RSSApple: If an iPhone cracks or overheats, that's your problem
By Scott M. Fulton, III | Published August 28, 2009, 12:00 PM
In the latest indication that Apple tends not to show as much love toward its customers as its customers do toward it, the company made a statement to AFP press this morning effectively saying that fewer than 10 reports from its customers of overheating iPhone batteries are to be believed. Further, it added that anyone who finds herself with a cracked iPhone needs to look into the mirror for the cause.
"To date, there are no confirmed battery overheating incidents for iPhone 3GS and the number of reports we are investigating is in the single digits," an Apple spokesperson told the AFP. The report goes on to say that cracking in iPhone glass cases is due to a phenomenon it has termed "external force."
While overheating continues to be reported by many iPhone 3G and 3G S users on Apple's support forums, perhaps a more common complaint in recent days has been apparent fast drain times. Topics seeking help such as this one asking whether or not Apple has acknowledged an issue with fast drain times, are often met with a flurry of responses from non-official sources. Some refer the complainers to this Apple disclaimer on battery life, which they claim to be evidence that such drainage is impossible. Others refer complainers to official Apple statements like the one this morning to the AFP, saying such issues may not even be occurring; and some tell the complainers to take their phone to the Apple Store's "Genius Bar" and stop bothering them about it.
Some take the unusual tactic of denying the presence of other threads on the topic: "Apparently no one else has had this issue yet," said an early responder to a recently launched topic on drainage and overheating. One responder attempted to compare the ratio of people complaining about the issue, which he estimated in the hundreds, to the total size of the iPhone market to reduce the apparent severity of the problem. In one instance, the complainer was admonished for having purchased an iPhone in the first place, knowing full well that iPhone batteries have been exploding for years -- if he can't take the heat, the post essentially said, he shouldn't have invested in an iPhone.
Then many others take to the time-honored tradition of calling the complainer a moron.
In amidst all the calamity, however, there are some contributors who are offering a potential solution: Have the battery drain once completely, then recharge completely to see if that resets the battery. Some have reported success with this tactic; others who try it, but report that their batteries tend to run hot. Often bringing up the subject of heat on top of drainage collapses the entire thread into a political debate over whether naysayers are trying to slander the iPhone by saying it runs hot, when all batteries run hot. (Similar catastrophes can be found on support threads dealing with MacBook battery issues.)
The case cracking issue is particularly important for many users because Apple's warranty does not cover damage due to stress or personally-applied "external force." Nearly all support threads we've browsed on the topic this morning (there were many more than we had time to read) are from individuals seeking alternatives to completely replacing their phones, especially in situations where they actually appear to work just fine except for the crack.
Apple's stance is an indication that the company does not want to open the worm-can on possible design defects, which could lead to a nightmare scenario where it becomes responsible for replacing units that arguably were damaged due to everyday forces.
Apple's treatment of the glass cracking and overheating issues as separate may be particularly clever, though, especially since these issues could be related: stress fractures on a phone can cause the battery to ignite, as seen in this demonstration video above (which does not appear to involve an iPhone).
i wonder what apple would tell ya if you had water damage LOL
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|Apple does sell a cracked screen repair for $199. But in the AppleCare Warranty section of their site it says that phones under warranty can have their cracked cover screen replaced while those not under warranty will have to pay $199. At least that's what it said last week when a co-worker of mine went looking for them to replace it. Now I wonder if its changed............
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|This is news-worthy? Is there any surprise when you battery drains flat in an hour when you leave your GPS/location-based applications open all the time? Using Motion-X or iMapMyRide, I can go for about 4 hours or so before it runs out. During this process, the unit does get a bit warm. Of course, once I close the app/shut off Location Service, it cools down drastically.
As for screen cracking and other physical damage, it rarely *isn't* the user's fault. I know of about 8 screen cracks/breaks by various users, and not one yet has been caused by typical every-day use. It's always been because the unit has been dropped or used inappropriately.
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|Apple should also be selling a cracked case repair service.
Then Apple could help customers while still making money from it.
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|oops Here is the link for "Why iPhone Overheats, Explodes and How to Prevent it." http://www.taranfx.com/blog/?p=1759
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|Exploding iPhones are a big problem, and Apple has refused to take responsibility WTF?
