HUGE fault with iPhone 16 camera.

[@gooddad11]

Had this issue with my initial 16 pro. Once I replaced it, the problem was resolved. I now get pitch dark photos at ISO 6400 30s in a dark room with no blue streaks. Thanks for raising this awareness.

[@artfartzy]

Wow thats nice, I wonder if I should send mine back, I fear if I get a new replecement that it might have the same problem.

[@k.skyl1n3zz]

what about now? my replacement phone solved the issue but one month later the issue on my phone now.

[@der1222]

Next Apple press release: "Capture stunning blue auroras with the iPhone 16 Pro Max"

[@WSLMRADIO1]

No kidding!!!

[@artfartzy]

Haha good one

[@hmmnope9231]

True! It’s not a bug, it’s a feature!! Lmao

[@alexander9895]

Soon Tim Cook gonna blame it on us xD "YoU´rE jUsT jUsInG tHe CaMeRa WrOnG"

[@JamesHall-u1z]

This is a hardware issue. I took my affected iPhone 16 Pro to the Apple store yesterday and was able to recreate the problem as well as show the "Genius" all my photos with the bluing. My sensor was exceptionally bad, like the entire screen was blue after a 30 second covered photo. They tried to tell me it was a software issue, but I insisted it wasn't and because I was able to recreate the problem in store they did a replacement. Make sure you explain the problem well because the in store tests they perform don't trigger the problem. I also had to explain how a camera sensor works and why the bluing was a hardware problem and not software related. My "Genius" also tried to recreate the issue on their in store models, but didn't even know how to trigger the 30 second exposure. I eventually convinced him to replace my phone, and the new one has a completely black screen during the test now. If you have this problem GO TO THE APPLE STORE AND GET IT REPLACED! It's the only way Apple will get enough documentation and it will force them to actually address the problem.

[@willbelial3775]

My “Genius” gave me no problem at all about it, showed him the photos and he immediately said, “ you need a new camera let me go grab you a new phone I’ll be right back” and that was that. I was within the 14 day no hassle exchange/return window as well so idk if that had anything to do with it.

[@JamesHall-u1z]

@@willbelial3775 Yea I was out of the 14 day window, but still within the "Apply Apple Care" window.

[@theunsureavenger]

The problem i have is that they replaced my first phone and now the second one is doing the same. They are saying they don’t want to replace it a second time as I’ll probably have the same issues. And that it’s likely software related. Even if they replace it again, I really can’t be sure the next one will work.

[@willbelial3775]

@@theunsureavenger right on, Apple Store I went to told me I can bring it back again if it still does it cause it shouldn’t be doing that. But replacement is good for me.

[@JamesHall-u1z]

@@theunsureavenger Yea I would keep pushing the issue, and maybe try the camera before you leave with the new one, OR try it on the store models and hopefully youll get one that doesnt do it and you can show them its hardware related, Maybe try another Apple store if there is a second one close to you?

[@zollotech]

Had someone ask me about this issue and today October 25 is the first I have heard of it. Haven't seen this on any of my photos. I tested how you said on two separate iPhone 16 Pro Maxes. One with iOS 18.1 and one with iOS 18.2 Beta 1 both at ISO6400. Curiosu which version you are using?

[@SvetoslavBonev]

he won't respond cause it is easier to dish on apple and upload clickbait videos...and the "invented issue" is not actually an issue but a result of the stupid whim called "table test"

[@cryptoafc7655]

@@SvetoslavBonev you are an apple sheep and you deserve a faulty device

[@SvetoslavBonev]

@@cryptoafc7655 mine works just fine, no blue lines cause i know what i am doing 😉 enjoy your blue lines 🤣🤣

[@gloidl]

@@SvetoslavBonev well - it is not a made up issue. My wife has a 16 pro and I have a 16pro max. We took a side by side picture. Her picture is o.k. mine is unuseable and covered in blue spots and grain...

[@SvetoslavBonev]

@@gloidl side by side of what? exactly the same settings? there are a lot of things to consider before claiming something on the hardware...

[@Michael.A-816]

Hi, Shayne. I’ve tried this several times. 30 sec capture ISO 10000. I do not get the blue lines. Phone was set flat on the table with the exposure. My 16 pro max was made in August and I got it Oct 7th. I’m sorry so many are having this issue.

[@simonharper8978]

Just tested my 16 Pro Max on a 30-second night mode shot. Laid the phone on the table and covered with a heavy towel to block all light out. The photo was totally black, with no colour streaks thankfully. ISO recorded was 10,000. Thank you Shayne for highlighting this issue. I can now not stress that my new 16 has the issue.

[@ShayneMostyn]

I would say its more like a hardware issue with many people not having this issue. Especially when shooting such high ISO. But there are loads of people that are having the problem. Im thinking a bad batch of sensors or something.

