Apple has admitted that a purple haze effect does affect captured images using the iPhone 5. However, it does say that this is normal and affects all iPhones. It adds that users should point their cameras at a different direction instead.
Apple says on its support section, “Most small cameras, including those in every generation of iPhone, may exhibit some form of flare at the edge of the frame.”
The Cupertino firm describes this issue as “a purplish or other coloured flare, haze or spot is imaged from out-of-scene bright light sources during still image or video capture”.
The solution: Apple says, “Moving the camera slightly to change the position at which the bright light is entering the lens, or shielding the lens with your hand, should minimise or eliminate the effect.”
According to Apple, this is a common problem that affects all digital cameras. Chromatic aberration is the technical term for the purple haze effect. It occurs when different colours of light go through the lens, while focused on different objects.
The issue seems to be affecting only a few iPhone 5 units. So it’s not widespread as some would think. It’s also possible that the new sapphire cover of the phone’s camera could be defective.
Widespread or not, Apple should have tested their new kit more expensively before making it available to the public. Owners first reported a problem with Apple Maps, which is a Google Maps replacement in iOS 6. Then owners started to notice their black iPhone 5s are more susceptible to bumps and scratches along the edges. Now, the purple haze effect is affecting captured images and recorded videos.
Have you experienced the purple haze effect or any of its other problems on your new iPhone 5? Do now regret buying the new iPhone? Let us know through a comment below.
