iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Cracks Easily? (Prevent & Fix!)
Last updated on September 26th, 2022 at 07:58 pm
Posted in News by Patricia on September 22, 2022
iPhone 14 Pro camera lens crack | Source: Reddit
Has your iPhone 14 Pro camera lens cracked? This has happened before and we’re trying to find out if the glass cracks easier than before. The Main and Telephoto lenses seem the most vulnerable to scratching and shattering.
iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Crack
The first incident has been reported by BrandonB:
“Believe it or not i managed to crack the camera lens!!! No applecare+!”
We’ve searched for similar reports and have found one more on Reddit:
“iPhone 14 pro camera lens cracking easily! Literally dropped 8 inches of a table onto a rug and cracked”
iPhone 14 Camera Lens Incidents
If you had a similar unfortunate incident please report it in the comments. We would appreciate if you can describe how it happened and also share a photo of the crack or scratch.
Main Camera Lens
- 1. Arra informs that the “iPhone 14 pro max bottom lens cracked mysteriously in less than 1 day”.
iPhone 14 Pro Max camera lens shattered!
- To be updated!
Telephoto Lens
- To be updated!
Ultra Wide Lens
- To be updated!
How To Fix iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Crack
Unfortunately, shattered glass can’t be fixed! The lens or the entire camera module has to be replaced.
If you purchased AppleCare+ the fix will cost you an additional $99, as the incident will be labeled as ‘All Other Damage.’ The good news is that AppleCare+ is now covering an unlimited amount of events per year!
AppleCare+ unlimited incidents in terms.
Tip: If you broke the iPhone 14 camera lens within 60 days of purchase and haven’t opted for AppleCare+, you might be able to still grab it online and then claim the incident. This has been suggested on Reddit, but it’s unsure yet if the trick will work.
Update: A Genius bar employee confirmed that this works!
“I confirm. Just add monthly AppleCare and make a claim.”
How To: To add AppleCare+ to your new iPhone 14 online, tap here (Apple.com direct link)!
Prevent iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Cracks
As you might know prevention is better than intervention and much cheaper I would say! That’s why I recommend you to use protective gear on a $1300 device.
Especially, with the iPhone 13 Pro larger camera module, that exposes the lenses even more than before!
1. iPhone 14 Cases With Camera Lips
A case that comes with 2.5mm camera lips will provide basic protection. The lips will absorb the shock and prevent the iPhone 14 camera lens from cracking when hitting a flat surface. We recommend:
- TORRAS iPhone 14 Pro case with 2.5 mm back camera lips and Camera Lens Airbags!
- SPIGEN Clear Case with Anti-Yellowing if you want to keep it original
- More iPhone 14 Pro camera cases can be found here.
Tip: For iPhone 14 Pro Max cases tap here.
Fact: Camera lens will still break if you’re unlucky and the back camera module has a direct impact with a protruding object.
2. iPhone 14 Camera Lens Covers
To make thinks even safer, you can also add camera lens protectors. Some that we recommend are available below:
- WSKEN Lens Protector for 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- WSKEN Lens Cover for iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
- Screen Protector + Camera Lens Cover combo from TAURI [5 in 1]
Disclaimer: iPhoneTricks.org has an affiliate partnership with Amazon. If you purchase a product after clicking the above links, we will receive a small commission that helps us covers website costs. The final price of your product isn’t influenced by this incentive!
Have you managed to replace iPhone 14 Pro camera lens? How much did it cost? Share your Apple Store experience with us!
Related: You might be also interested in iPhone 14 screen crack incidents.
Iphone 14 pro max bottom lens cracked mysteriously in less than 1 day
Sorry to hear this. Can you detail the incident. Did you drop the device? On what surface? Do you have AppleCare+?
Can you send us a photo at contact[at]iphonetricks.org?
The apple store was a negative, blamed me. I sent it back to the carrier where it was purchased and let them deal with it. Back to using my trusted iphone 11 pro max,. Ill wait for the iphone 15 bc this 14 is a disaster.
Sorry to hear this. Keep us updated if you manage to fix it with your carrier.
