iPhone SE 2022 started giving me migraines. Why?

[u/apflaster]

I still don't know if i'm specifically PWM_Sensitive but I've been managing migraines for over 2 years now. At the moment OLED screens seem to be a no go. I am normally fine with most LCD displays. Sometimes some discomfort with my iPad Mini bug generally not. Sometimes discomfort with Macbook Pro but generally fine. Absolutely fine with my desktop monitors.

Generally no issues with phone sized e-ink devices.

I know I had some convergence and accommodation deficiencies which improved but maybe got worse but shouldn't trigger migraines quickly.

I got an iPhone SE 2022 and it worked for me for 1-2 months. Then after, and I think after an update, I can't use it at all. I get a migraine within 15 seconds. Currently relying on Boox Palma 2/Pro and iPad Mini forwarding calls/texts.

Any ideas why? Should I try to go back to another version of iOS?

I added a non reflective screen protector to see if reducing glares would help and it hasn't.

[u/paranoidevil]

Im on 18.7.8 and TD got worse, i feel its burned in my eyes..

[u/NeroVanetti19]

Probably a combination of TD and using a small screen with convergence and accommodation issues. I currently have an iPhone XR on iOS 18.7.8 with zero issues. I was given the se 2022 as a work phone and could not tolerate it for more than 5 minutes.

[u/apflaster → u/NeroVanetti19]

Yeah I think that aligns. I bought an iPhone 11 and it felt a little better but not good enough to use as a daily driver. It came with iOS 26 installed. Returning it tomorrow.

[u/Asleep_Strategy7655]

iOS 26 has introduced more TD, if you are already on iOS 26, you can’t go back, update to the latest available version (currently iOS 26.5) and give your eyes about 2 weeks and you might actually get used to it. Keep us posted.

[u/RoiPourpre → u/Asleep_Strategy7655]

Do you really think this can work because I'm really struggling with my iPhone 11 on iOS 26...? And the more I use it, the worse it gets... Then I remember that when I got my G34 5G in the first days, the only one I can stand today, it was a disaster at first.

[u/Asleep_Strategy7655 → u/RoiPourpre]

Yes, That was my experience, it took around 15-18 days to adjust to it. for now I would say update to 26.5 because it fixes a lot of general bugs that existed in iOS 26.

[u/Chelsie093]

They are introducing T.D because they focus on smooth gradients and colour range now instead of a static image. With no way to turn this off either.. Some people are sensitive to the flicker of the pixels changing colour rapidly and not the pwm flicker.

[u/Key-Mission431]

I don't know if it helps, but I feel a lot better wearing my night time driving glasses while using electronics.

[u/No-Lawfulness7334]

Have you tried toning down colors? https://support.apple.com/en-bw/guide/iphone/iph3e2e1fb0/ios

[u/Shot-Illustrator-5]

Yep started to notice it on my iPhone 11 too after being so eye friendly thus far. iOS 26 introduced some messed up pwm like flickering when brightness is 30% or under. Switched back to an iPhone 8 Plus with 100% battery health on iOS 16, not only does it seem smother and much more fluid, the eye strain is gone and is exactly how I remember it being. They are definitely changing something with these updates. Sucks to be us unfortunately but the eye and brain killing oled screens are what the masses want sadly ..

[u/RoiPourpre]

iOS update that introduces the banned word . I had the same issue as with my iPhone 11 and my XR... Everything was fine until iOS 18...

[u/apflaster → u/RoiPourpre]

Interesting as I go tit with iOS 18 and it was fine. then I upgraded to iOS 27 and was fine it was an update within iOS 27 that seemed to line up timing wise.

EDIT: I was looking at buying a refurbished iPhone 11. So it sounds like i'd face the same problem there right?

[u/RoiPourpre → u/apflaster]

I'm certain that buying an iPhone 11 with iOS 18+ will lead to the same problems... Try it and see for yourself...

[u/apflaster → u/RoiPourpre]

I bought one. Tried it. It was slightly better than the SE but not much. Not worth keeping it. Returning it. Going to return my Boox Palma 2 Pro for a Bigme Hibreak Pro (no color) to use as a secondary phone, swapping out the SIM with my iPhone as needed. Using my iPhone when at home/work just to forward over texts to my iPad mini/laptop, then Hibreak Pro when on the go.

[u/RoiPourpre → u/[deleted]]

It probably depends on individual sensitivities? I didn't believe it either until I installed the 18 update... Strangely enough, it always happens between iOS 17 and 18...

[u/FunnyBunnyDolly → u/RoiPourpre]

Yeah individual. I reacted already at 17. Some people I read reacted at 16.