[@simonharper8978]

@@ShayneMostyn I think you are right. A bad batch of sensors or a manufacturing issue. Hopefully you can get yours sorted mate. Love the channel and the heaps of advice you give us all 🫶🏼

[@iPhone-Cinematograhy]

It would be helpful to rename the title of this video to "HUGE fault with some iPhone 16 cameras," along with an explanation on how users can test their phones. For instance, I placed my phone lens-down on a dark wood desk for a 30-second exposure, which resulted in a noticeable flare. When I tried the same test on a black mouse pad, the flare was reduced. Finally, placing the phone on a black cotton T-shirt gave me a completely black image, which helps eliminate false positives. It would also be helpful for those experiencing the issue to share their serial numbers to track any patterns.

[@PokPokChickenGod]

he did change it waw

[@Wildtype389]

Because they wouldn't get invited to next year's iPhone event.

[@damienlobb85]

Hahahaha true. I have heard Linus is also now on Apples friendly list since being kind about the 16 and its camera control button.

[@amitkapoor1982]

True!

[@terrym3837]

Nothing much has changed in the iPhone for years yet listening to these characters you would think Apple had reinvented the wheel

[@RootSystemHash]

Maybe because not a lot of people do pitch black 30s exposure night mode shots. iPhone 16 pro astrophotographers are a niche group.

[@Influence4lyfe]

Agreed lol 😆 😅

[@docwel1]

I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max and in a dark room and the camera facing the counter and set to Raw with a 30 second exposure and with 10,000 iso it was solid black without any blue streaks. Love your channel.

[@MystifyMe97]

Just did same test with same phone as you, and no issues either.

[@JonInLondon]

If you look at it on a computer at the pixel level do you get a few purple pixels dotted around? (I do BTW, see my full post above.)

[@mrhahn98]

it happened before with my old HTC One, if i remember correctly back then people speculate that blue/purple pattern is from radiated heat, and either the sensor is broken or its not shielded correctly, it gets worse the more you use the phone, try putting it in a fridge for a bit then take it out and shoot pitch black photos, see if the problem goes away then as the phone is heating up it will return. There's alot of debate back then about it being hardware or software but all sign points to hardware, HTC never admited the faulty sensor but quietly replacing all HTC One first batch camera sensor , even for people without warranty (i have mine replaced out of warranty)

[@ShayneMostyn]

Interesting mate. You may be onto something there. I will test that

[@MrBitterman75]

@@ShayneMostyn Sorry to bother, but have you tried it yet?

[@justinguy73]

My iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibits this issue with a 30 second night mode pic at 10000 ISO. Nearly the entire pic was illuminated blue with some splotches of red as well. It wasn’t light bleed as I had the lens pressed into a couch to ensure they were in complete darkness.

[@eddaxm]

Same here for me

[@ejmatthews1012]

Same with me. But I hve not observed any blue lines on proper long exposure photos

[@Anth369]

My 15 Pro Max too - same blue pattern, with red mixed in. Looks like clouds or fog and is very apparent

[@Lachlan1806]

Have any 15 Pro Max users spoken to Apple or tried doing anything about it? I'd be interested to see Apple's reaction given the phone is over a year old now.

[@NickDelDuca]

I have a 16 pro and it won't go past 10 secs on night mode?

[@gusmcewan]

iPhone 16 Pro Max 1Tb, done all your tests multiple times, zero problems.

[@bghimself440]

same here with 512 GB pro max

[@damienlobb85]

That's good to know. You're lucky, because there's a pretty noticeable issue in more than 40% of the users phones who shoot what we shoot.

[@MystifyMe97]

Same with my 16 pro max 1tb, no issues.

[@ThatShitGood]

Some devices have that problem some don’t

[@joel_m_v]

I just checked my iPhone 16 Pro Max 1TB Natural Titanium in Canada and it has the blue lines at 30s exposure with 4000 ISO.

[@Wambie68]

FYI, 16 Pro Max, I tested mine with the table trick. At first it was horrible blue patches all over but then I realised there might be light leaking in around the hump as while it was on the table face down it was not completely flat across the camera bump. I put a black cloth under the lens, so it covered the edge completely and as a result a lot of the blue went away but not completely. It went from about 60% down to about 5% of the area. 30s with 10000 ISO on 12MP. Same test on 13 Pro Max and my photos are almost pure black, definitely no blue.

[@kentrezbell15]

Me to

[@AlexanderTG3]

From Tas, I have a white 256gb 16 PM and luckily I don’t have this issue. Tested it a few times the photo is completely black at 30 sec with ISO between 6400/8000. Must be frustrating for those who do though!

