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Are you experiencing this issue?


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gr4z

macrumors 6502
Aug 7, 2010
318
48
England
I think "silly smooth" might be an even better term than "silky smooth" haha! Thanks for all the testing and public service announcement you're doing. I bet there are thousands of people who have headaches and eyestrain and they don't know why. Advil and Tylenol sales must be making record profits.

That’s not likely to happen until Apple admit there is a problem. Which is highly unlikely.

I am still torn as to what to do. The X is Ok but I am still suffering some eye strain. For a £1000! I am open to returning to the 8 if I can get used to the size!!
 

karinatwork

macrumors 6502
Mar 2, 2009
293
325
British Columbia, Canada
No amount of headache is acceptable. Period.
I get the discussion about "you're holding it wrong", and how sometimes we get bothered because using a new device changes our habitual way of using it, and the change is often annoying. However, there is a distinct difference between something that's annoying to me vs something that is painful. Fingerprint sensor vs face scanner, needing a case to not disrupt the antenna's reception, having a home button that doesn't "click" - these are all annoyances. A phone that gives the user eyestrain, headaches, or even migraines is an absolute and resounding no. Even if it's "only" 5% of the population. Keeping a phone that gives you pain renders any argument against it invalid.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
I’m not sure if it’s directly related to the phone but I’ve been experiencing burning scalp pain that is very uncomfortable, and one of the causes is eye strain.

I’m not really happy with the 8 Plus (in fact I printed a return label before I made the connection) but I’m going to try to refrain from using the iPhone X and see if that alleviates my burning pain.

https://www.healthline.com/health/tension-headache
 

Tijdelijk

macrumors 6502
Jul 8, 2017
267
234
I’m not sure if it’s directly related to the phone but I’ve been experiencing burning scalp pain that is very uncomfortable, and one of the causes is eye strain.

I’m not really happy with the 8 Plus (in fact I printed a return label before I made the connection) but I’m going to try to refrain from using the iPhone X and see if that alleviates my burning pain.

https://www.healthline.com/health/tension-headache

Really!!
What are you doing.
Give up on the X.

You are Trying to use the X even with pain and discomfort???

It's only a phone!!!
 

bushman4

macrumors 601
Mar 22, 2011
4,146
3,942
Adjusting the screen on the X is complicated but can be done. Of course this is a matter of personal preference as well as how you eye sight is
If you did not get headaches with the 7 then you certainly can attain the same contrast , True Tone, screen warmth , brightness etc as the 7 had
The X has many screen settings and there is no right one for everybody
Be patient and experiment and most people should be able to find a happy medium
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
Really!!
What are you doing.
Give up on the X.

You are Trying to use the X even with pain and discomfort???

It's only a phone!!!

You’re right — I just prefer it to the 8 and would really like not to give it up unless I absolutely have to, which it seems like may be the case.

I know it’s just a phone but iPhone has been a major part of my life since I have owned every single model including the first-generation in 2007 and spent a large portion of my youth writing for an iPhone blog. For that reason it’s almost heart-breaking to me to have the X be so detrimental to my health, and it’s unforeseen whether I’ll be able to continue owning the newest iPhones until Apple changes its PWM implementation and/or adjusts FaceID. (I’m not ruling out that FaceID plays a role as well but I’m sure it’s mainly the PWM.)
 
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MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
An idea: if FaceID is causing some of these headaches, then disabling Attention Aware features which constantly enables the TrueDepth camera during use would help.

However, I’m still experiencing a headache with that disabled so that isn’t helping though it may retain some battery life.

I’m still curious to see if I would experience the same pain with a replacement phone. Will try comparing to my buddy’s when I get the chance.

Really sucks how painful iPhone X is when it’s such a great phone otherwise...
 

