Camera shows ghost lighting or refrective image

Solution 1:

This lens flare is due to the geometry of the camera and the physical aperture / focus ring and might be normal or might be signs that the internals have shifted or become damaged. A hard drop can knock the camera out of alignment and cause this. Also, there are lighting conditions that guarantee a properly assembled and working iPhone camera makes that flare.

  • Take controlled photos with other devices if you wish to rule out that it's just the natural result of that light bouncing off the camera. Get a lens hood or change the exposure is how photographers manage this (this problem is just one of optics and sensors) if it turns out your device is working like others.
  • Take the phone (camera) in for service if you believe it's not working as designed and you can't see any signs of physical damage or a drop. If the phone isn't up to spec - Apple or their service team will offer a repair under warranty assuming you're covered. The only thing I would expect to pay is if I damaged it (warranty doesn't cover drops or breaks).