Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, recently shared a frustrating issue with his iPhone 16 Pro camera that might surprise a lot of smartphone users. While recording videos, he began to notice a strange constellation of bright dots showing up in every shot. The YouTuber first thought that it was a glitch or dust on the lens, but weeks later, the dots never went away and continued to be a distortion on the lens. After testing and searching, he found out that the problem was much more permanent than he had hoped. It turns out that the actual sensor in the iPhone was permanently damaged.
MKBHD warns that LiDAR from modern self-driving cars can permanently damage iPhone 16 Pro sensors, leaving bright dots
According to Marques, the culprit could be the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner, a system used in many modern cars, especially those with advanced driver assistance or self-driving features. It works by shooting bursts of laser light to map the environment, and while they are harmless to the naked eye, the concentrated beams can be dangerous to sensitive electronics like a smartphone camera sensor.
Marques noted that professional cameras can withstand the impact with stronger filters and coatings that help block infrared light, which keeps the sensor safe. Smartphones, on the flip side, are built to be compact and thin, which means that manufacturers sometimes cut corners on infrared protection. This leaves the camera sensors more vulnerable to specific types of light damage, especially from the powerful LiDAR systems found in vehicles like the Volvo EX90, which also happens to be the car Marques was filming with his iPhone before the damage appeared in the shots.
You can find videos online on how LiDAR scanners in cars can permanently scar a camera sensor in real time. You will see the same spots burned into every photo and video, and the damage is permanent, which means that you cannot fix it unless you replace the entire camera module. It is unfortunate to have a permanent scar on one of the most important features of a smartphone. Moreover, the issue does not solely apply to the iPhone 16 Pro, but any model or smartphone sensor that does not have a protective layer will be damaged.
Marques used his YouTube channel to announce the warning for creators and the general public as well. Ultimately, this means that you should be extra cautious when filming vehicles with a LiDAR scanner, as just an exposure of the beam would leave you with permanent damage. Have you ever experienced something similar on your iPhone or Android phone? Let us know in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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