A new Apple support page recently warned users that certain iPhones will face degradation in the camera system when exposed to high-amplitude vibrations.
Certain iPhones come with optical image stabilisation and closed-loop autofocus; the former reduces image motion while the latter compensates for gravity and vibration effects. The combination of these two results in sharp images in which the subjects are always in focus.
However, high-amplitude vibrations can affect your iPhone in the long term. For example, high-power motorcycle engines generates strong vibrations and are transmitted through the chassis and handlebars. So if you attach your iPhone at these areas, it will be damaged and you’ll get worse image quality when shooting photos and videos.
Here’s how you can protect your iPhone camera
Apple suggest to use vehicles with small-volume or electric engines, but you can also get a vibration dampening mount. We’ve recently stumbled upon QuadLock, a company that sells all kinds of smartphone mounts for bicycles, motorcycles, cars and even running. You can purchase the motorcycle mount with QuadLock’s vibration dampener that’ll cost you an additional $19.95.
Apart from that, you can also avoid frequent usage for prolonged periods if you want to delay or prevent the degradation of the camera system.
The iPhones that have OIS are the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus and every iPhone that comes after. The closed-loop AF is only available on iPhone XS and models newer than that, including the latest iPhone SE.