May be this helps us Why iPhone Overheats, Explodes and How to Prevent it.
Sounds logical. If Apple doesn't take responsibility lets do it on our own.
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|"Apple tends not to show as much love toward its customers as its customers do toward it" That is so true. :)
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|I was considering getting a Apple Mac in the next 12 months or so, now with Apples attitude, I am not sure. I thought Apple was one of the better hardware producers, but if that is what they think of their customers, maybe I should just get another P.C.
such a shame.
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|No I would still get a apple computer, not too worried about dropping a $2000 laptop. I have a problem with how they manage there portable electronics especially the Iphone.
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|Yeah, it is the customer's fault if they stick their iPhone in a hot place.
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|Man, Betanews must be hurting for stories. Lame.
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|Apparently apple forum responders have become republicans. You knew they had to pick up a few votes from somewhere, they have no place to go but down.
It's like global warming or the fact that health care is bankrupting individuals and will bankrupt this country if it stays on this path. They believe if they ignore it, it's not there.
I challenge these people to take their attitude and apply it to their cell phone bills!
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|Look if you're really worried, buy your iPhone at Best Buy. For $14 a month you get a PROTECTS YOU FROM ANYTHING warranty. You give them your phone, they send it off and you get a refurb after 3-5 days. In the meantime they set you up with a temp phone.
Yes $14 is pricey and honestly if you just saved $14 a month eventually you'd have enough for a new phone. BUT...what if you drop it in the toilet after only 3 months? Or Six? Then the value is there.
Still..this is BS that Apple doesn't cover manufacture defects like cracking and heating. I can sort of see their point. How do they know it didn't crack because you dropped it? And if it over heated...well...did you leave it in your car in the summer heat? They can't be sure. I almost can give them a pass on that one.
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|OR you can toss your iphone go with any other provider like Sprint get a palm pre and get the same warrenty for 7 dollars a month ;)
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|And have a crappy Palm OS phone, and a crappy provider (depending on your area). Sprint this, AT&T that, Verizon...yawwwwwn. It's all personal preference...but if I had to deal with Verizon or Sprint again, I'd eat a bullet. You think Apple's treatment is bad, Verizon is just blatantly arrogant. Again, that's just my personal experience, but I would rather try the old string and 2 cans communication method over having to deal with Verizon ever again.
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|True dat, they ALL suck. Sprints customer service is dismal. But there signal is strong in my area.
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|Interesting. Verizon has always been very helpful. Had an issue setting my phone up originally, and one or two billing issues which are common to any carrier as I understand it (and from past experience), but a quick phone call each time got it cleared right up. Under 5 minutes each call. I couldn't have been happier.
I guess this is proof it's not the company you deal with, but the idiot you get on the phone. Every call center has those type of folks. You know the type, I am sure.
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|lol there are enough bad ratings to tell that there have been several Apple fanboys passing through the area
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|This is because the iPods and Phones are friggin scratch magnets. Cracks are bound to follow
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|Scratches should just be expected. If idiots who complained about their iPod/iPhone getting scratched would *appropriately protect* theirs from day 1, they wouldn't have that problem. I've had my iPhone 3G since it's release, and not a single scratch.
As for cracks, it's because these idiots leave Location Services on all the friggin time, use it, and then wait until the unit heats before they realize they should turn it off when not in use. Over time, that makes the plastic brittle and causes cracks (assuming they don't drop it first and expedite the process).
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|This is normal operation, though. Turning on the GPS and driving across the country should not damage the phone.
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|you do realize what you just said is normal operation of an iPhone? What sense does it make for a phone to have an app that can damage it?
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|My iPhone 3G is in a protective case, has NEVER been dropped, crushed, bent, folded, spindled or Mutilated... and yet there is a nice big crack right around the volume switch.
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|Note to self: Don't adjust volume with Hammer.
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|Oh, you think that did it? Hmmm, maybe i'll try a screwdriver next time! :)
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|Even with a Hacker Hammer? :)
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|LOL!!
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|Actually ... if that is in the case and it is one of the plastic case ones.. They are replacing those at no cost. (I worked for a contractor for a couple of months.) For some reason some of the plastic case Iphones were cracking. You will get ALOT of questions on it but it is a known issue. The questions are all about how are you carrying it are you using a case.. the normal stuff.
