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MICHAELSD

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,484
3,494
NJ
Can I ask why you're cautiously optimistic at all? Do we have a reason to think they changed it?

Not trying to be negative, just realistic.

iPhone Xs and Xs Max both utilize brand new panels. I’m even more so optimistic about the Xs Max since it’s an entirely new phone. By some miracle, maybe they’ve eliminated the PWM.
[doublepost=1536789323][/doublepost]
1. Does anyone know of a foolproof way to test for PWM? I've just been recording slow-mo video from my current iPhone and playing it back to see if it flickers, but apparently if both frequencies are in sync it won't show up.

2. Who is going to test the XS, XS Max, and XR for PWM? :)

Using the slo-mo camera on iPhone should be able to capture it. It will be extremely apparent.

Notebookcheck tests for PWM using an oscilloscope in every new review on their site since they recognize the user sentivity and potential risks of PWM. We’ll have specific information about the use of PWM within a few days of launch.
 

jtl_

macrumors member
Nov 3, 2015
54
26
Canada
1. Does anyone know of a foolproof way to test for PWM? I've just been recording slow-mo video from my current iPhone and playing it back to see if it flickers, but apparently if both frequencies are in sync it won't show up.

Find an oscilloscope (with high enough sampling rate) and photo diode
 

AJAAY

macrumors 6502
Sep 29, 2012
438
293
I bought the X last year a few weeks after it was released and ran into eye strain/headache issues when using it. I ended up returning it and getting an 8 plus, which has served me well this past year. I want to get the MAX, but I'm going to wait and see how people who previously had eye strain issues handle it.

I wish I would have kept the X longer and see if the symptoms went away, as I initially had issues with my Series 2 Apple Watch. When I first bought it my arm and wrist would tingle. Turns some people are sensitive to all the electronics from the watch right up against the skin. I stuck it out and 2-3 years later I'm still wearing it without any issues.
 

Chele

macrumors 6502
Feb 20, 2003
371
644
Illinois
Wow, I'm really glad that I found this thread. A little bummed too. I haven't been following news about the X because I wasn't interested in getting one last year. I have issues with getting eye strain easily on other devices but I've never had a phone with an OLED screen. All of this is really making me hesitate ordering it. I would like it get the Max version because I love my 8+. However, I think that I might wait and see how the reports go after the phone is released. I really wish that we could find out about the PWM issue before the pre-order.
 

TDDM

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2017
490
634
KA
Just wanted to let you all know, I was able to talk with someone at Apple and they confirmed that the screens in the new XS phones have not changed at all in terms of PWM since last year's X. The good news is that they are aware of the issue, it's not being ignored. Here's hoping they're able to address it next year.

Also, some people were wondering if the XR might potentially have PWM, I was also able to confirm that it is completely PWM free like the usual Apple LCD screens, so at least we have that as an option.

I was going to pre-order the XS Max to see if it still affected me, but I guess there's no point now. Oh well, at least I can get that CLEAN red XR :D
 

Maven1975

macrumors 65816
Aug 24, 2008
1,014
275
I love my OLED TV

I hate my OLED phones.

The LCD panels on iPhones have always been the best around.

Not to mention, lower resolution means smoother performance, faster games and a device that hides it age just a little longer.

Now.. how can we mod the XR to be less than 150 grams with a 4.7/5.5" display?
 

AdonisSMU

macrumors 604
Oct 23, 2010
7,322
3,079
Just wanted to let you all know, I was able to talk with someone at Apple and they confirmed that the screens in the new XS phones have not changed at all in terms of PWM since last year's X. The good news is that they are aware of the issue, it's not being ignored. Here's hoping they're able to address it next year.

Also, some people were wondering if the XR might potentially have PWM, I was also able to confirm that it is completely PWM free like the usual Apple LCD screens, so at least we have that as an option.

I was going to pre-order the XS Max to see if it still affected me, but I guess there's no point now. Oh well, at least I can get that CLEAN red XR :D
Whats PWM?
[doublepost=1536910168][/doublepost]I get eye strain sometimes. I try to look away from my phone alot.
 

Calleknug

macrumors member
Sep 9, 2014
66
15
Just wanted to let you all know, I was able to talk with someone at Apple and they confirmed that the screens in the new XS phones have not changed at all in terms of PWM since last year's X. The good news is that they are aware of the issue, it's not being ignored. Here's hoping they're able to address it next year.

Also, some people were wondering if the XR might potentially have PWM, I was also able to confirm that it is completely PWM free like the usual Apple LCD screens, so at least we have that as an option.

I was going to pre-order the XS Max to see if it still affected me, but I guess there's no point now. Oh well, at least I can get that CLEAN red XR :D

Just ordered an iPhone Xs Max to try. I guess I will have to send it right back
 

majkom

macrumors 68000
May 3, 2011
1,946
1,253
I love my OLED TV

I hate my OLED phones.

The LCD panels on iPhones have always been the best around.

Not to mention, lower resolution means smoother performance, faster games and a device that hides it age just a little longer.