[@SN-oe6qz]

This same problem is on my iPhone 15 pro max as well Please acknowledge in your video as well This problem isn’t only on the new phone

[@willbelial3775]

Yes I have seen it on 14 as well! Not only the 16!

[@michael_c2]

yeah that's interesting. it sounds like it might be a problem Apple has with whoever they're sourcing their camera modules from. It's just small enough now that the amount of people complaining about it hasn't really triggered Apple to do anything about it.

[@juangoyeneche7304]

You’re the first one that has a real problem that has to be looked at. Most KZbinrs just complain about what they don’t like more that what is wrong with the phone. Thanks.

[@JonHall005]

15 PM, replicated test (10,000 ISO, 30s exp, 24mm lens, blackout blinds, phone pressed into black mouse mat). No blue lines. Just red ones. Lots of them. The same layout as your blue ones, suggesting it's also a sensor problem. Had it for a year but never used it for 30s exp before so it's not been an issue. Thanks for posting the video.

[@Lachlan1806]

I did the same with 15PM, and got majority red lines, also mixed with some blue. Did you end up talking to apple or doing anything about it?

[@JonHall005]

@ Didn't think there was much point, didn't think they'd do do anything, judging by some of the comments.

[@evangelosb5805]

Since not all of them produce these blue streaks it seems like a hardware problem. Now, it could be a faulty batch or it could be a batch with lower quality, yet within quality tolerances.

[@horridohobbies]

Is this specific to the Pro models? What about the base iPhone 16?

[@kalin20071]

I tested my iPhone 16 Pro according to your instructions but the result was few dozens blue dots here and there without a certain pattern or without forming noticeable stripes across the screen.

[@eliashermansson]

It must be hardware problem. I have read about reports that Google Pixel phone gave out similar blue patches when they dit the test procedure. However, if it's not showing in actual photos, there might be some sort of software reduction done during processing the photo? My speculation is that its the hot pixels (blue dots) on the sensors that the processing "thinks" is blue light so that gets magnified.

[@creglia]

I had this problem on three iPhone 15 Pro Max. But the colour was red. iPhone replaced the phone but I’m sure another people experienced it. I also got circle patterns in the Center of the image.

[@davemac90]

I think, if anyone’s going to test this out, they have to lift the rear end of the camera so that the entire camera case is hard against the surface. And there should be a dark towel or something placed over it as well. I think it’s got incredible ability to pick up any stray light so the test would have to be thorough. I get a slight amount of red haze notably at the top until I lifted it up and it decreases greatly.

[@RiturajNarain]

Hi, all the way from Bombay India. Luckily no problems with my 16 pro, did the test as you said and the result is a black photograph. big relief! Thank you for the video. keep up the good work.

[@JacobJovelou]

100% hardware problem. I had two 16 Pro. One had the issue. One didn't. Very obvious when shooting manual at 10k ISO. The noise difference between the phones were huge which means that the affected phone needs much more denoise applied which ruins the detail completely.

[@ShayneMostyn]

Perfect example, thanks mate

[@jmm5765]

Finally someone with a "shocking" title and the content to back it up! I have been following and really enjoying your channel because of the awesome content about astrophotography, especially since you teach us how to make it accessible with phones. But at the same time, I have been getting videos recommended to me with titles such as "the one problem about iphone 16 nobody talks about" or "how did everyone miss this about iphone 16" and then it ends up being complete clickbait and the video either doesn't mention any problem, or only mentions widely known problems. With you however, you mentioned the problem, got right into it in the video, and actually talked about it like the title suggested. Such a breath of fresh air!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Thanks mate, I appreciate that. A few people called this clickbait. I didnt think so. BTW, the problem is still outstanding.

[@MCBA117]

What’s even stranger is that the blue haze disappears when I only enter edit mode without having auto enhance the photo. The problem with this is that I can not save it without making any changes. When I auto enhance the photo remains black and when I press the photo to compare with the original there’s no difference, just black. So I’m guessing, that this is a software issue rather than a hardware issue.

[@carlosroldao]

ISO 10000, tested (although I’d done it before) and luckily I don’t have the issue. 16 Pro sold in Portugal, settings say manufacture July 2024

[@nunoteixeira9068]

Aqui tb 16 pro max igual

[@offtothenextadventure]

Pro Max has the same issue?

[@orany321]

Mine is completely black in my bathroom (there is no natural light), but when I lay it in lit room and some light can squeeze to the lens, I can see blue patterns just like yours. Weird

[@ShayneMostyn]

If you are doing astro photography with it, see if its on the pics.

[@Docsthetics]

Shayne mostyn you a legend mate , people talk about hardware , software you mate pushing the limit for tech reviewers how things must be tested ....this tech aint cheap cost a lot

[@MarksTech]

This is true! My 16 Pro Max has this issue, and so does my 15 Pro Max

[@robertcannata94]

Hey Shayne, curious if you have the same problem when using the Halide app?

