Apple says that a “small percentage” of iPhone 6 Plus handsets sold between September 2014 and January 2015 shipped with defective rear iSight cameras. The issue is caused by a component “that may fail”, leading to images that appear blurry.
Owners who think that their device is exhibiting signs of this issue – besides seeing the vast majority of captured photos being ruined by horrible blurring – can check their handset’s serial number on Apple’s website. If it is found to be one of the affected units then the phone can be sent in for service and the iSight camera will be replaced free of charge.
Apple notes that any other damage to handsets, like a cracked screen, should be repaired before getting the camera fixed. Data should also be backed up to iTunes or iCloud before the phone is sent to an Apple Store or authorized service centre for the free iSight replacement.
Apple hasn’t given a detailed technical explanation of the cause of the blurry images. Digital Trends notes that it may be related to the optical image stabilization feature that is only present on the iPhone 6 Plus, explaining why no issues have been experienced with the usual iPhone 6.
The camera is obviously prevented from focusing correctly, leading to some rather awful images. Apple Support Forums user oneZer01 posted a photo showing the effects of the flaw, explaining that the shot was taken while completely still but neither automatic or manual focus operated correctly.
Owner Scott Story uploaded a sample of some video footage to YouTube. The camera very noticeably vibrates and wobbles vertically, almost as if a cheap effect has been applied in post-processing. Unfortunately, the video is a raw capture from the phone as the camera “started audibly vibrating”. Apple replaced Story’s phone free-of-charge under warranty.
It should be easy for other iPhone 6 Plus owners to identify whether their devices are faulty based on the effects that users have already experienced. Apple will replace cameras free of charge for three years after the phone’s retail date although it seems as though most people will want to put an end to the camera chaos as soon as possible.
