iPhone glitch leaves baffled users with a 'black dot of death' on their screens - here's what to do if you spot one on your Apple handset
A mysterious iPhone glitch has left some baffled users with a 'black dot of death' on their screens.
As the name suggests, the issue sees users left with a small black circle at the top of the screen, just below the Dynamic Island.
Reddit user @seseweto first posted a picture showing the black dot on the screen of his iPhone 15 seven days ago.
He wrote: 'Black dot of death on my iphone 15 ios 18.5. Suddenly the black dot appeared on the screen.
'If I take a screenshot it doesn't appear, that's why I have to take a picture with another phone.'
Since then, several other users have come forward with the same problem.
'Had same issue. Had to get my 16p screen replaced,' one user commented.
Another added: 'Same. Mine were in the top right of my screen by the battery.'
A mysterious iPhone glitch has left some baffled users with a 'black dot of death' on their screens
While the reason for the issue remains unclear, several Reddit users have put forward their theories.
'If it doesn't appear in a screenshot it's probably a hardware issue,' one user suggested.
Another wrote: 'OLED screen damage. Impact on that spot. Black circle will continue to grow. Screen will eventually need to be replaced as it grows.'
And one said: 'It's the display. If you take it to an Apple Store, if you're under warranty or have AppleCare+, they'll replace the display for you for free.'
Others took a more jokey stance on the situation.
'Dynamic archipelago,' one user wrote, in reference to Apple's Dynamic Island feature, which appears at the top of the screen whenever your iPhone is unlocked.
'That's the new punch hole cam,' another joked.
And one quipped: 'Black wallpaper and problem solved.'
As the name suggests, the issue sees users left with a small black circle at the top of the screen, just below the Dynamic Island
MailOnline has contacted Apple for comment on the issue.
If the screen isn't working on your iPhone or iPad, Apple advises a four step process to assess what the issue might be.
Firstly, restart your iPhone by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider apepars.
Next, make sure your screen is cleand and free of any debris or water.
Apple then advises disconnecting any Lightning or USB-C accessories.
'If your screen works after removing an accessory, try using a different socket, cable or charger,' it said.
Finally, remove any cases or screen protectors.
If your screen still isn't working, you may need to set up a service for your device here.
THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE
1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.
The first product was the Apple I.
1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market.
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh February 6, 1984 in California.
1981: Jobs became chairman.
1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.
1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.
1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.
The then Chief Executive Officer of Apple, Steve Jobs, with the iPhone
2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.
The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.
2007: Apple unveils the iPhone.
2010: The first iPad was unveiled.
2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.
2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus.
2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services.
2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.
2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers.
2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.
2020: In March, Apple closes all its bricks and mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus.
2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declared Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced.
2022: In September the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system.
2023: Apple brought back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home as it is powered by voice commands.
2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once with many delayed until the following year.