Calleknug

macrumors member
Sep 9, 2014
66
15
Maybe a bit off topic but does anyone know if the LG OLED TV line also have this kind of headache giving pwm flickering?
 

sunilrkumar

macrumors newbie
Feb 17, 2018
1
0
[doublepost=1516634050][/doublepost]
Hi all
I am also having issues with iPhone X display
My eyes are getting blurry and painful even though I am not using the x for extensive period of time.
I raised this issue with Apple and they seem reluctant in accepting that it is a problem with there phone.
Gave me a solution to put screen protector on my x to save my eyes from OLED.
They are making me to believe that I am the first to report this problem I am sure this is not the case.
Please provide updates here from all those who are having issues


Hi Ishbajsan,

I also get the same problem with iPhone x, I experienced a severe headache, eyes pain after using the phone for 2-3 hours. I even used the anti-glare screen protector to tackle this problem but the problem didn't stop. I then started to use my old iPhone 7 and my eyes return to life. My wife had the same problem while using my phone after using a day.

I then called the customer care and told them to either replace the phone or give me the refund. Guess what: they told me they cannot replace as they think the problem is in my genes, I asked them to give me prove it that I have faulty eyes and in a problem in genes ( Cant believe they gave this excuse). I am using the iPhone for 5 years never had a problem like this. I personally think there is a manufacturing defect with my iPhone OLED screen, and just to test this I want to use different iPhone x before reaching to the conclusion and here Apple is just want to be denial mode. If their technical team should do research on my iPhone x to check what the problem exactly is but instead they don't want to take any action here.

I really feel bad that after spending £1100 I am not able to use my iPhone. I suggest kindly contact apple care straight away as according to them I am the only one who reported this unusual problem and the owner of the defective genes.

Gratitude,
Sunil
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
All iPhone X’s utilize PWM but I’d still entertain the possibility of a defect.

Has anyone here tried swapping for another iPhone X?

I stopped using my iPhone X for 24 hours and as soon as I used it for a few minutes the throbbing eye pain came back for the next few hours. I don’t want to but I need to get rid of this phone. iPhone 8 Plus isn’t bad at all though I’d consider replacing my X. It really doesn’t seem like Apple to release a phone that could cause so much pain for a sensitive minority.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
Not my phone but what if the PWM is acting up in a way that isn’t visible? A visible flicker defect occurred in some early units:

[doublepost=1518906657][/doublepost]I’m tempted to buy another iPhone X to compare to and settle once and for all if my device is defective.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
After not using my iPhone X for extended periods then going back to it I get throbbing eye pain as bad as the day I got it... Couldn’t take it anymore so I finally put my SIM in my 8 Plus and am done with that iPhone X that caused me so much pain.

I’m going to do what I should have done weeks ago and compare to my buddy’s X. If my X was operating as intended then a few minutes of staring at his X should result in the same pain. If I don’t notice pain from his X, I’ll order another X and hope that my original device was just defective. Otherwise I’ll stick with the 8 Plus till the fall.
 
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MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
After just a few hours going full-time with the 8 Plus my eyes and head are beginning to recover and I’m starting to feel much better though not totally there just yet. Besides resetting the phone I won’t use my X again, and even that is going to be painful...
 
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TDDM

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2017
490
634
KA
After just a few hours going full-time with the 8 Plus my eyes and head are beginning to recover and I’m starting to feel much better though not totally there just yet. Besides resetting the phone I won’t use my X again, and even that is going to be painful...
How is the 8+ working for you? Is it a hard adjustment from the X?

And how are you able to return the X? Aren't you past the return period? I'm considering switching, but I dunno if Apple will take mine back considering I'm way out of return range.
 

gr4z

macrumors 6502
Aug 7, 2010
318
48
England
How is the 8+ working for you? Is it a hard adjustment from the X?

And how are you able to return the X? Aren't you past the return period? I'm considering switching, but I dunno if Apple will take mine back considering I'm way out of return range.

Apple refused me a return or replacement for an 8. So my X is on eBay and I am using a new 8 non plus. No headaches.

Very disappointed with Apple’s stance tbh.
 