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|I wonder if the people who modded down my posts even know what a Hacker Hammer is. Doubt it.
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|It's funny, my two year old blackberry has withstood several drops from heights ranging from 2 feet to 15 feet and still continues to work to this day. This is WITHOUT any extra shell on the device.
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|Same here with my cheap-o env2. Dropped it at least a dozen times, still works as well as it did the day I got it.
Until it actually breaks, I see no need to "upgrade".
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|A friend took it for a swim (BlackBerry 8300) to the sea and it worked. Granted, the sand inside the keyboard made it fail sometimes (you had to click it twice) but it worked as a phone until he decided to get a Bold.
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|Yeah, i dropped my iPhone 3G on the sidewalk about a week after i got it, and only had a small nick on the corner it fell on. Amazingly durable IMO.
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|You know what, this doesn't sound like a healthy community. Sounds like paranoia and general insanity are common attributes of Apple forum denizens. Now over the years I've posted about hardware problems on at least a dozen manufacturers forums and never have I been accused of spreading rumors. The worst part is, it's the official Apple support forum; the mandate of the forum is to provide support, which isn't happening. In this light it is obvious that Apple is out of touch with it's customers and more over doesn't care.
I'm sorry but Apple just doesn't make compelling enough products to make me want to involve myself in this insanity.
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|In this light it is obvious that Apple is out of touch with it's customers and more over doesn't care.
But it's funny that those same customers keep buying their products... :P
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|Not anymore, I was a HUGE Iphone fan and still am, but until they offer some comprehensive coverage for drop and accidental damage Apple can kiss my puerto rican patooty.
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|They won't...so you might as well drop them. This is their corporate mantra. It's always been this way. They design a product, and if you like it, you buy it. After that, they will provide what you can and can't install on it/upgrade it/etc, and you must be solely responsible for the maintenance and well-being of the product.
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|I had an Iphone 3GS. I knew that the warrenty did not cover drop damage and that even the extended warrenty did not cover this kind of damage. I was told that Apple forced AT&T to not put the Iphone under there AT&T service plan so that they can sell there Applecare extended plans.
Well about a year ago my insurance company Allstate said that they cover dropped equipment and its protected under the renters insurance plan.
IT IS NOT.
About 2 weeks ago my iphone which had a Mophie Juicepack Air protecting 5 of the 6 sides happened to slip from my hands and fall on its face. OF ALL THE PLACES IT HAD TO FALL ON ITS FACE!!!! Shattered the glass. To the Iphone's credit it still worked but it looked like a spiderweb all over the screen.
I called Apple they said its not covered and they would charge me 200 bucks for a replacement phone. Called AT&T they said its not covered and that I would need to talk to apple. I called my Insurance company which told me they would cover it THEY DID NOT!!! THE AGENT LIED TO ME LAST YEAR! Had I know that my Iphone had NO PROTECTION from accidental damamge I would have NEVER BOUGHT IT!!! Its like buying a car that is not allowed to have accident insurance! Everyone drops there phone once a in a while!! WHY NOT COVERAGE FROM THIS!??
So I gave AT&T and Apple a big F you very much and canceled my plan with AT&T and vowed to never buy an Iphone ever again. I also canceled my insurance policy with Allstate and went with another company (Nationwide) (which by the way also does not protect your portable electronics during transportation or droppage but at least they tell me that right at the get go!)
I now have a Palm Pre WITH THE SERVICE PLAN FROM SPRINT!!!(Saves me about 20 bucks a month WITH GPS Navigation)
Apple and AT&T have NO consumer protection for there Iphone's the phone may be good but they pretty much screw you afterwards.
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|Sorry but the FU should really be with your insurance company since their lies convinced you not to buy any sort of equipment coverage from AT&T or Apple. Besides renters insurance only covers if your stuff gets stolen, water-logged, etc, NOT if you just drop it.
ALL cell phone companies offer some sort of equipment protection plan.
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|AT&T doesnt have equipment protection for drop damamge. Neither does Apple, read the WHOLE thing please next time before commenting ;)
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|I'll second dracodos: screw your insurance company. However, besides all that, if it's your fault (dropping the phone = your fault) it would typically be covered under a deductible. I'm not sure about you, but my homeowner's is right around $200. Why would I waste a claim on that and instead I would eat it out of pocket.
