Purple Haze All Around: Apple Blames iPhone 5 Users

by Holly Shoemaker

Apple is not doing itself any favors. After an insincere map app apology, the company now says that the purple flare seen on the edges of some photographs taken with the iPhone 5 is related to user error.

Apple’s Stance

Pictures may show a purple flare if users aim the smartphone near a light source, which causes a reflection typically on the edge of a photograph. Apple suggests users take photos away from bright light and change the angle of the shoot. These are not suggestions that users could not figure out on their own.

My Investigation

I consulted a professional photographer, Alan Rosenberg, to get an expert opinion on the iPhone 5 camera issue. While he confirmed light sources may cause the issue, he said it also depends on what covers the lens. When light hits the lens, the covering may cause the flare.

So what does Apple use to cover the lens? The iPhone 5 has a sapphire cover that protects the camera’s lens. That crystal material could cause the purple haze seen in photographs.

Concluding Thoughts

While Consumer Reports gave the iPhone 5 high ratings, better than the iPhone 4S, and noted the eight-megapixel camera was one of the best cameras tested, Apple’s response is ridiculous and intuitive. The company basically says do not look directly into the sun. It makes me think as a child being told not to look directly at a solar eclipse. To me, the response is also like saying do not use flash with a lot of light or the picture will look like an x-ray.

Apple never likes to admit fault, but it ignores a basic rule of business – the customer is always right. In this case, as well as the map app one, Apple just shows poor customer service and insults its loyal users.