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Just today I noticed something new covering my iPhone camera lens. It looks like a shutter or aperture blade over the optics, but knowing that the iPhone has neither, I'm really confused. The camera is able to take pictures still, but I can't imagine this would help. I have not dropped the phone to my recent knowledge and I do not believe this "blade" was covering the optics yesterday.

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3 Answers

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It looks like the padding has shifted. This could be do to a change in humidity. Have you moved recently?

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This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post - you can always comment on your own posts, and once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post. – Matteo May 2 at 6:57
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If you observe this moving from a cold dry place to warm humid place, then it could be condensation.

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Could you take a picture with your iPhone and post in in your topic, so we can get a better view on the issue?

You could clean the lens of your iPhone and see if anything is blocking the clear view. It happens often some dust or tiny particles slip into the iPhone...
It's very easy and you won't do any harm with it, if you follow the instructions carefully!

  1. Open up your iPhone according to the tutorial on iFixit
  2. Use a slightly moistened ear-swab to clean up your iPhone lens
  3. To reassemble your iPhone, just follow the steps on iFixit in reverse order.

It should clear out all dust from your lens and it can solve your issue.

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The piece in question is within the lens assembly. It is not externally accessible. I think the first picture best describes what I am wondering about. Cleaning the lens isn't going to make a piece inside the lens change. Like I said in the question, the camera itself is working. I took these images in a mirror with the iPhone I am asking about. – dpollitt Jun 11 '12 at 15:08
Hm, Ok, but as you've pointed out yourself, the iPhone camera doesn't have any physical shutter. So could you take a picture with your iPhone and post it in your original question? So we can get a better view of the issue. – Michiel Jun 11 '12 at 15:09
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I would say be careful with the swab you use if you're inside the device since leaving a film or scratch there is much harder to remedy. – bmike♦ Jun 11 '12 at 15:18
That's why he have to use a slightly moistened ear-swab. Chances for scratching are at minimum here! – Michiel Jun 11 '12 at 15:19

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