[@RichardHallas]

I’m happy and relieved to find that my UK 16 Pro Max model is perfect. I’ve just done the 30 second test and the resulting ISO 10,000 photo I get is pure black with no imperfections whatsoever. In fact, there’s nothing to see in it at all: viewing it full screen, it simply looks as though the screen is turned off. Thanks for the alert about the problem, though. I’m pleased to have been able to confirm that my own phone isn’t affected.

[@ShayneMostyn]

good to hear

[@Mango_06]

Thank you for raising awareness on this issue! I’m currently on iPhone 11 and was considering upgrading to 16 Pro but might wait if there are such issues… I hope many people will see your video so that apple can see it as well and address the issue better because from what I’ve read in the comment depending on the Apple Store the answer isn’t the same…

[@cogmovies]

Hi Shayne. While I don't have an iPhone 16, I get a perfectly black image on my iPhone 15 Pro Max - shot in Night Mode using the standard 24mm camera with 30 seconds exposure, with metadata showing ISO 10000. Shot as you suggested, with camera face down in a dark environment. Sorry to hear that you have a problem with your (2) new iPhone 16 Pros. Hopefully it can be fixed by Apple, one way or another. Cheers from John in South Australia - love your work!

[@nickhenderson362]

I just swapped mine out on the second trip to the Apple Store and so far, the replacement doesn’t have the defect. The first time, they tried to blame the 18.1 beta. They downgraded it back to 18.0.1 and it still had the problem. Today, they told me I should wait until 18.1 public release but I told them I’d rather try my luck with a new phone. I’m glad I did. I think some of it is the OS and the way it post-processes images. When I put 18.1 beta on the replacement phone, some blue streaks crept back in. Trying it in RAW eliminated the blue noise. With my old phone, the image was completely blue noise even in RAW.

[@Michelle-eb5cx]

Just bought my iPhone 16 Pro (256)Tuesday at an Apple store in Maryland, USA. I did your test several times and at 30 seconds I get the blue lines. Will contact Apple tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this information.

[@philippe7166]

I have an iPhone 16 pro and don’t have these blue lines Very great photos you did

[@MicrophoneDiaries]

Why does my iphone 16 pro max only allow a max of 10 seconds???

[@naturalmosaic]

I’ve done the test and got a wee bit of blue and was gutted and then remembered I blue case. I removed the case and I don’t have it. Thank god

[@nicoli8437]

Have you tried using a different camera app?

[@deavo74]

Unfortunately the iPhone camera app is the only one where you can do 30 second long exposure. Other apps would really help in this situation.

[@marshallchambers6387]

Having this on my second iPhone 16 pro. The first was replaced and now I have an appointment to get my second serviced. Really just want this resolved so I can get back to taking great photos. Hope the third phones the charm fingers crossed!

[@DubTDub]

I have an odd one here Shayne - I commented on your first video about this. No blue lines on table test. Just did it again right now- iso 6400, still no blue lines. I’m an amateur at Astro photography, and when I started photoshopping my images, I noticed blue streaks on the left side. (16 pro.) Hard to say if it’s the cause of my filters, or the same issue you’re experiencing. (And it is on my shots at higher ISO’s)… I’m not on Facebook, or else I’d post them to confirm. But the lines weren’t noticeable until I started to adjust the filters. I hope Apple doesn’t sweep this issue under the rug - as I feel they would need to be prepared to recall thousands of units. Look forward to your update next week!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Interesting mate. I didnt notice mine either until editing in a later video. I think you may be right, it may have gotten worse.

[@mikewheeler9011]

This is real review and reporting, and why your one of the best "small" creators compared to the rest

[@06howea1]

It’s not inconceivable for consumers to expect absolute perfection when they drop a thousand bucks on a brand new 📱 phone

[@ShayneMostyn]

True

[@coffsblokemark89]

I have this issue, do I go to Optus store or do I call apple ? And say I have blue lines ??

[@michaelholbrook4401]

I have a 15 Pro Max, and was using it to get into phone-based photography instead of DSLR. But this is the kind of thing, especially learning it's not just Apple's 16P, but also other phones in the past, like the HTC 1, makes me leery about continuing this route. I think I'll save up for a decent mirrorless camera going forward, and stick with a base model phone, for use as a everyday carry, point and click, type camera, as any phone does that well these days.

[@newsnetworkz]

iPhone 15 Pro Max has this problem as well? Apple has used some kind of extra coating around camera lenses this time on 16, does it cause this issue?

