Other Eye-strain while using iPhone X and up

[spillerz]

I’m having no eyestrain with the iPhone 13 Pro Max so far after 3 days of heavy use! Just thought I’d share a success story. I know everyone is different though.
My history:
I had the iPhone X for a year when it first came out and it was absolute misery. Same for my fiancé. We ditched it when the XR came out and then moved on to the 11 a year later. Great phones and didn’t cause any major eye issues. All we needed to do was play with the other 11 and 12 models in the stores to know that they gave us major eye strain. Only took a few minutes to know. After reading all the bad comments on here about the 13 models, I was really nervous and was expecting the worst. I am super surprised that I’m having no issues. I plan to hold on to my 11 for the full 14 days just to make sure. I’ll report back afterwards. Just wanted to let you all know that there is hope. I recommend at least giving it a shot. You can always return it.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

I’m having no eyestrain with the iPhone 13 Pro Max so far after 3 days of heavy use! Just thought I’d share a success story. I know everyone is different though.
My history:
I had the iPhone X for a year when it first came out and it was absolute misery. Same for my fiancé. We ditched it when the XR came out and then moved on to the 11 a year later. Great phones and didn’t cause any major eye issues. All we needed to do was play with the other 11 and 12 models in the stores to know that they gave us major eye strain. Only took a few minutes to know. After reading all the bad comments on here about the 13 models, I was really nervous and was expecting the worst. I am super surprised that I’m having no issues. I plan to hold on to my 11 for the full 14 days just to make sure. I’ll report back afterwards. Just wanted to let you all know that there is hope. I recommend at least giving it a shot. You can always return it.

Awesome stuff!! Even if some of us are still at a place where we cannot tolerate the screen, I think I speak for everyone that we are genuinely happy for those who can finally use the phone. Enjoy that phone and I’m very happy for you!!

 

[Mastrociambella]

Had a 256gb iPhone 13 Pro Max for two weeks. Didnt have any problems and decided to upgrade storage while I still could. Now I feel like this one is giving me some problems. Eye strain is def noticeable with this particular one.

This is something that could be worth investigating, another user in different thread (the one with title referring specifically to iPhone 13 pro and migraines) claims he couldn’t use his own iPhone 13 pro max but had no issue using the same device model purchased by his sister…and they switched devices and he allegedly can use it now.
I wonder if there are different displays/controllers out there with more or less PWm frequency/worse pulsation and modulation, etc

 

[now i see it]

I guess that’s like congratulating someone who can eat peanuts where some of us are allergic to them.

“

Awesome stuff!! Even if some of us are still at a place where we cannot tolerate the screen,

 

[lbass]

I visited an Apple store yesterday and took 240fps slomo videos of the entire 13 line (also the 12 and 12 mini). From my testing all OLED iPhones in the store flickered at all brightnesses. I purchased the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and both were horrible for me (this is my first experience with the issue).

I have watched YouTube videos of the OLED switch - I am guessing it would be a problem for those of us with PWM sensitivity. If anyone on this forum tries one please let us know your experience.

I have never owned an Apple Watch, but apparently it is fine for PWM interestingly.

 

[MICHAELSD]

This is something that could be worth investigating, another user in different thread (the one with title referring specifically to iPhone 13 pro and migraines) claims he couldn’t use his own iPhone 13 pro max but had no issue using the same device model purchased by his sister…and they switched devices and he allegedly can use it now.
I wonder if there are different displays/controllers out there with more or less PWm frequency/worse pulsation and modulation, etc

Panel variance is possible if they’re using multiple suppliers although it’s unlikely for it to vary so much due to Apple’s strict tolerances. The display controllers should be essentially the same even if they’re using multiple different OLED panels.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I visited an Apple store yesterday and took 240fps slomo videos of the entire 13 line (also the 12 and 12 mini). From my testing all OLED iPhones in the store flickered at all brightnesses. I purchased the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and both were horrible for me (this is my first experience with the issue).

