Some iPhone 15 Pro Max users are reporting OLED screen ‘burn in’

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It hasn’t been a completely trouble-free launch for theiPhone 15forApple, and it looks as though there might be another problem to deal with on one of the models: image retention or ‘burn in’ that leaves a ghostly image on screen.

Image retention or ‘burn in’ has long been an issue withOLEDpanels, and it happens when the screen contents stay static for a long time, leaving a watermark of sorts. However, the latest OLED screens and devices are able to minimize the risk of it happening, and it hasn’t been a major problem in recent years.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is reportedly experiencing screen burn-in issues, adding to a growing list of problems for the company this year.#iPhone15Series #iphone15pro #Apple pic.twitter.com/HDsQ0iccHwOctober 11, 2023

While we didn’t notice any screen burn in when putting together ouriPhone 15 Pro Max review, the most expensive iPhone 15 model is apparently prone to developing the issue as per complaints from users (and reported byPhandroidand others).

We’ve seen reports of image retentionon Reddit,on X(formerly known as Twitter), andon the official Apple community discussion forums. So far the iPhone 15 Pro Max seems to be the only model affected, though it’s difficult to get an idea of just how widespread this issue is becoming.

Replacement units

From the images that have been posted online, it looks as though the burn in problem can happen with any screen: we’ve seen pictures of ghostly keyboards and home screen icons staying in place on the displays, for example.

A lot of users are reporting that Apple has replaced their units for free, so if you are noticing the problem on your own iPhone 15 Pro Max, your best course of action is to get in touch with Apple – either throughthe official websiteor a local Apple Store – and ask about a replacement.

As yet, there’s been no acknowledgement from Apple that this is happening to the iPhone 15 Pro Max models. It’s possible that just a subset of these phone displays are affected, and that these can be replaced relatively quickly.

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Even if the problem doesn’t end up being particularly widespread, it’s another issue that Apple and its suppliers could’ve done without. Apple recently acknowledged an overheating issue on the iPhone 15 Pro, which a fix has been issued for, and there have also been reports of iPhones mysteriously shutting off overnight.

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Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

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