BTW, there are places online that will replace your glass for under $100 including return shipping.
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|Ok so going through AT&T's site it seem that they will NOT cover the iPhone, my bad. Seems to be the exception to the rule.
For everyone else with no insurance on your iPhone you may want to look at this page:
http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/97196
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|Is it really asking too much for Apple to manufacture a piece of portable hardware that can withstand typical day-to-day use? The iPhone is, *gasp!* a phone? If so, then wouldn't it make sense to construct it to take the occasional collision with pavement like other phones do? If something is going to travel with you everywhere you go, its potential to be beaten up increases-- despite the amount of care that is taken to minimize the risk. At the very least, Apple should be sensible enough to *not* use glass for the phone's screen. Use transparent plastic or similar material that can take a ding here and there. I know the shininess factor would suffer, but the phone would probably enjoy a greater, less explosive existence.
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|No...Apple expects you to take care of your merchandise. I have a pair of Oakley's, and I'm sure they wouldn't replace them for me if they broke when I dropped them either. It's damage due to neglect when you drop/collide/etc. Yeah, you didn't mean for it to happen. Yeah, it's unfortunate. Yeah, it does mean you need to BE CAREFUL WITH ELECTRONICS. And yeah, it's YOUR FAULT...so why should the manufacturer be responsible for your neglect?
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|Here is the Apple Service plans from their site. This applies only to the IPhone and I would draw people's attention to the battery part:
"Peace of mind
Because Apple builds iPhone, the operating system, and many iPhone applications to work together, the iPhone is a truly integrated system. And the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone is designed by Apple to help you get the most out of your iPhone. Whether you use iPhone with a Mac or a PC, just one phone call can help resolve most issues.
One number to call for world-class support
With the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone, Apple experts can help troubleshoot issues with your iPhone, iPhone applications such as Mail, Safari, Calendar, and iTunes, and interconnectivity between your iPhone and your Mac or PC. Should your iPhone need service under the plan, Apple technical support representatives can even set up a repair on the same call.
Comprehensive service and support
Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage and 90 days of technical support. The AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone.(1)
Extend your coverage to two years of service and expert telephone support.
Investment Protection
We recommend you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan with your new iPhone to take full advantage of the coverage the plan provides. This plan is available for iPhone within its one-year limited warranty, used with either a Mac computer or a Windows PC.
1. Local telephone fees may apply. Telephone numbers and hours of operation may vary and are subject to change. The plan must be purchased while your iPhone is still under its original one-year warranty. Service coverage may be subject to certain restrictions. AppleCare Protection Plan benefits are in addition to any legal rights provided by consumer protection laws in your jurisdiction.
2. Service coverage is available only for the iPhone Bluetooth hands-free headset, the iPhone, and its original accessories that are defective in materials or workmanship or for battery depletion of 50 percent or more from original specification. Equipment returned for service may be repaired or replaced with functionally equivalent new equipment or equivalent to new equipment in performance and reliability.
With the exception of North Carolina, the company obligated under the AppleCare Protection Plan in the United States is AppleCare Service Company, Inc., an Arizona corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, Inc., doing business in Texas as Apple CSC Inc. In North Carolina, the company obligated under the AppleCare Protection Plan is Apple, Inc. For complete details see terms at www.apple.com/legal/appl.../appforiphone.html";
http://www.apple.com/sup...ts/applecareiphone.html
I would also compare the IPhone service contract with other smartphone service contracts to see the differences. This is not a pro or anti apple- just a way to compare service because the "after the sale" service contract is going to be important in any tech device.
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|Regular cellphone service plans cover accidental drops, APPLECARE DOES NOT! ONLY MANUFACTURER DEFECTS! DON'T BUY THE IPHONE UNLESS YOU PLAN TO COVER IT IN 360Degree ARMORED SHELL THAT COVERS ALL 6 SIDES!!!
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|Or are a reasonable human being and can take responsibility for your actions.
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|Sprint Verizon even AT&T recognize people drop there phones thats why they have service plans, Apple convinced AT&T to NOT offer this for the Iphone so that Apple can sell there service plans (Greedy bas****s they know its not as a good as AT&T's plan).