[@TheM2kx]

I was wondering how this case would end! I had a dilemma whether to choose 15 pro or 16 pro. A big thank you for the information, I'll choose the model I already know. These blue lines remind me a bit of sensor power supply problems, sometimes such things happened when too much current was supplied, but I could be wrong.

[@ztfilms5047]

I tested my 16 pro. I get the same lines when its placed on a flat surface, but when I do a 30 second exposure if a dark room, there is none. Maybe the Lidar is somehow interfering with it when it's lying down ?

[@ShayneMostyn]

I suspect some will show the blue lines in the test, but not see them in the photo. It should be fine.

[@wh00mp]

I have the same issue with a 16Pro and Apple agreed to replace it. I will test the new one when I go pick it up. One of the 16Pro’s of a Genius Bar employee did not have the problem. Hope my new one will be fixed

[@mase202]

i just did the test on my 16 pro max and got blue dots and one red dot i wonder if thats bad?

[@TheDon8771]

I tried mine and it’s golden. ISO was at 12500. Is that good?

[@leegengxiang2173]

Mine was sent in for warranty claim but Apple said a "simple procedure cured the problem". When I got my untouched phone back, it is still as bad.

[@bunkermagnus]

I posted about my replacement phone at the Apple genius bar last week where I got a new 16 pro. I tested again with 2 shots with camera facing down into a black mousepad. One in HEIC and one in ProRaw, both 30 second exposures and at ISO 4000 and 5000 respectively, not a slightest tint of blue. My old 16 pro showed the exakt same blue pattern as you show in this video. Now I also noticed something else, my old test photos with blue streaks were taken in ISO 10000 while my new phone seems to stay at ISO 5000, which is weird in itself but is 5000 too low ISO to yield blue streaks, do they appear on your 16 pro at ISO 5000?

[@bunkermagnus]

..also, I tried a forced RAW photo with Lightroom Mobile where I forced ISO 10000 and 1 second exposure and the result is a noisy photo comparable with regular camera sensors at ISO 25 600 or higher but it has a slightly blue tint to it evenly spread out.

[@bunkermagnus]

..and again I tested 30 seconds with ISO 10000 with AstroShader app, just one exposure and that yields a photo just like any noisy photo on my DSLR camera 25600+. Evenly spread out RGB noise, no blue crap at all.

[@willbelial3775]

My replacement that doesn’t have the blues also doesn’t seem to shoot up the iso so easily, it will go to 10000 but only if extremely dark where my first one would go right up there in dim lighting. But with the new phone I get black screen I only seen a single hot pixel and could hardly see that. But camera in total dark gets 8,000 iso in my one test and it was all good, with very little light in a room I did get some red dots at the bottom of the pic in a really dark spot but only once and it was nothing like any of the blue issue or any other issue, seemed like it was just struggling to make light and trying to make sense of the darkness or something but the dark 30 sec was good and all my night photos are 100% better with new phone.

[@minesweeperify]

@@bunkermagnus Yeah my phone does have the blue patterns on Apples camera app but presents normal RGB noise (as I'd expect) when doing the same shot with AstroShader.

[@philbarnett4200]

My new iPhone16 Pro Max has the issue. Opened a case with Apple this morning.

[@smf00027]

So now im holding back buying this 😂 good thing I saw your channel

[@therobpratt]

I've conducted the test on my 16 pro - no issues with blue color or banding. 30 sec dark mode, ultra wide, as well as the primary lens.

[@TheMacGeek]

My iPhone 16 Pro Max also has the blue streaks taking star photos. My 15 Pro Max didn’t have this issue and took better star photos. I don’t take many star photos so I’ll keep mine, but it is a problem.

[@IronsWHU]

I’m one of the lucky ones. ISO6400 and pitch black. Can’t differentiate it from the borders. 16PM manufactured in July 2024. I’m wondering if the date of manufacture is significant..🤔

[@willbelial3775]

I also wonder about this, my first phone had the issue manufacture date was June, launch day order, my replacement is all good with manufacture date of August. Maybe early models had some defective parts or something. Idk

[@theunsureavenger]

I’m one of the unlucky ones, I have had a replacement model and it’s got the same issues as my first one did. Both iPhone 16 pro 256GB in natural titanium. Both with an august manufacturer date.

[@k.skyl1n3zz]

my first 16 pro max had the issue it was manufactured in september. The replacement I had that solved this issue was manufactured in july lol.

[@willbelial3775]

@@k.skyl1n3zz that’s wild, It’s a wild mess!

[@Humanityinthe6]

I’m a professional photographer for 25 years. And I can’t think of. One time I have ever needed to take a 30 second photo. Night time photography is very niche. So probably not many experience this.

[@ShayneMostyn]

100% mate. I get that its niche.