I recently upgraded from 12 pro max too 14 pro max and my 12 took a beating given im military I took it to a hand full of events it got dropped on rocks metal in mud and never had a problem with my camera or front glass after my upgrade not even a week after I was getting out of my truck and it fell out of my pocket the phone had a case and screen protector and now the camera on the bottom is shattered I have too go too Apple to get this fixed and I’ve had a couple people tell me they had the same problem
Thanks for reporting. Yes, the cameras in the 14 Pro Max are bigger in size and lenses seem more vulnerable. Have you managed to fix your lens in the meantime?
Iphone 14 pro rear camera (bottom) cracked the first week without any drops or other trauma.. suddenly just looking at the lens it was complitely cracked
Sorry to hear this Henry. Can you send a photo of the crack to contact[at]iphonetricks.org.
Apparently, Apple experienced some problems with lens cracking out of the blue, during early manufacturing stages. Found something related to this over here:
https://twitter.com/mingchikuo/status/1552141332751470592
Have you visited an Apple Store? What did they have to say about it?
Hey,
My 2 lens got crakes without even my phone falling or anything. First it showed 2 plain cracks and then today morning I saw some small cracks as well.
My iphone 11 has fallen like more than 200 times but have been so strong but iphone 14… omg! Dk what to do now😭😭😭😭😭
Sorry to hear this. Do you have AppleCare+? You have to bring it in for repair, but Apple will charge you big time if you don’t have the insurance plan. Also ask for a quote at an aftermarket repair shop. Let us know how you solved it. Thanks.
Same exact thing happened to me, no worries, apple will blame you.
I’ve dropped my 14 Pro a few times and just recently noticed cracks in photos. Cannot detect the cracks on the glass with naked eye – but testing via covering up each lens determined it is the bottom camera.
Sorry to hear this. Do you have AppleCare+?
Never drop my 14 pro max. My top camera lens crack and the crack is getting worst.
What a joke of phone should be replaced free every time . My phone just cracked again 2nd time Go back to the drawing board what a falurei
You mean you had two camera lens cracks, on two different units? Did you get the first one replaced for free?
Going in today to see just what i wanted to do on a Monday morning
Sorry to hear this. Keep us updated please about how this ends up.
Just a joke lense crack have had 2in past year should be replaced free every time si you can be inconvenienced as we are!!!!
Did you have it replaced at an Apple store thru Applecare?
My iPhone dropped 10 inches on a table in a very good case. The exact same lense cracked. It looks like glass and not sapphire. Seems like Foxconn ran out of sapphire glass and simply used a simple thin glass. This has to be recalled. On apple care it costs $99 unreal.
Please please please escalate this with apple collect this feedback and give it to them. I dropped 12 Pro Max 1000 times on concrete, NO damage.
Thanks for the feedback Peter. This must be frustrating. We’re collecting all these reports and are forwarding them to Apple.
Same here, I reject buying the 14 pro max ,I never had any issue with my 11 pro max even dropping it several times …I have just have the 14 pro max for 4 weeks now and the camera lense is cracked
Daughter’s broke and she had a cover on her lens and phone. Doesn’t even know what caused it.
That’s crazy indeed. Not sure what else to say at this point. I’m hesitant to look at mines, because I might spot a crack.
My camera is not shattered but has a crack across it, and I have not even dropped it! Just had it for a few weeks!
This is really frustrating because it is such an expensive phone!
Uhh, that’s crazy. You have to bring your device to an Apple Store and explain it. There’ve been reports that they had some problems with camera lens cracking during the early manufacturing stages. You might have got one from a bad batch.
My phone just dropped on the carpet and my camera lens broke. It sucks because this is an expensive phone and within 2-3 months my camera lens broke.
Thanks for the feedback Jasmine. Sorry to hear this. Did you have a case on the device or it was naked? How big was the drop? From hand level?
Every one seems to be having the same issue and me too ! It dropped two feet with a spigen mag armour case with a massive camera lip and on top of that I had the lense protector on which was unscathed yet the bottom lense glass is cracked .. this phone has to be a joke.. I regret buying it 1000%. Apple should be punished for this.
Gosh that must be frustrating. Can you please send a photo of this incident at contact[at]iphonetricks.org?
I would recommend you to bring your iPhone to an Apple Store and share your story. You can also show them the comments of this article. They should be aware that there must be some bad batches and should replace your lens free of charge. Keep us updated please.
