( CNN ) -- Apple has responded to complaints that some photos taken with the iPhone 5 show a purple flare , saying it happens to many smartphones when they 're aimed near a light source like the sun . `` Most small cameras , including those in every generation of iPhone , may exhibit some form of flare at the edge of the frame when capturing an image with out-of-scene light sources , '' the company wrote in the support section of its website . `` This can happen when a light source is positioned at an angle ( usually just outside the field of view ) so that it causes a reflection off the surfaces inside the camera module and onto the camera sensor . '' Apple suggested keeping bright light from shining into photos taken with the phone . Readers : Smartphone zombie apocalypse ? `` Moving the camera slightly to change the position at which the bright light is entering the lens , or shielding the lens with your hand , should minimize or eliminate the effect , '' the post said . Not surprisingly , some users were n't satisfied with the response . `` You got ta be kidding me apple . You must be . Now I have to protect the camera with my hand when I want to take a picture ? '' one user wrote in a thread on Apple 's user forums . `` When a new iPhone comes out , I always buy it . If there is anyone from Apple reading this , I have to tell you that I am pretty disappointed with the product , for the first time . That 's very bad . '' Wrote another : `` This purpling has nothing to do with pointing the iPhone 5 at direct sunlight . You can see this purple is occurring in more than just the bright light scenarios . '' Some have speculated that the problem is caused by a sapphire cover that Apple added to the phone 's camera . `` The new iSight camera in iPhone 5 features a sapphire crystal lens cover that is thinner and more durable than standard glass with the ability to provide crystal clear images , '' Apple wrote in promotional material for the phone . How Apple has changed under Tim Cook . Some users also suggested in the forums that a third-party filter on the lens might help . Released Septermber 21 , the iPhone 5 has been Apple 's biggest product launch to date , with more than 5 million sold over its first weekend on the market . But , as often is the case with new tech products , there have been a handful of persistent complaints about the iPhone 5 . Among them , some users have said the phone 's new aluminum casing scratches and dents easily . And Apple 's new map app , which replaced Google Maps for the first time , has been so glitchy that CEO Tim Cook issued an apology . But , overall , reviews have been positive . And on Friday , respected product testers Consumer Reports gave the phone a thumbs-up , calling it the best iPhone yet after running a battery of tests . `` A larger , 4-inch display ; a thinner and lighter profile ; 4G LTE access ; and a host of innovative features all helped the iPhone 5 move up in the ranks , surpassing not only the previous iPhone 4S but also a number of other new Android-based smart phones , '' CR wrote on its website . In its review , Consumer Reports actually gave high praise to the phone 's 8-megapixel camera . Did Apple 's fanboy fever peak with Steve Jobs ? `` In the full battery of tests we give to smartphone cameras , the iPhone 5 's camera proved capable of capturing beautifully sharp and vibrant photos , '' the report read . CR also gave high marks to the phone 's new turn-by-turn GPS navigation ( a feature Android phones already had ) and its larger 4-inch screen . Of the map app , Consumer Reports found it `` competent enough , even if it falls short of what 's available for free on many other phones , '' and said it expects Apple to improve it . The phone did not , however , top Consumer Reports ' smartphone rankings . The Samsung Galaxy S III retained the top spot , and the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX also got a higher overall score from the group than the iPhone 5 . Move over iPhone : In China , it 's cool to call on 'Xiaomi '
Apple acknowledges purple flare problem on iPhone 5 . Company calls problem common with phones , advises users to shield it from light . Comment: But Samsung Galaxy S III , Droid RAZR MAXX still score higher than new iPhone .