[@michaelbertelsen7994]

@@ShayneMostyn Hi Shayne. it´s actually a 3x 10sek exposure stacked and alligned by the software i the iphone - thats why there´s no star trails ;o) Thx for your exellent videos - sorry to hear about you and others problem - i´m still waiting for my 16pro max to arrive - very exitied!

[@ideapage]

Before I retired, I was a pro photographer for 4 decades, and an early adopter of digital photography. Many times while using type L film I had exposure times longer than 30 seconds. Kodak made type S film for use with "Short" exposure times and flash, and Kodak made type L film for use with "Long" exposure times. The weird part about type L film was its variable ISO (called ASA back then) such that the ISO went down with long exposure, varying with the length of exposure. It took a lot of experimenting and/or bracketing to nail a good exposure.

[@lecolintube]

Do you think the ‘noise’ could be coming from other internal components (either heat or other electromagnetic interference?) ie, a design layout issue in the iPhones (seems people are having it in models older than the 16 Pro also), or do you think it’s a sensor issue? Someone asked a great question of do you see this in any other 3rd party camera app on the iPhone?

[@ShayneMostyn]

Possibly, but it doesnt explain why some get it and others dont. Im sure some can get it to appear when doing the test, but Im yet to see this appear on actual photos on older models. 3rd party camera apps wont do it as they dont get to shoot for full 10 seconds, only 2-3

[@lecolintube]

@@ShayneMostynI’ve got some interesting results - though will try some more testing. I also get the blue banding using the standard camera app. (Oddly I took 2 30sec photos, (waited for the 30sec, watched it count down from 30 as it took the photo, however the metadata for both says 10sec exposure with an Ev of +4??? - not sure what’s going on there, however I get the blue splotches and banding in these images - will try some more). I also use a 3rd party app called ‘Slow Shutter’, which allows me to shoot for 30sec exposure (& gives you more manual controls like setting ISO etc). I set it up with the same settings: ISO 10,000 (same as the metadata from the images taken by the standard Camera app chose), 30sec exposure (the meta data says 0ev…! & HEIF file) and I get a pitch black image. This might lead me to believe it’s to do with how the image (and noise) are processed by Apple during their computational image processing and that the blue artefacts might be a part of this (or even, they could be a defect in the sensor or that this process amplifies). Although, as you mention, if it was purely software processing it doesn’t explain why some people see it and others don’t as you stated. Seems in the comments too people are seeing it on iPhone 15’s as well. Maybe give ‘Slow Shutter’ app a try? This might help nail down where these artefacts are coming from? (I’m not connected in any way - & there are other long exposure 3rd party apps out there). *This app will require a tripod for Astro Photography though as unlike the iPhone camera app however, i don’t believe it’s stitching together multiple images, so camera movement/shake isn’t edited out as the iPhone Camera app will do. Thanks again Shayne for the vid!

[@MichelleP-s7v]

Hi, I am trying to do this test on my new iphone 16 pro, but the longest exposure time is only 10s. Has Apple changed the spec? Does anyone know?

[@mr_ice117]

Reminds me of the HTC M7s getting the purple screen of death when using the camera in low light. They too blamed it on a software issue but we all knew it was BS

[@swisspixelhunter7918]

Is there only one supplier for the sensors? Or may it be just a batch of sensors which are producing the issue?

[@ShayneMostyn]

No idea mate I suspect we will never know. Hopefully we hear some good news in 7 days though.

[@MarkBowenPiano]

Sorry to say that I’ve just purchased an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Set the phone down so the image was black and took a 30 second photo. The Photos app reports it as 30 seconds at 6400 ISO, 24mm (is that the correct lens to check), 3.1ev, F1.78. The photo is entirely black with no blue splotches at all. Am I testing the correct lens here? If so then sorry to say there's no issue here with the camera. I think they're going to need to test every so many phones as soon as they come off the line and see if there are issues. I'm having loads of odd thoughts going through my head and wondering if anything in the supply chain (delivery companies and scanning via x-ray or anything like that) might be doing something to them? Seems highly unlikely but unless they check them every so many coming off the line or take the phones back and do a proper test on the sensors then this might be a difficult one to nail down 🙁

[@TheChazas]

These 0:05 are the same reviewers that never says anything "negative" or bad towards Apple to keep good relationship and that business sponsorship a flow, they are literally a marketing team rather than independent reviewers.

[@michael_c2]

Agree. Partially it's a problem with relatively low effort and being way too basic and not doing any meaningful testing. Their idea of testing a phone is using it for a week or two and taking a photo of their parking lot. But the bigger issue is just the conflicts of interest and the fact that it's a glorified home shopping at work

[@theunsureavenger]

Hum, to be fair I think some of them are negative towards Apple. Some make it clear they prefer android. The biggest issue is that alot of them test might mode outside where the phone doesn’t reach the high ISO levels. On top of that the worst images are present when shooting in a dark room against a black/dark background. Say shooting against a TV or black wall. None of those KZbinrs go into so much detail.