Hi, Im glad I found your blog! I also recently picked up an iPhone 14 pro. It has always been in a case, never dropped, and somehow about 10 days after purchase my telephoto lens has a crack in it. For now, it isn’t obstructing the camera view, but now I am worried that my phone is no longer waterproof. i have had apple products for years ( all of which had been dropped) and never have I had a camera lens crack on me. Apple charging $99 to replace is a scam.
Thanks for reporting Zac. Yes, you might have picked the shorter straw. Apparently, there are some bad batches that come with this manufacturing flaw. However, there’s no official data about this. I’m curious if Apple will start a repair program in the foreseeable future, or they will try to keep this under the radar.
As you can see there are only a couple of complaints on this page out of millions of readers. So, the percentage of devices affected seems quite small. But it might be frustrating as hell to pay 4 figures for a device and have the lens cracked out of the blue.
I would suggest to try a different Apple Store and ask for a free replacement.
Wow this is crazy! I just got my iPhone 14 pro Max I’ve had it 1 week and I went to use restroom and set it down on counter to have the camera shatter in about 6 pieces. Brand new phone with screen protector and otter box case. I have the protection on my phone and they want me to pay $249.00 deductible to have another refurbished phone sent out to me . I’m paying for a new phone $1399 for 1week and now getting a refurbished crap . I want my android back
Omg that sounds like a horror story. There has to be some other solution. This looks more and more like a manufacturing flaw that will lead to a new repair program. Keep us updated please.
This is so frustrating and I am so glad I found this chat! Based in Australia and it’s no different here. Waited on back order for my iPhone 14 pro max, had it for 2 days with a decent cover and screen protector and a cord to hang my phone so I don’t drop it. But! Today I realised there is a chip on the side of my top camera?! I can even begin to explain how pissed off I am?!
Thanks for reporting. Sorry to hear this. I guess you can’t remember bumping or hitting your device against a strong surface?
I just purchased an iPhone 14. I haven’t dropped this thing yet. However, while I was playing a game on the phone, I noticed blood on my finger. I somehow managed to put a hole in the glass lens and cut my finger on it. I don’t know how this happened, but I’m pissed. I’ve had many iPhones over the years and never once has this happened. I think it’s time for a recall.
Omg this is another level! If you can just brake the lens by clinching your fingers on the camera module while gaming, we’re definitely getting closer and closer to a recall. Thanks for reporting. Can you send a photo of the damage at contact[at]iphonetricks.org?
I can’t send a photo, but I went to Apple today in Novi, MI. Apparently they have to charge $99 and replace the phone bacause they don’t have an option for the broken lens in their system. While I was there, I was in the company of three other customers who had the same issue. We all had to pay $99.
The tech advised me to contact Apple support with my complaint. I’m literally on hold with them while I write this reply. Stay tuned for the gripping conclusion to my saga.
Thanks for the follow up and for the interesting info. This is will lead to a repair program, it has to. Waiting for your update.
Apple support knows nothing of the issue and when I was advanced to a supervisor, they said to take my feedback to:
apple.com/feedback
If they would admit the issue they have to go public and offer a repair program. Probably they’re keeping it under-the-hood for know as a decision hasn’t been made yet. They must be assessing how high the percentage of affected devices is.
New I phone 14 here. Slipped off desk and fell about 3 ft onto carpet and camera lens cracked. Phone is less than 3 weeks old.! Have ATT protection plan will try to get repair through them. Or does anyone have info about Apple stores replacing the lens?
Thanks for reporting. Keep us updated please.
Fell off of a table and cracked and has a hole in the camera now. Took it to apple with AppleCare+ and they said most likely it’ll be replaced since exterior elements go into the system and it’s easier just to replace it. Sent the phone back to repair center for testing. I’ve had 12 pro max and 13 pro max and dropped those hundreds of times and never once a cracked lens.
Something is definitely off with these glass covers on the lenses. On mine its was the bottom most one that cracked.
Thanks for the feedback. I think that one of the main problem is the increased size thus making them more exposed.
My iPhone 13 Pro Max lens cracked out of the blue
I haven’t dropped it or has there been any strong impact on the lens yet one the lens broke.
