Screen discoloration after flight travel

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Level 1

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Screen discoloration after flight travel

Hi,

I’m having a recurring display issue with my iPhone XR. After I travel by flight, the screen develops a discolored area (greyish or reddish-yellow tint) at the top corners — starting from the right side where the battery, network, and Wi-Fi icons are shown. That section becomes blurred or hazy, and if I take more flights within a short time, the discoloration extends further toward the left corner. The issue usually fades away on its own over a few weeks, but it reappears after every flight. When I take a screenshot, the discoloration does not show up.

What will be the reason and suggestions to avoid while air travel?

iPhone XR, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 9:47 AM

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Answer 1

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Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,444 points

Nov 3, 2025 10:10 AM in response to Iam_sakthi

Air pressure changes are affecting the screen, which is showing its age. The display issues will continue to deteriorate. Soon, you may also likely begin to experience "ghost touches", where you touch a particular area or button on the screen and nothing happens, or something else that you did not expect to happen happens.

The likely solution would be to have the Apple Store / Genius Bar or authorized Apple service shop replace the screen. The battery may need replacement as well. Estimated cost in the range of $300-500 (U.S.).

The question might be whether or not the money would be better spent on a new phone. Since the XR was introduced about 7 years ago, it cannot run the current iOS 26 software or any future iOS versions, and Apple will likely display the service and support status as obsolete in the next year or two.

Your call though.

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Screen discoloration after flight travel

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