[@AngeAlexiel]

I’ve tried 5 iPhone 16 pro max and all have this issue . One weird thing is that sometimes the 30 sec pic will not have the issue but most of the time I would have these blues marks or purple reddish one too … I never do 30 sec pics but it’s annoying from a product that cost so much and never had this issue b4 on previous pro max for years … I guess apple preferred to replace the phone for those who ask but I’m quite sure they will make a recall like they did a few weeks ago about some 14 plus photo modules .. it takes time for all business ( especially apple who is so big) to see if it’s widespread ( which I’m sure ) but it’s niche so maybe they’ll fix it later . It sucks cos it can take quite good pics

[@insanepolarbear]

When i tried this 3/5 pictures came out pitch black while the other 2 had that blue tint/lines. Same settings. Metadata says ISO10000 for all of them.

[@chrishailey3423]

Currently watching family members upgrade to this phone, will be asking them to check for this issue (among others)

[@philochristos]

I wish I had known about this before I bought my phone.

[@TacoBel]

Could possibly be fixed with a software patch, or its a sensor thing. Sounds more like a software thing though considering the 15pro and the 16 pro have the same 1x sensor. Unless its an issue with the computational photography pipeline built into the processor.

[@kylelee3676]

I have a little more of a tin cap theory, I think its a known issue and a way to double or in times 4x their sales numbers. They can wash known problem units and get a better sales ratio and burn bad inventory at the same time.

[@neoavenir]

is this currently happening with the pro max or just the regular 16? this issue needs more attention!!!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Not sure mate. I can’t get my hands on one to test. Hopefully someone in the group will be able to let us know. Share it far and wide

[@daveboy1247]

@@ShayneMostynis Apple HQ in Cupertino USA aware of this problem.

[@oliverstoer]

When I put the iPhone on a table nightmode gives me a max of 10 seconds. How do I get to 30?

[@vishalachari2281]

Thanks Shayne for pointing this out. Never knew the technicalities but after watching your video I did a test on mine twice and found the blue pictures at ISO10000. There is no Apple store here in New Zealand and am pretty sure the telecos will have no clue. Wonder what to do

[@s14sr240silvia]

I don’t have that issue my issue is that the damn app freezes and crashes. Something crashing the entire phone causing it to automatically reset. Lot of people have the issue and trading the phone doesn’t fix it. They better have some sort of remedy for it soon

[@alvincajita619]

Thank God my phone doesn't have this problem at all. Imported my phone from the US during the release date and doing a return will be quite difficult. Thanks for this public notice!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Damn that would be hard to sort out if you did have it

[@poetical12]

My issue with my iPhone 16 pro is the focus is completely awful. The 5x zoom lens won’t focus at all half of the time. I will have to try this trick and see what happens!

[@ShayneMostyn]

It certainly seems like a buggy phone to me

[@joseluisrodriguezritte2734]

I just did the test: iso10000, 30sec over the bed covers getting some blue lines top light, but just a hint. Bought my iPhone16pro on pre-sale, got it on day’s launch. Im in Mexico… thanks for your info!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Cheers mate

[@rowan82]

Don’t usually comment on KZbin videos but I’ll add to this discourse. 16P, 1 week in. Noticed it from the start (watched your videos before I recieved it). Been to the Apple Store and they wouldn’t give me a return. Apparently I’m the third customer they have had this week regarding this issue. They gave the first one a replacement but the issues persisted so they’re not so friendly about doing that anymore. Spoken to Apple Care and had this case raised to senior dev team. They say they’re already aware of it and are working on a fix via software. However, I’m 95% sure it’s hardware as you say. Many (esp in this comments) don’t have the issue, and some have been lucky enough not to experience it after a replacement. I’ve got a week left to decide if I want to go ahead and push for a replacement. I think I just might, even if it doesn’t guarantee a fix. Oh, and I’m also unable to change my photographic styles in the photos app afterwords. Sometimes the options there, sometimes it’s not. Genuine 50/50 chance that my photo is stuck in a photographic style.

[@JeffHorne]

I definitely have the issue. I’m also a “regular” atrophotographer, for which I use a cool camera and a telescope. For “regular” astrophotography, we take calibration frames (dark frames, bias frames, flat frames) and calibrate our images using these frames to remove noise. I wonder if taking dark frames and bias frames would fix this issue. I have a fairly strong suspicion that it would help. Definitely not an acceptable solution, but I’m curious.

[@ShayneMostyn]

100% mate. With phone though, you never need to do any of that. They generally get it right in camera/phone. Results will always be better with calibration frames and some people do this and then do all of the editing on desktop.

