14 DAY TRIAL // New day, new problem for Apple, as the company’s latest-generation iPhone models are said to be suffering from a new camera issue that’s causing the flash to stop working in cold weather.
The problem was discovered in late 2017, but as Forbes notes, it’s only now gaining more attention, most likely as the temperature has dropped in the biggest Apple markets across the world.
Basically, what’s happening with these iPhone models is that the camera flash no longer launches on chilly days for a reason that’s yet to be determined. Posts on the web, including on Apple’s Support forums, seem to indicate that this is a widespread problem, but the Cupertino-based tech giant has until now remained completely tight-lipped on everything related to this bug.
“When it’s cold outside my iPhone 8+ Flash isn’t working. Even when it’s dark no flash when taking a picture. As soon as I’m inside my house and the phone gets warmer the flash works again. The flashlight is working normal,” one user explained.
“Same issue here, no flash working outside in cold weather... trying to shoot some photos in the snow and its dark... going inside getting warm it works again !!! iPhone X,” another user added.
2017 iPhones all impacted
By the looks of things, only the latest-generation devices are suffering from this bug, namely the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
Apple’s iPhones struggling in cold weather isn’t entirely a new thing, as shortly after the launch of the latest models, it was discovered that some devices shut down unexpectedly in cold weather conditions. Apple shipped an iOS update to address the problem, but nothing has been said on a possible impact on the camera flash.
On the other hand, Apple does say that problems could be experienced when the iPhones are used in cold weather, though it goes without saying that you wouldn’t normally expect camera functionality to be lost on chilly days.
“Use iOS devices where the ambient temperature is between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F). Low- or high-temperature conditions might cause the device to change its behaviour to regulate its temperature,” Apple says.
For the time being, users whose devices are impacted by this problem are all alone in their search for a workaround, and it remains to be seen if Apple gives another attempt to fixing functionality of the iPhone in cold weather conditions.