Have you ever encountered the term PWM (pulse width modulation)? Even if you're not familiar with it, this common screen flickering issue could significantly affect your smartphone experience. Fortunately, the upcoming iPhone 17 is set to introduce a long-awaited fix for this problem.
PWM is a technique employed by many smartphones to adjust display brightness. When the brightness is lowered, rather than dimming the pixels, the smartphone’s OLED display keeps all pixels at full brightness. Instead, it rapidly turns them on and off, creating a flickering effect that is often imperceptible to most users. However, for a subset of individuals, this flickering can trigger significant issues, including eyestrain and even debilitating headaches.
The existence of the issue is highlighted by the popularity of the ‘PWM Sensitive’ subreddit, which boasts around 16,000 weekly visitors. This online community sheds light on the experiences of those affected by PWM, making it clear that this is a widespread concern.
Recent findings by tech expert Aaron Perris reveal that Apple is addressing this issue with the introduction of a new setting for the iPhone 17 models. According to reports from MacRumors, this setting will allow users to disable PWM, potentially offering relief for those who have struggled with this problem in the past.
While it's still unclear why this new PWM setting is exclusive to the iPhone 17 lineup, it may be attributed to the advancements in the A19 and A19 Pro chips that power these devices. Regardless of the reason, if PWM has been a concern for you, the iPhone 17 might provide a compelling incentive to upgrade.
Do you find yourself struggling with PWM issues on your current smartphone? If so, the introduction of a new settings toggle in the iPhone 17 could be a game changer for your user experience. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. How significant do you think this new feature will be for you?
Additionally, for those looking to enhance their iPhone experience, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best iPhone accessories.