[@daveaultman7688]

No problem with my iPhone 16 ProMax tested under your conditions. ISO 5000 perfectly black image. Good luck figuring this out.

[@vault-tecrep8565]

louis rossmann would have a field day wih this info

[@neoavenir]

someone’s gotta let him know lmao

[@Justin-v1w]

I just tested this, and I have the exact blue that you're showing in this video!

[@ShayneMostyn]

Did you then go and test some low light photos too?

[@Justin-v1w]

@@ShayneMostyn I have done some lowlight/astro shots (which I don't like anyways, I much prefer the Pixel for those), and haven't had trouble with blue.

[@max05210238]

No blue lines, but a lot of little blue dots, ISO5000, 30 seconds exposure, iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.1 (22B5069a)

[@eyelovepain-]

My 16 pro has the same little (pixel) dots. Probably around 20 dots. But only when doing 30 seconds. There are no dots doing 10 seconds

[@ShayneMostyn]

I suspect its the same problem

[@prakharsrivastava8218]

Did the same test with my Iphone 16 pro with an ISO around 6500 and yes I saw that there are dots of blue colors not entirely on the picture but few areas where you can see blue dots clearly

[@04Saleen256]

Just did your face down/dark room 30 second exposure with my 16 Pro Max on iOS 18.1. Pure black. No blue bands. Info shows ISO 10000. No issue. Exported the image and inspected it on a larger display. Still all good. I think this is likely a hardware issue with certain devices but not all. I don’t think it is an engineering issue or software issue. Maybe a bad batch of sensors that got through QC or an issue during installation or who knows. But it definitely isn’t effecting all 16/16 Pros.

[@adrianadamczyk2739]

Hi, are you planning to do a test and comparison with pixel 9

[@Baldy_Biker]

I’m still sceptical about this being a hardware issue. I had the blue lines and I have had other issues with the camera too i.e. the camera app freezing/black screen/crashing. I just “Reset all settings” in an attempt to fix the crashing etc. time will tell if it’s fixed the problem but interestingly I’m now not getting the blue lines at 30 seconds and ISO 8000. I am getting some red and blue pixels but apart from that the picture is now black. Might be worth a try.

[@ShayneMostyn]

Ive reset my 16Pro at least 5 times. No restoring from backups even. Just plain install no apps. Problem remains exactly the same. Both phones.

[@yfaitube]

Luckily my 16PM does not exhibit this problem. But more people should know about this and hopefully Apple will do something about it.

[@schretter1]

Shayne, Thanks for your heads up. Just got a new iPhone 16 pro max and ran your test. "Whew". 30 sec 10000 ISO and totally black. ... Stan

[@ColindeSilva]

how do you adjust the ISO?

[@TheActualTal]

Shayne, have very important questions: 1. Did you or anyone else tried using 3rd party camera apps besides the iPhone camera app? 2. Is it reproducible with the regular iPhone 16 main camera as far as you know? While it’s shown with the default camera app I don’t see same results with the ProCam app

[@Jonathan-cj5ko]

Thanks for posting a video about this. Testing with a 16PM and set exposure to 30 sec. I tried last night in a dark room with camera and light sensor covered and ISO 3200, and have blue streaks and dots. Tried today on a black mouse pad with black jacket covering the mouse pad and phone, ISO 8000, the photo is completely black. Why would this happen at 3200 but not 8000?

[@Reihenmotor5]

Tested and my initial release iPhone 16 Pro has blue banding, took the photo with a black jacket and wrapped it to prevent light leak. Tested with my iPhone 15 Pro Max and no issue. Tested with my wife’s iPhone 16 Pro she received two days ago and she too has the blue banding. Not as bad as mine but it is present. The 15 Pro Max and my wife’s 16 Pro are running iOS 18.0.1 and my 16 Pro is running iOS 18 Beta 7. Worked with a support rep through the Apple Support app and looks like I’ll need to go into the Apple Store to the Genius Bar. I don’t think this can be fixed with software without seriously hampering picture quality.

[@aussiebobb]

ISO 10000 for 30 seconds on HEIF shows mostly black but you can zoom in and there are blue dots that look like the stars above

[@SnowyOwlPrepper]

Is there a tipping point, iso value, for the blue to appear? Blues in low light are maybe more boosted by bias current to overcome shorter wavelengths photoelectric effects. Some sensors may not need the bias so high while others are have slightly more resistance from manufacturing variability. Hope this gets sorted out soon. Thanks for the video.

[@ShayneMostyn]

There is a point, but seems to be different with each phone. Its hardly a scientific test though.

[@LasradoRohan]

Can confirm, happens on my s10 lite too, tho not as intense, and post processing also reduces its intensity. Also, it's funny that post processing changes it from a blank image to a starry night sky.