittent flickering can also stem from software conflicts, like:

• Background apps or processes overloading the system.

• Display settings or refresh rate mismatches.

• Driver bugs or macOS glitches.

If you’re unable to demonstrate the problem to Apple tech, consider these steps to troubleshoot or gather evidence:

1. Record the Flickering: Use another device to record your screen whenever it happens. This will serve as proof of the issue.

2. Run Diagnostics: Use Apple’s built-in Apple Diagnostics (Restart your device and hold D) to check for hardware issues.

3. Safe Mode: Boot into Safe Mode to see if the flickering persists, which can rule out third-party software issues.

4. Update macOS: Ensure you’re on the latest macOS version. If it’s a bug, it might be patched in a newer update.

5. External Display Test: If you have access to an external monitor, connect your device and see if the flickering is mirrored. This can help narrow down if it’s a GPU or display panel issue.

If none of these steps resolve it, and you suspect hardware, persist with Apple support. Having video evidence and logs (e.g., from Console.app) can strengthen your case for repair or replacement.

“

This flickering issue happen to my apple watch ultra 2..the problem solve after few updates…Now it happen to my iphone 16 pro max..i strongly belive that it can only be fixed with software update by apple..when? IDK….

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction regarding the

ongoing issues I have experienced with my iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB),

purchased in September 2024. As a loyal Apple customer for many years, I

have always trusted the quality of your products, but this recent

experience has been deeply disappointing.

Shortly after purchasing the phone, in October 2024, I noticed a

persistent problem with the screen. Specifically, vertical lines would

partially flash when the phone was picked up or unlocked. Initially, I

contacted Apple Support and scheduled a Genius Bar appointment. However,

I canceled the visit, assuming it might be a software issue, and

decided to wait for the next iOS update.

After updating the phone, I was disheartened to find that the issue

persisted. Today, I finally decided to return to the Apple Store, where

the screen was replaced after a two-hour repair. Unfortunately, only a

few hours after the repair, I noticed that the flickering issue is still

present. Additionally, the screen is now unresponsive when performing

actions such as a long press on WhatsApp.

This is simply unacceptable for a premium device, especially one

priced at the level of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It is frustrating that a

brand-new phone, purchased only a few months ago, is exhibiting such

persistent and unresolved issues. Furthermore, I have since learned that

there are over 383 customers experiencing the same screen issue,

suggesting this may be a widespread defect.

I am extremely disappointed with this experience, as it does not

align with the quality and reliability I have come to expect from Apple

products. I expect a company of Apple’s stature to take customer

satisfaction seriously and provide a swift and permanent resolution to

this issue.

I request the following:

1. A replacement device, as the current phone appears to have a manufacturing defect.
2. An investigation into whether this is a recurring issue with the
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max, as other customers seem to be facing similar
4. problems.

Please address this matter urgently, as I cannot continue to use a

device that fails to meet basic functionality expectations. I trust that

you will provide a resolution that reflects Apple’s commitment to

quality and customer satisfaction.

After 4 calls and 2 visits to Genius Bar, they replaced my screen. But the moment I walked out and test the phone, the flickering occurred again! Brought back to Genius Bar again after I managed to do a screen recording. To my surprised, the tech acknowledged that this had been an ongoing issue! Yet Apple hasn’t come up with any rectification. This is really terrible customer service experience. They should have done a total recall for these defective devices! Expensive, minimal enhancements with each new launch. The best they can do is offer a recall. Beginning to lose confidence in their products! Buy at own risks!