I don’t have applecare and here in India there are asking ₹50,000 for simply a lens crack as they’ll have to replace the entire rear body. I’ve had apple products and god this is such a bad experience.
My phone just dropped with case and camera protector on it and the camera lens cracked. This is the first apple I’ve ever cracked a screen on and I’ve have only Apple I-phones since the original. Super disappointed
Thanks for confirming. Sorry to hear this. I can imagine the frustration. Lenses seem much more vulnerable with the 14 Pro models because of the bigger size. They are more prone to absorb the impact and Apple does not seem to have considered this, or have done a bad job designing it.
I have the same cracked lens issue. Bought my iPhone 14 Pro 2 months ago, have been treating like a fragile baby, because it costs a lot! I’ve never dropped it, but suddenly I saw something that I would describe as “one hair covering the lens”, after that I realized that it’s a crack, and later on it developed into a big visible crack. I’m going to Apple tomorrow. Hopefully there will be a solution, otherwise I will seek help through consumer right institution and lawyer. I’ve used Apple products for years, yes, they cost a lot, but I am willing to pay the money in return for impecable quality! But iPhone 14 pro seems to bully the consumers right now.
Thanks for the feedback Qin. Sorry to hear that you’re also affected by this issue. Please keep us update about how this is solved out. You can share this post with Apple staff and show them that there others in the same situation. Perhaps it will help them figure out that there might be a bad batch of devices out there. or even a manufacturing flaw.
My wife just noticed that lens cover glass is cracked. We don’t recall that it fell or was dropped.
Will contact Apple regarding this issue.
Is it possible to buy replacement camera cover glass for iPhone 14?
You mean the actual glass that covers the lens that the iPhone shipped with? Or an additional screen protector for the lens?
We’ve covered iPhone 14 lens protectors here:
https://www.iphonetricks.org/iphone-14-lens-flare-fix-lens-protector/
Thanks for reporting keep us updated.
I have a new i14 pro max and same issue. I have a Torras cover and my camera lens cracked after falling a few feet when getting out of my car. I have had nemerous iPhones and never an issue until this 14 model. So frustrated as just beyond date to add Apple Care. What is cost to replace if you don’t have coverage?
It depends on the region. Have you managed to fix it in the meantime? Would appreciate a followup.
Mine broke on my 14 Pro the other day. Have a nice sized hole in the bottom lens. No idea when it happened. Don’t recall dropping it, but I seem to recall it looked fine when I left for work, then when I got to work I noticed the hole. Going to take it to Apple soon.
Update: It was in an Apple case, too. One of the leather MagSafe ones.
Thanks for reporting. Let us know what Apple had to say about it.
This happened to me a day after i got the phone from release. Apple store blamed me. Apple is covering this up. Gl
Exact same thing? Slipped out of hand and fell maybe 6” onto table. Crack right across one of the lenses. My 11 & 12 had much more traumatic drops but never cracked a camera lens. How does that even happen when it fell flat onto the table?
Thanks for reporting. Was the device naked or protected? Lenses are much bigger than 11 and 12 models, and it seems that this makes them more vulnerable to cracks!
My camera lens on iphone 14pro broke (similar to others, minor drop), unfortunately I owned my phone for >90 days, no applecare. It cost $499 at the apple store to repair because they have to replace all the back glass (not just a camera issue). It’s essentially the most expensive repair (other replacing both front and back glass). The geniuses (their term not mine) broke my phone while trying to repair it and had to give me a new phone. Hours of trying to get the new phone activated and put in passwords, etc. Turned into a big mess…all because Apple has a defective design. I am now getting a new case that protects the camera glass and buying applecare (once you pay them $499 you have 10 days to purchase applecare). I have owned a iphone since iphone 2 and never cracked the camera. Very disappointed with this design.
Thanks for the extended feeback Cary. Sorry to hear this that’s misfortunate. However, I’m sure that your info will help others save some cash.
My iphone 14 pro max has multiple cracks on the back going around the camera. This has to be a design flaw.
Thanks for reporting. Did you drop it or what caused them?
I don’t recall dropping it at all. It has been in a case since I got it. The cracks follow around the camera. Currently talking with my carrier.