I have watched YouTube videos of the OLED switch - I am guessing it would be a problem for those of us with PWM sensitivity. If anyone on this forum tries one please let us know your experience.

I have never owned an Apple Watch, but apparently it is fine for PWM interestingly.

As I wrote in my iPhone 13 Pro PWM overview which I’ll have to type up again, every generation of Apple Watch for me has been exactly the same as LCD iPhones in that it causes no issues whatsoever.

 

[Mastrociambella]

Panel variance is possible if they’re using multiple suppliers although it’s unlikely for it to vary so much due to Apple’s strict tolerances. The display controllers should be essentially the same even if they’re using multiple different OLED panels.

That’s what makes it really odd…but it’s the second report that states two different units of the same device have so different outcome (maybe it’s self-suggestion between ”wanting so much“ to use the new iPhone vs “feeling sensitive“ just after reading about our issues, but maybe two reports is already something to look at)

 

[MICHAELSD]

That’s what makes it really odd…but it’s the second report that states two different units of the same device have so different outcome (maybe it’s self-suggestion between ”wanting so much“ to use the new iPhone vs “feeling sensitive“ just after reading about our issues, but maybe two reports is already something to look at)

There are no current reports of Apple using multiple panel suppliers for this generation, so it may very much be mental. I find with enough persistence it’s possible to adjust ever so slightly to the display, although for me that leads to more migraines after use.

 

[now i see it]

claims he couldn’t use his own iPhone 13 pro max but had no issue using the same device model purchased by his sister…and they switched devices and he allegedly can use it now

So we need to buy three of a model and try each one out in the hopes that one of them has the golden display - then return the others.
What has iPhone ownership come down to?

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

I guess that’s like congratulating someone who can eat peanuts where some of us are allergic to them.

“

I was just trying to be nice lol. But I see your point.

 

[Mastrociambella]

So we need to buy three of a model and try each one out in the hopes that one of them has the golden display - then return the others.
What has iPhone ownership come down to?

That’s not ideal, and unfortunately PWM is not exclusive to iPhones (I’ve been using Samsung devices for the last 3 years, and they’re getting worse with every iterations for me: S10+ fine, S20+ mostly fine, S21 ultra enough issues to have to use a dim overlay app to keep it at high brightness and be able to still use it).
But if there is one display that has less issue maybe we could identify it and look for the “lucky” serial/color/storage (most likely if there is actually a lucky one it will be completely random, but a man can dream…)

 

[JM]

If I was to test another phone during the extended holiday return period I was surprisingly smitten with iPhone 13 Mini. Even the display looks ever so slightly sharper and more contrasty than the iPhone 13 next to it. I do have to say Apple knows what they’re doing in making premium aluminum designs as well.

I’ve enjoyed having a smaller phone beyond making more errors while typing with iPhone SE and I’m glad Apple is continuing their Mini phone experiment. Even iPhone 13 Pro felt massive despite my having used Plus-sized phones for the past few years. Smaller phones allow users to focus more on life.

5G and the same excellent main camera sensor as the other iPhone 13 models is enough to justify an upgrade. I’m not overly optimistic but I’ll look at all of the PWM charts and measurements and make an informed decision if I get tempted enough to try upgrading my iPhone SE one more time.

View attachment 1862451

I loved the 12 mini, but had to return for eye pain. I haven't given the 13 mini a good try yet, other than the apple store, where I thought I felt pain.... but who knows.

 

[JM]

I visited an Apple store yesterday and took 240fps slomo videos of the entire 13 line (also the 12 and 12 mini). From my testing all OLED iPhones in the store flickered at all brightnesses. I purchased the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max and both were horrible for me (this is my first experience with the issue).

I have watched YouTube videos of the OLED switch - I am guessing it would be a problem for those of us with PWM sensitivity. If anyone on this forum tries one please let us know your experience.

I have never owned an Apple Watch, but apparently it is fine for PWM interestingly.

yep, apple watch gives me no issues at all! (I get pwm sensitivity: sharp eye pain in back of my eye.)

