iPhone XS Iphone Xs weird lens flare

[amoergosum]

I was surprised to see such aggressive, green lens flares.

Even more surprising: if you look closer, part of the tree got mirrored IN the lens flare.
I've never seen a lens flare like that:

 

[keysofanxiety]

It's not lens flare: you've clearly photographed an alien and only realised when you reviewed the photos.

 

[one_tech]

sometimes happen with me on my iphone x max and sometimes not happen i don’t know why

 

[Azathoth123]

It happens with most if not all camera lenses on any camera, to varying degrees depending on the lens construction, coatings, etc. Since the iPhone lens is fixed, you can’t switch to a lens that exhibits less flare.

The best option is to shade the lens so that sunlight doesn’t fall directly on the lens. You can do this with your hand, a piece of cardboard, whatever is handy. You can also try changing the angle of the camera WRT the sun, for example standing a step or two to the right or left, or tilting the camera slightly. Shading the lens is usually the best option.

 

[Magnusson]

I am not surprised by this. You are taking a photo facing the sun.

 

[amoergosum]

I just watched this video...same mirror effect...you can see the mirrored waves in one of the lens flares:

https://i.imgur.com/oBGz8dr.gif

Link to full video >>> click