I have never dropped my phone bits a fortune. Immediately went in a case with screen protector too. I’m 62 so careful with it. All the sudden I just noticed a crack in my screen as well!! And a hole. I have rhinestones around the cameras with my case. What is going on. My grandkids dropped my phones over the years. Never ever had this happen. HELp. So excited to be one of the first to get this phone. Now wish I had my old IPhone 11. I traded in mine which was just fine
Apple needs to fix this problem. Soon!!
Debbie kelley
Disregard all of above. So lucky. It’s the good glitter metal lens protector that’s cracked. Yay! But still why am I needing to protect my lens APPLE. Ordering more lens protectors to go with my super sturdy case and after protectors. Geez. I hoped I world be able to use my phone without worry. Nope.
Thanks for the feedback. Hope that you won’t have any other similar events. Enjoy your flagship!
I don’t recall dropping my iPhone 14 pro, went to work it was fine, suddenly at work noticed a hole in back lower camera with cracks running through remaining glass. Had the phone in protective case from day 1. So disappointed… don’t know what to do as bought the phone just under 3 months and no AppleCare
Sorry to hear this. Might have somebody else at work drop it without you noticing it? That’s unfortunate and frustrating indeed. Have you tried to bring it to an Apple retail shop and ask for suggestions?
I noticed the glass of the main camera lens on my iPhone 14 Pro was shattered when I got to work today. It’s in a Speck case with a raised lip around the cameras. I don’t recall a specific incident where I dropped it that might have caused this. The camera works fine, so I’m not sure if it’s just cosmetic damage or if I could have camera issues down the road. Apple rep (chat) tells me it’s not covered and they have to replace the entire back glass for over $300 (no Apple Care). I am considering going to the Apple Store and seeing what a Genius Bar tech tells me. Reluctant to spend so much especially since the camera is working fine.
Thanks for sharing. Yeah, if the photos and videos aren’t affected you could go on. As long as it’s superficial. If it’s something more serious it will get worse. Do provide a follow up after your Genius Bar visit and let us know what they have to say.
Hey Scott, i just had a stupid moment yesterday leaving my iPhone 14 Pro on my car roof & driving off & my main camera lense is shattered like you, the other two lenses have micro chips but only on the outer ring. It was also in a shock proof case with a raised bit surrounding the entire lense housing, i also stupidly didn’t get apple care so im curious what they charged you for repairs? Im in Australia BTW
When i enquire via the apple support app & enter rear camera its sayong $349AU as an estimate, does that sound right, im lead to believe they have to repalce the entire rear glass panel including the camera glass, does anyone know if this is true?
Yes, that’s true it’s the complete replacement. They won’t fix it for less if you don’t have AppleCare+. With the Plus there’s a smaller $99 event damage fee.
I’ve had the iPhone 14 for couple months. Was worried about scratching the camera lens so ordered lens covers. Before I could put them on, I noticed my bottom lens was already completely shattered same as these other 68 complaints. I do not have AppleCare. I’ve had so many problems with this phone right from the beginning. I’ve already had it serviced three times!
My pictures have been really bad for a while now. I don’t know why I didn’t think to look at the cameras. I would just wipe them. My daughter got a pixel phone for Christmas and her pics were so much better than mine. Well my 8 year old was looking at the back of my phone, and says mom your camera lens is broken. Smh my bottom lens is shattered. I have the iPhone 14 plus pro. I really TJ k I’m done with iPhones. There is always something that is easy to break on every iPhone I get. My husband has had a Samsung galaxy for many years now, and those phones seem to last forever. For as much as I spend on an iPhone I’m tired of three always being so wtjjvg breaking or mug working right! It’s just nit worth it. I have a pic, but don’t know how to post it. I have no idea how this even happened, I’m sure it was one of the times I dropped it, but I have t dropped it super hard ever. I also have a case where there is a lip around the cameras!
I have now had three camera lens protectors crack on me.
Very frustrating. It’s not from a drop or anything. Normal use and carrying it in my pocket. Ugh!!!
iPhone 14 pro max, chip in the bottom camera. Not aware of any reason why, don’t recall dropping it, etc. Used to have camera lens covers on it but over time they flake off.