 

[JM]

Panel variance is possible if they’re using multiple suppliers although it’s unlikely for it to vary so much due to Apple’s strict tolerances. The display controllers should be essentially the same even if they’re using multiple different OLED panels.

what strict Apple screen tolerances?? That doesn't exist.

 

[tongmu603]

The new Honor Magic 3 has a PWM frequency of 1920 hz and the Huawei P50 pro has a frequency of 1440 hz. Both use BOE displays I believe. Word on the street is Samsung is probably developing something similar

 

[flowave]

I had good luck with no eyestrain on 11 and 12. I just got 13 mini and I am feeling the eye strain the moment I started using it. Anybody else getting eye strain on 13 mini? It is not as bad as X, but still I could feel it in few minutes of using it.

 

[flowave]

I look forward to your post about the pro. I ordered and received a launch day 13 mini and tried it for almost the entire 2 week trial, but sent it back. Although no where near as bad as the X and XS it still was problematic for me.
I tried a 13 pro at a couple of stores today. While better, I had very mild problems focusing afterwards, so although I am curious about the pro, I think I will end up staying with my 11 for another year.

Exact same result for me. Not as bad as the X, but 13 mini still gave me eye strain. I think I am going to keep the 12 for another year.

 

[5105973]

My vestibular specialist told me she has never been busier treating people with serious dizziness/balance issues.
Her conclusion is it's due to the huge rise in mobile-screen use over recent years (ie. the combination of screen use combined with movement).

She did not specify OLED / PWM but I strongly suspect it's this technology which have made things far worse, while at the same time being subliminal enough to avoid detection.
I bet there are many people who never figure out why they feel so bad.

When I had my 11 Pro my eyes were comfortable but I kept falling down the stairs. I was dropping my iPhone a lot, too. So much so that my family got me the SE2 as it was easier to hold. But the SE2 display made my vision flicker at the periphery. I was thinking at the time I had undiagnosed MS. Because I also was dealing with debilitating fatigue. But after getting rid of both iPhones and going to 12 Pro max and a 12 mini those weird symptoms were gone.

My 12 mini made my eyes ache but then I got used to it and stopped having problems. But now that I traded the 12 Pro max for the 13 Pro I am struggling with eye pain switching back and forth. I prefer to carry the mini because the heavy Pro drags on my pockets. But I use the Pro cameras and bigger display for working. Unfortunately I may have to choose between them. Unless I can go with a 13 mini, 13 Pro combination. But right now, no pain relievers nor naps help. I’m not in dire straits like others here who can’t use any newer iPhones. But clearly I need to be careful with upgrades.

Does anyone notice themselves or others around them having speech problems? A few years back the XS Max induced migraine took out the speech portion of my brain for several hours. I couldn’t read, write, talk nor understand what was said to me. It was not a stroke. I recovered but continued to struggle finding words to finish my sentences. Now I’m noticing everyone else has struggles with words similar to mine. It’s like an epidemic.

 

[flowave]

When I had my 11 Pro my eyes were comfortable but I kept falling down the stairs. I was dropping my iPhone a lot, too. So much so that my family got me the SE2 as it was easier to hold. But the SE2 display made my vision flicker at the periphery. I was thinking at the time I had undiagnosed MS. Because I also was dealing with debilitating fatigue. But after getting rid of both iPhones and going to 12 Pro max and a 12 mini those weird symptoms were gone.

My 12 mini made my eyes ache but then I got used to it and stopped having problems. But now that I traded the 12 Pro max for the 13 Pro I am struggling with eye pain switching back and forth. I prefer to carry the mini because the heavy Pro drags on my pockets. But I use the Pro cameras and bigger display for working. Unfortunately I may have to choose between them. Unless I can go with a 13 mini, 13 Pro combination. But right now, no pain relievers nor naps help. I’m not in dire straits like others here who can’t use any newer iPhones. But clearly I need to be careful with upgrades.

