Apple Alters Policy on Water-Damaged iPhones
Cue the Jaws music… According to ifoAppleStore.com it seems Apple has recently changed their policy on water-damaged iPhones. Effective now, Apple will replace the iPhone you dropped in your toilet with a new or refurbished phone – guess that would depend on what kind of mood the Genius is in – for $199 without extending your contract for $199.
There was some confusion earlier about the “no contract extension part” of the deal. Before this policy was in place, customers had to buy a new phone and extend their contracts at the same time. I actually stopped into my local Apple store while I was at the mall this evening, and they verified this is indeed a recent change (and a much appreciated change at that).
So what do you think, is this a way for Apple to dump more stock in time for July or are they just feeling that extra love for us iPhone owners?
[Via ifoAppleStore.com]
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Extra peace of mind for most of us.
I had considered getting a water proof case for travels near water.
I was extra cautious near the water on a recent trip.
That’s either a giant iPhone, or a harmless little shark.
So, careless people who drop their iPhone’s while taking a dump aren’t to blame for water damage, but careless people who drop their iPhones while getting out of their cars are to blame for cracked screens?
This is gonna be trouble.
DAANNNNGGGGGG!!!! This very thing just happed to me three weeks ago. I dropped my phone and had to purchase a new one WITH AN EXTENDED CONTRACT….whats the chances they let me out of my contract since the policy has changed.
JP Caine,
If I were you, I’d go back to that same store and demand that they do what you’re asking! I don’t think they’d want the bad PR by refusing to allow you a refund due to this new policy.
This is nice. I was always paranoid that I’d drop it into a puddle. I don’t have $700 to replace it and who wants to have to renew their contract for that. The next iPhone should just be waterproof.
What about cracked screens?
this is one issue that really holds me back from jumping on the iPhone band wagon. i currently have a BB Curve, but am strongly considering converting to the iPhone (after July of course!). so i’m assuming this policy also takes into consideration the many issues iPhone owners have reported about moisture ‘damage’. meaning, if you are in a humid area, or it’s raining, or your hand is sweaty… isn’t the ultra-sensitive moisture sensor inside the head phone jack the 1st thing techs look at to determine your warranty status? 1 raindrop or bead of sweat in there and it’s ‘sorry charlie’. using this detector, Apple can ‘prove’ you submerged your phone in water and you cannot disprove otherwise. at least that was before this policy change. seems to be a very good thing Apple did here for its customers.
question: why doesn’t Apple redesign the iPhone hardware so that the moisture detector is hidden INSIDE the device so it isn’t triggered so easily? or at least have iPhone’s equipped with a rubber plug for the headphone jack when not in use like many other phones have.
I don’t think it’s a matter of toliet dropping but I know that happens a bit because well to put it bluntly people will carry their phones in their pockets, drops their pants at the toliet and then Kerplunk
However I think the iPhone may have an issue with general moisture and humidity especially in regards to the touch screen. It’s almost a nessisity to get a screen protector (Apple should include a screen protectors with the initial purchase. It get’s humid carrying the phone in your pocket, the sweat from one’s cheek (not to mention makeup smears from those who wear makeup – women mainly but also those with face time in front of a camera and also walking outside in the rain.
I have had two issues in the past and I am pretty sure they are humidity related. I live in a fairly humid area of the country (The upstate of South Carolina).
Anyone else have any thoughts? I mention this because I have read forums related to issues I have had I saw mention of a moisture sensor in the phone.
It may cost a little but I definitely recommend a good case and screen protector.
I’d be willing to bet that this is Apple admitting, acknowledging that their water sensors are hyper-sensitive, and this move is, in part, designed to stem the fury of those whose phones never came within a foot of any liquid ever, but whose sensors turned red on a humid day, voiding their warranty.
@Josh, the problem is that unlike just about every other phone out there the iPhone can’t be opened up on the table very easily. Pretty much every other phone the moisture sensors are behind the battery or some where like that which is easy to check.