Went to Google to see if others have this issue. Apparently, they do. I do have Apple care but shouldn’t have to use it to cover a faulty piece of equipment. Ugh.
Can’t actually SEE a chip in the lens, can’t FEEL any chip, looks like it’s “under” the lens? I’ll try to get a photo with another micro lens. Odd…
Thanks for the feedback. Please keep us posted about how this develops.
I decided to trade in my Samsung S10+ after 4 years of excellent service. It finally developed a crack near the lens. I decided to go with an Apple 14 since it has great picture quality, so I heard. Well I’ve only had my 14 for a week and it’s developed 2 chips on the edge of the camera lenses and now a large crack. I treat my devices very good and even put the quality screen protectors and lens protectors and the Otterbox, supposed to be the best. All of this was purchased prior to walking out the store.. They touted how strong the screen material is. I took it back to the Verizon store where I purchased it and the manager Steve, didn’t even examine it close enough before he determined it was struck. I told him there was no way, as I am extra gentle with my devices – it’s never been dropped or struck! Long story – Apple obviously knows they have a problem but won’t address the issue. Very disappointed in the quality. My sons iPhone 14 also developed a crack and his is only 2 months old. I should have stuck with Samsungs products.
Thanks for the feedback Gary. Are we talking about the iPhone 14 Pro or the Pro Max version? Thanks in advance for your followup.
iPhone 14 Pro, 4 months old. Never dropped, always in pocket, or on desk.
Top camera lens cracked from regular use. Is there something wrong with the glass and its quality?
I had an iPhone 11 Pro and it was dropped many times over the 3 years I owned it and not once was there a crack in the phone or any of its parts.
Took it to and they said they would not cover it. Said they would have to change the entire assembly and back of the phone.
Is the iPhone 14 Pro rear camera glass of inferior quality compared to previous versions?
Reports about camera lens cracking easily have gathered in the last couple of months. However, the percentage seems quite small when compared to the amount of devices sold. Not sure if we’re dealing with a manufacturing flaw. Most of the reports have been filled in the early days, hinting to a potential bad batch… You sure you did not accidentally hit the lens, or someone else from your household?
I just notice cracking in 3 spots on the glass backing under the lenses of my 14 pro I’ve had for about 5 weeks. I have a case on but no lens protector. I’ve dropped a few times no cracks but I’m not sure what happened today I must have ran into something with it in my pocket. I have apple care so I will replace and not keep in my pocket any more. Need ti research better protection I have the phone for 3 years 🙄
Thanks for reporting. Just had a bad drop 2 days ago and luckily my camera lens and screen survived. Not using screen protector, or lens protector, just a slim case. I guess I was lucky.
I have a 14pro I have cracked the lens protectors twice in in less than three weeks. The second one in less than 24 hrs and it was not dropped or anything that should have cracked it. It literally sat on my desk or my car and yet it cracked
That’s strange. At least your lenses are fine. What type of lens protectors are you using? Are you also using a case with your device? One with raised lips for the camera module?
My bottom lens is cracked. Don’t know how it happened. Haven’t dropped it. It was just suddenly there. Have a case and a screen protector. Didn’t get a lens protector because I was told with the new super strong lenses I didn’t need it…
Sorry to hear this. Let us know how much the replacement cost.
Last December I noticed a cracked/chipped lens on my 14 Pro Max (2 months in, just missed the date to get Apple Care), took it to Apple Store and they said it would be £500 to replace the entire back. It was really upsetting considering I just upgraded from an iPhone 6s that had lasted 5 years with no problems. I never dropped the phone though it was in a drop-tested case so whatever happened was from a pocket or a surface…. I’ve slapped a temped glass camera protector over it but every time I look at it I get so upset.
Price of repair really wasn’t worth it…. I’m managing and will upgrade to 16 Pro or something… Hope I at least get a fair price when I trade this joke of a phone in. 14 pro max is such a joke next to 15 pro max – maybe it’s something to do with the weight of the phone?
It’s suspicious that they won’t investigate into a potential bad batch. Made me wary of being an Apple loyalist. What a joke.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it will be interesting to see if they managed to silently solve the problem for the iPhone 15 Series. Indeed a 500 pound repair bill for a cracked lens, that cracks easily, is a ripoff.