May 26 2025 – A Reddit user, Jeguetelli, recently took to the platform to share an unusual incident involving their iPhone 16 Pro Max and a newly purchased Volvo EX90. According to the post, the car’s built-in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system emitted a beam that allegedly caused irreversible damage to the phone’s CMOS image sensor. The post quickly gained traction, with numerous commenters chiming in to report similar experiences where their mobile device sensors were compromised after pointing cameras directly at automotive LiDAR units.
In response to the growing concern, Volvo issued an official statement to The Drive, cautioning users against aiming smartphones or cameras directly at the vehicle’s LiDAR hardware. The automaker emphasized that the concentrated light beams emitted by LiDAR systems could harm image sensors in electronic devices. For users wishing to photograph or film the vehicle, Volvo recommended maintaining a “safe distance” or simply deactivating the car’s power source before capturing imagery.
The Swedish manufacturer also clarified that while LiDAR beams pose a risk to imaging sensors, they pose no threat to human eyes. This distinction was highlighted to alleviate fears about potential health risks while operating or photographing vehicles equipped with such advanced sensor technology.