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Tijdelijk

macrumors 6502
Jul 8, 2017
267
234
How is the 8+ working for you? Is it a hard adjustment from the X?

And how are you able to return the X? Aren't you past the return period? I'm considering switching, but I dunno if Apple will take mine back considering I'm way out of return range.

Hard adjustment?
Come on Abcourse it's not a hard adjustment.

If the size is to big for you buy the smaller iphone. Nothing hard about it.
It's like since the X is there all other phones are worthless and hard to use ;)
 

TDDM

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2017
490
634
KA
Hard adjustment?
Come on Abcourse it's not a hard adjustment.

If the size is to big for you buy the smaller iphone. Nothing hard about it.
It's like since the X is there all other phones are worthless and hard to use ;)
Well the smaller iPhone was way too small, and the plus is a little too big and clunky. It's definitely annoying that the X is the perfect size but we can't use it.
 

MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
How is the 8+ working for you? Is it a hard adjustment from the X?

And how are you able to return the X? Aren't you past the return period? I'm considering switching, but I dunno if Apple will take mine back considering I'm way out of return range.

The more time you spend with the 8+ the more you grow accustomed to it. I would still prefer the OLED display and size of the X but it isn’t an absolutely drastic change. I absolutely loved my 7+ and while I don’t love the 8+ as much after spending (painful) time with the X, it’s still a great phone albeit dated externally.

I’ve been working with Apple on this case for upwards of two months. So far the resolution we came to was to replace with an 8 Plus if I was satisfied with it. That may be why newer cases aren’t handled the same way. If you absolutely can’t use the X like me then I’d recommend making them aware of the severity of your issues.

I still plan to check to see if other X’s give me the same eye pain which should be noticeable quickly, and if that’s the case then I’ll keep the 8 Plus. If I find my X to be defective I’ll ship it back to Apple to investigate, but unless the PWM isn’t operating properly it seems like I’m just sensitive to their implementation.
 
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Gollygeewillikers

macrumors member
Nov 17, 2017
37
27
I sent feedback to Apple about my own headaches and eyestrain because of the X a few days ago. No response. I won't hold my breath .Saddened but not surprised.
 

gr4z

macrumors 6502
Aug 7, 2010
318
48
England
I sent feedback to Apple about my own headaches and eyestrain because of the X a few days ago. No response. I won't hold my breath .Saddened but not surprised.

Same here. They did send me an email saying if I wanted to make a complaint I could WRITE to them at a random postal address they provided. Lol.

Seriously that is just arrogant.
 

JessePinkman

Suspended
Feb 18, 2018
25
3
just a guess; having similar issue with the iphone 7 but only if the screen is too dark or too bright.. so oled screen is probably a lot brighter than your old iphones and it might be whats causing the eye fatigue ..
 

timeconsumer

macrumors 68020
Aug 1, 2008
2,135
2,173
Portland
I had to stop using a Pixel 2 for the same reason. It took me a couple of months to determine it was the screen causing these issues. I'm glad to see this thread exists. After moving back to an iPhone 6s I no longer get any eye strain and/or headaches. I'll just simply avoid phones with OLED displays going forward.
 
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Gollygeewillikers

macrumors member
Nov 17, 2017
37
27
I had to stop using a Pixel 2 for the same reason. It took me a couple of months to determine it was the screen causing these issues. I'm glad to see this thread exists. After moving back to an iPhone 6s I no longer get any eye strain and/or headaches. I'll just simply avoid phones with OLED displays going forward.
Funny I returned the iPhone X and got a Pixel 2 and have had zero problems with eyestrain or headaches.
 

newellj

macrumors G3
Oct 15, 2014
8,154
3,047
East of Eden
Apple refused me a return or replacement for an 8. So my X is on eBay and I am using a new 8 non plus. No headaches.

Very disappointed with Apple’s stance tbh.

I am surprised that what is essentially a health issue did not get more attention.
 
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