Does anyone notice themselves or others around them having speech problems? A few years back the XS Max induced migraine took out the speech portion of my brain for several hours. I couldn’t read, write, talk nor understand what was said to me. It was not a stroke. I recovered but continued to struggle finding words to finish my sentences. Now I’m noticing everyone else has struggles with words similar to mine. It’s like an epidemic.

Just try 11. See how that goes. It is most recommended here.

 

[RobinYerbank]

Just try 11. See how that goes. It is most recommended here.

I don't have much more to contribute to this thread at the moment, but I just wanted to say that I'm loving my new 11 having come from the 13 Pro Max.

I've found myself enjoying it more than I expected, actually. It's a great phone! I prefer the lighter weight, slightly smaller size, love the LCD and it's in my favourite colour! Not to mention that it's so much cheaper! I'm even finding I prefer the camera, weirdly... I'm not the only one who's found the new cameras disappointing:

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ftness-less-sharp-than-older-iphones.2315872/

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/really-bad-photos-with-iphone-13-pro.2315188/

The only thing that's noticeably worse is the battery life, but it's still excellent and easily gets me through a typical working day. Although it's really impressive, I don't actually need the crazy battery life the 13 Pro Max has.

So yeah, I definitely recommend the iPhone 11 to anyone suffering from PWM-related issues who still wants a X-style iPhone (rather than the SE). I've realised now that I've been unknowingly living with the mild discomfort of OLED for years. It's such a relief to be on the 11 now and I intend to keep it as long as I can, or at least until we're sure a new generation won't cause us issues.

 

[5105973]

Has anyone noticed similar eye strain with automotive heads up displays? I rented a Mazda recently and I had to turn of the HUD otherwise every time I looked at the windshield I would get similar symptoms to what I get looking at OLED phones. The Mazda dealer said I'm not the only one to complain about it. I didn't get the same problem looking at the LCD infotainment screen or the digital gauge cluster in that same car (or really most/any other cars).

Aw jeez, really? No, my cars are all old: 7, 13, 29 years old. That’s awful. I was hoping to get a new car with all the amenities someday, but I guess I’ll keep the clunkers going.

 

[5105973]

Yes, that is my plan. Going back to my trusty iPhone 7 for 2-3 days to see if there is any change/improvement.



Got it - that's helpful. Definitely not getting any pain in or near the eyes. My migraines are actually in the back of my head. Have experienced a bit of nausea similar to motion sickness as well.

I'm usually not prone to any of this, so I am fairly confident that the 13P is causing it.

If symptoms improve while using the 7, I plan on returning the 13P to exchange for a mini. I think there is a small chance my problems could be caused by the ProMotion display. Otherwise, it's back to an LCD iPhone...

Try Accessibility > Motion > Limit Frame Rate

That limits frame rate to 60 frames per second. I don’t know if it turns variable frame rate off entirely though.

I just did this several minutes ago. I’m one of the few who doesn’t appreciate pro motion. I wouldn’t say I felt motion sickness but it looked shuddery/jerky to me and I think it an unnecessary battery hog.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Try Accessibility > Motion > Limit Frame Rate

That limits frame rate to 60 frames per second. I don’t know if it turns variable frame rate off entirely though.

I just did this several minutes ago. I’m one of the few who doesn’t appreciate pro motion. I wouldn’t say I felt motion sickness but it looked shuddery/jerky to me and I think it an unnecessary battery hog.

Going from the 13 Pro, which looked buttery smooth to me with the 120hz display, back to my 7 Plus gave me a sudden stomach drop and dizziness. Everything felt slow motion for a second!

These phones are weird.

 

[Mr.Simple]

I have give up on the 13 pro max It's until now the best iphone with a OLED Display that makes me fewer problems like the ones before. But i still become too much eye strain and headache with longer screen on time. On the next day i feel still the eye strain. I don't think the 13 pro could be better because it seems to behave the same like the max. Maybe i will try the Pixel 6 Pro but i don't have much hope because it sould also have a LTPO OLED Display from Samsung Display

I hope for a plus version of the iPhone SE with the Display from the iPhone 8+ with A15. This would be great.