Everyone drops there phone. How about some consumer protection in case I accidentally drop my 500 dollar phone?
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|Apple isn't unique in regards to not fixing cracked screens. Pretty much all phone manufacturers consider that a warranty voiding issue (much like water damage). Unfortunately, there's probably not much Apple can do to fix the problem. It's a matter of physics - a big touch screen is going to break more easily than a small, non-touch screen (like a Blackberry Curve) that can be covered with a hard piece of plexiglass.
If you do break it, there are options:
1) Apple now does do cracked screen repairs in their stores. They'll charge you $200 to do it (plus tax) but it's a better option than buying a new phone for $500+.
2) You can find the parts online and fix it yourself. Just go to eBay and do a search for iPhone 3G (or 3GS) screen replacement. You'll find all sorts of people selling different solutions. Be careful, some of them will require you to use a heat gun to separate your existing, broken glass from your current phone. That can be tricky.
3) Find a third party to do it for you. A simple search on Craigslist will often yield someone in your local area that is capable of doing the repair for less than $100. If you're in Chicago or Seattle, you can try my company: Jet City Devices ( http://www.jetcitydevices.com ). We can do the repair for you in about 15 minutes.
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|I think Rapidrepair.com also offers repair services much much cheaper than that... wow 200 dollars...
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|Is this really true??
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|Apple handle these things on an individual basis.
If someone has time to record a video, they've likely figured out how to make it happen. The boy and his mother in northern Kentucky seemed to be trying to pay off their mortgage. I suspect that people who put the device in their pockets end up with a coin wedged in the dock port, which would probably cause an invalid connection.
I believe that overheating does happen and Apple are usually slow to admit problems, but to say that it's happening on a huge scale is hyperbole.
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|Their handling of problems reminds me of the Soviet Union, or the PRC. "There is no problem, you're crazy, that's just crazy talk." A little later, if the problem doesn't disappear: "Well, the guy who said there's NO problem, he was speaking out of turn. Of course there's a problem, and of course we're working to fix it. We always have been, because we know all."
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|"it added that anyone who finds herself with a cracked iPhone needs to look into the mirror for the cause"
Apparently it's only females reporting cracked iPhones? If they are anything like my wife it will have been from dropping it...
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|No...gosh, we're sensitive, aren't we? I've always alternated male and female singular pronoun genders. It's not a sign of some conspiracy.
-SF3
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|ROFL...ditto. I wanted to buy my wife a pair of Maui Jim shades because they looked great on her and we have a hard time finding quality sunglasses that fit her face comfortably. She fell in love with a pair, and then freaked when they cost $250. She's broken several pairs, and would rather buy a cheap pair that she didn't have to think about, than spend money, get a quality pair, and have to actually think about where she is putting them. It's a different mindset...but I hate buying the same thing over and over again...so I'd rather shell out the extra cash up front and just be cognizant of what I'm doing.
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|I see the headline sensationalism king is back to reclaim his rightful throne :)
Apple said nothing of the sort. Jumped up twazocks on their forum say so.
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|Me? The king of sensationalism? I should share that one with my colleagues; that's like saying I'm _tall_.
I'll tell you one thing I'm definitely not the king of: denial.
-SF3
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|Where I'm at it's very hot just leaving your phone in the car might damage it. My other phones never had cracking issues...
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|No joke, I live in the Midwest, and I wouldn't dream of doing that. That's the quickest way to kill your phone or any somewhat sensitive electronic device. Batteries will warp, screens will die, plastic will get brittle from excessive heat - even in the Midwest. Any joker that leaves their phone in the car deserves what happens if it starts cracking/malfunctioning/etc. You may get away scott-free for many years doing this..but it will eventually bite you. I found out the hard way..but luckily it was on a free phone many years ago.
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|nightops do you
1. work for apple?
2. own all apple products
3. smoke or mainline crack/coke?
i would guess all 3.
Most phone makers design their stuff to look good AND be durable, On the other hand apple is and always has been all about looks.
form over function.
Apple lost my respect years ago, and have yet to earn it back, much like many other companies in the computer and eletronic industries.
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|I'm with you, AzureSky. he must be high. Who in their right minds could ever expect anyone in this society to show some responsibility for their own stupidity? You've got to wonder how he could post such insanity with a straight face.
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|