Now.. how can we mod the XR to be less than 150 grams with a 4.7/5.5" display?

same here, got pwm free oled TV and it is fantastic! pitty that phones can get pwm free oled display yet:(
 

GlenK

macrumors 65816
Aug 1, 2013
1,473
932
St. Augustine, FL
Just wanted to let you all know, I was able to talk with someone at Apple and they confirmed that the screens in the new XS phones have not changed at all in terms of PWM since last year's X. The good news is that they are aware of the issue, it's not being ignored. Here's hoping they're able to address it next year.

Also, some people were wondering if the XR might potentially have PWM, I was also able to confirm that it is completely PWM free like the usual Apple LCD screens, so at least we have that as an option.

I was going to pre-order the XS Max to see if it still affected me, but I guess there's no point now. Oh well, at least I can get that CLEAN red XR :D

Thanks for the info. I was thinking about trying the Xs since it's a few weeks ahead of the Xr and return it if it still bothered me, but now I guess that would be a waste of time. Thanks for the info. Guess I'll just wait for the Xr and next year. The biggest sacrifice looks like no 3D touch on the Xr, most of the other specs look the same as Xs.
 

ghsDUDE

macrumors 68030
May 25, 2010
2,948
763
same here, got pwm free oled TV and it is fantastic! pitty that phones can get pwm free oled display yet:(
How do you know which ones are PWM free? I just pulled the trigger on the Sony A8F and I’m trying to figure out if it has the dreaded PWM.
 

GlenK

macrumors 65816
Aug 1, 2013
1,473
932
St. Augustine, FL
^^That's interesting, it shows 2018 Samsung Frame as "No" on Flicker Free. I bought a 65" and it gave me a headache and traded it back in for a 55" which does not cause the headache. Wonder why just the size would cause it on a TV but something as small as a phone screen caused it too. BTW, this TV is awesome now that I have the one that doesn't hurt!

Good list though and thanks! Will save it for future reference.
 

AJAAY

macrumors 6502
Sep 29, 2012
438
293
I just ordered the MAX. I’m a person that always has to try; can never assume. Maybe some DNA in my body changed over the past year and I won’t have the same issue!
 
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karinatwork

macrumors 6502
Mar 2, 2009
293
325
British Columbia, Canada
Just wanted to let you all know, I was able to talk with someone at Apple and they confirmed that the screens in the new XS phones have not changed at all in terms of PWM since last year's X. The good news is that they are aware of the issue, it's not being ignored. Here's hoping they're able to address it next year.

Also, some people were wondering if the XR might potentially have PWM, I was also able to confirm that it is completely PWM free like the usual Apple LCD screens, so at least we have that as an option.

I was going to pre-order the XS Max to see if it still affected me, but I guess there's no point now. Oh well, at least I can get that CLEAN red XR :D

Bless your heart!! I'm so glad to hear that. I had my heart set on the XR already (I do not even like stainless steel on my Apple devices). I'm thrilled!
 

unobtainium

macrumors 68030
Mar 27, 2011
2,650
4,086
Has anyone tried putting black tape over the TrueDepth system? Any improvement with symptoms? The reason I ask is that TrueDepth supposedly continues firing even if you disable both Face ID and Attention Aware features. Someone on the Apple forums said they taped up the TrueDepth system and their symptoms went away. Was wondering if that could be replicated..

I'm a little paranoid about having near-infrared lasers beamed into my eyes and skin hundreds of times a day over years. I know they're low powered, but I also know that no long-term studies have been done on this. If it's just PWM causing the symptoms, that's one thing, but retinal damage is forever.
 

benh911f

macrumors 6502
Mar 11, 2009
428
449
I still have my 6S and am considering ordering the XS, but this concerns me a lot. If this was rare it’s one thing, but the fact that 43% of people in this thread stated they have eye strain, I’m worried about getting an OLED phone
 

kerplunknet

Cancelled
Oct 8, 2006
836
1,885
Has anyone tried putting black tape over the TrueDepth system? Any improvement with symptoms? The reason I ask is that TrueDepth supposedly continues firing even if you disable both Face ID and Attention Aware features. Someone on the Apple forums said they taped up the TrueDepth system and their symptoms went away. Was wondering if that could be replicated..

I'm a little paranoid about having near-infrared lasers beamed into my eyes and skin hundreds of times a day over years. I know they're low powered, but I also know that no long-term studies have been done on this. If it's just PWM causing the symptoms, that's one thing, but retinal damage is forever.
I'm quite worried about this as well. I didn't realize it still blasted my eyes even if you disable Face ID.
 

woodynorman

macrumors 6502a
Nov 26, 2011
674
311
I just ordered the MAX. I’m a person that always has to try; can never assume. Maybe some DNA in my body changed over the past year and I won’t have the same issue!


I'm with ya. I want to like the OLED, but I had to return my launch day X last year. I tried again a few months later hoping the screen would somehow be different, but it got returned as well.

I ordered a Max. Hoping the rumors of a new screen supplier are true, and that that will somehow be better.
 

DDustiNN

macrumors 68030
Jan 27, 2011
2,570
1,511
Had the X since launch and no issues. After switching True Tone on and off for the first week trying to decide, I felt that leaving it on was the best solution. I always preferred cooler screens in the past, but after using True Tone extensively, it really does look better and is much easier on the eyes. When I switch to my iPad, I have to turn Night Mode on because otherwise the difference is so jarring.

So try True Tone and see if that helps?
 
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