Why strong magnets can interfere with iPhone’s rear camera

Apple continues to improve its camera game. In September, Apple launched its iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, a line that featured its most advanced camera system yet. The new 48-megapixel Fusion main camera features a variable aperture, low-light sensor and professional controls that deliver sharper photos for amateurs and professionals. But what if I told you that your phone’s accessories could totally ruin those photos?

Often, your favorite iPhone accessory relies on strong magnets and magnetic metal plates to stick to your phone’s case. Whether you use a detachable handle, car mount, power bank, or light rings, you are potentially placing strong magnetic fields. And while they probably don’t affect your phone’s internal systems, Apple has found that these magnets interfere with your phone’s camera.

This happens because your iPhone’s rear cameras use image stabilization technologies to prevent blur and preserve focus. These lens position sensors are hypersensitive to magnetic fields and may become disabled near certain accessories. On its support page, Apple suggests that magnetic accessories can cause your camera’s images to be blurry. Other ancillary factors, such as exposure to high-amplitude vibrations, such as those produced by high-horsepower motorcycles, can also cause lasting damage to these camera sensors.

Your iPhone relies on two magnet-sensitive lens positioning sensor technologies to stabilize your camera’s images. The first is known as optical image stabilization, or OIS, which uses a gyroscope to detect your camera’s movements when you take a photo. If you move while taking a photo, your OIS will reduce image blur by adjusting the lens based on the gyroscope movements. In doing so, OIS reduces image movement, allowing you to take crisp, sharp images.

The second, known as closed-loop autofocus, prevents gravity and vibration from causing motion blur thanks to built-in accelerometers, a form of magnetic sensor that measures these external factors and compensates for the position of your camera’s lens. By adjusting the focus of its lenses, your iPhone can keep your videos, panoramas, and photos from your camera sharp.

Magnets can have a pronounced effect on these photocorrection processes. This is because lens position sensors are sensitive to interference caused by strong magnetic fields. If you place a magnet too close to your camera lens, you may notice that its motion detection becomes less accurate. The range of your camera lens may also be limited. And even though your camera’s autofocus and OIS sensors may be disabled, your camera will still be able to take photos using other stabilization methods.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple: avoid accessories that place magnetic fields near your cameras. In particular, Apple warns users to be wary of third-party accessories with strong magnets, such as latching folio covers or car mounts. When shopping for your next favorite iPhone accessory, consider whether lower picture quality is an unfortunate compromise. Of course, avoiding magnets doesn’t guarantee that your camera will work smoothly, as there may be other underlying issues at work. For a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting your iPhone’s camera, visit Apple’s support page.