I also think Apple and AT&T are potentially missing out on iPhone insurance. Since it is an expensive device I would be willing to wager that a larger portion of buyers would be interested in insurance than say people who are just buying a Razr or something else. But then again I guess they make up selling all those out of warranty replacements for the non-upgrade price to people who break their phones.
I got a friend that his wifes water broke all over his phone in his pocket while he carrying her. They gave him a brand new iphone free. So maybe next time you drop it in water, blame it on a woman lol
@ Sting – there is a warranty. It is called AppleCare. I assume that since Apple charges exorbitant amounts of money ($70 when the device itself is $199) for the insurance that covers water.
@Stephen
I think you have hit the nail on the head.
The Clearing Inventory theory doesn’t wash. (Can you believe I chose that metaphor?). There are easier ways to do that, such as just dropping the price.
I’ve read forum threads where people took apple to small claims court and proved to the judge that simply blowing dust out of the headphone jack could trip the sensor, while the three other sensors remained white.
All of these threads disappear from Apple’s forums very quickly, but they remain in the Google Cache.
I personally believe Apple is desperately trying to cover up the fact that these sensors are easily tripped by other than immersion, such as a random raindrop or a steamy bathroom, and the other sensors that are buried deep inside the phone remain un-tripped in these situations.
Can AT&T change are iPhone’s
this is the first I have heard of applecare thats an insurance for the iPhone?
I’m sorry Tone, I couldn’t tell if that was supposed to be sarcastic or not so I’m going answer as if you are asking a serious question. Apple offers an additional year of coverage on top of the complementary year of support that they give you just for purchasing. It’s possible you may have not heard of this if you bought yours at an ATT store. I think the price is a little high when the complementary year covers you until a new iPhone will be out anyway. Some people just like knowing their stuff is covered though which is understandable.
WHAT!? I JUST DROPPED MY PHONE IN THE PISSER LASTNIGHT AND PAID $400 FOR A NEW ONE THIS MORNING!!!!
Wow. That’s a really good thing they implimented. I see they are becoming less strict withthsir replacement plans !
Congrats Apple, it’s not a perfect fix, because I feel that if you do this, you should have some remorse for people who make their iPhones unusable by other methods but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully AT&T and any other carrier that carries the iPhone will allow it to be insured soon. That would truely fix all these issues that people seem to be having with broken iPhones.
I’m so mad about this so called water damage, my phone has never been anywhere near water. Its in my pocket, my desk and charging in my closet. I have had problems with my phone crashing and freezing..and when I went to the apple store they said ” its looks like water damage, I see the sensor is partially RED”… BS
John g, I actually have the same problem and I too also went to the apple store yesterday and was told that there was water damage and once again the iphone has never been near water. I think it is a scam personally trying to get extra money, they did however so lovely offer to sale me a new phone, imagine that.
John g and Melissa, EXACT SAME PROBLEM!! My small silver button popped off and I took it in expecting to get it fixed. That’s when I learned that my phone had water damage! I can’t even imagine how or when, but they said the sensor was red on the bottom of the phone and that voided my warranty. AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!!
i think water damage is a common problem with mobiles , but can be sorted , fixpod.com.au
We deal with “water” damage from washing machines to tomato soup.
The probelm is the possible ongoing corrosion of the logic board.
So tips to remember:
Don’t use your phone in the rain – even a very light shower can cause problems.
If it is exposed to moisture immediatly turn it off and leave it in a warm dry place – sunshine is the best solution or even under a bedside/desk lamp with plenty of ventilation above and below the device.
Good luck!
Sorry forgot to add if this fails goto australianmp3repairs.com.au and send it to us or drop it in for a free quote.
Best you should change the webpage name Apple Alters Policy on Water-Damaged iPhones | TiPb to something more catching for your webpage you write. I loved the the writing even sononetheless.
Love the info.