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MKBHD warns that Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) from modern self-driving cars can permanently damage iPhone 16 Pro sensors, leaving bright dots.
According to Marques, the culprit is likely the LiDAR scanner used in many modern cars, especially those with advanced driver assistance or self-driving features. These systems work by shooting bursts of laser light to map the environment. While harmless to the naked eye, these concentrated beams can be dangerous to sensitive electronics like smartphone camera sensors.
Marques noted that professional cameras can withstand this impact due to stronger filters and coatings that block infrared light, keeping the sensor safe. Smartphones, however, are built to be compact and thin, which means manufacturers sometimes cut corners on infrared protection. This makes smartphone camera sensors more vulnerable to specific types of light damage, especially from powerful LiDAR systems found in vehicles like the Volvo EX90. Marques was filming with his iPhone 16 Pro near a car with this system before the damage appeared.
You can find online videos demonstrating how LiDAR scanners can permanently scar a camera sensor in real time. The same spots will be burned into every photo and video, and the damage is permanent. You cannot fix it unless you replace the entire camera module. This issue affects not just the iPhone 16 Pro but any smartphone model or sensor without protective layers that could suffer similar damage.
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Marques used his YouTube channel to warn creators and the general public about this problem. He emphasized that extra caution should be taken when filming vehicles with LiDAR scanners, as even a brief exposure to the beam can cause permanent damage.
Have you ever experienced something similar on your iPhone or Android phone? Let us know in the comments.
