Blech... Apple still hasn't fixed this issue... Was thinking of upgrading my 2G to the 3GS, but I don't wanna deal with build issues & constant returns, especially since I'm 2.5 hrs away from the closest Apple Store.
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3 day old iPhone 3GS already cracking
- Thread starter 3GS916
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Evidenced by their willingness to replace "cracked" cases, Apple are obviously aware of this "problem". However, judging by comments on this and other fora, these problems, in the context of wordwide sales, do appear to be in the minority. There are an enormous number of users out there with no problems at all.
Therefore, under the present circumstances, I personally see no chance to Apple doing anything, unless of course the situation dramatically changes or if and when they bring out a completely redesigned iPhone.
Therefore, under the present circumstances, I personally see no chance to Apple doing anything, unless of course the situation dramatically changes or if and when they bring out a completely redesigned iPhone.
3gs hairline cracks
I've looked in all of the usual places for these cracks on my black 3gs and there are a ton. Obviously you can't see them as easily as with the white phones but they could definitely become an issue in the future. I haven't had any luck this week as I also have an eighth inch long scratch which I believe was cause from my wedding ring grazing the screen as I pulled the phone out of my pocket.
has anyone had success swaping a black iPhone because of hairline cracks?
I've looked in all of the usual places for these cracks on my black 3gs and there are a ton. Obviously you can't see them as easily as with the white phones but they could definitely become an issue in the future. I haven't had any luck this week as I also have an eighth inch long scratch which I believe was cause from my wedding ring grazing the screen as I pulled the phone out of my pocket.
has anyone had success swaping a black iPhone because of hairline cracks?
Isn't it more likely that it's the coating on top of the glass that is prone to scratches?
A scratch in the coating is just as unsightly as one in the glass.
4 hairline cracks.
2 orginating from a screw to the dock and bezel, like an "L"
One from my ringer switch to my bezel
1 in the middle of the back.
So im taking this opportunity to play with my phone out of its case. Ill get it replaced when Ive garnered some scratches.
2 orginating from a screw to the dock and bezel, like an "L"
One from my ringer switch to my bezel
1 in the middle of the back.
So im taking this opportunity to play with my phone out of its case.
Ill get it replaced when Ive garnered some scratches.
I'm with you on this, but I will say that other phones are not built like the Iphone is. If you look at others, you will usually see two halves that are joined in the middle with a visible seam, and they're also not such "luxurious" feeling plastic, either. And the shapes are not very hand-friendly, either, from what I have experienced. The Iphone just plain feels great in your hand and it's because of this very thing, very sculpted shape. But that thin shape has areas that get stressed and are hard to internally reinforce where other phones have bulky reinforcement. Apple went with design over practicality which has obvious downsides, as we see now.This is just my opinion but..... I don't understand why such little cracks really bother everyone this much. Most of these cracks aren't even visible unless you really look for them. I have never heard other people with "normal" phones complain about a hairline crack and send their phone in to get it replaced.
My
My 3G had REAL cracks, not these hairline fractures in the top coating that many are complaining about. The back of mine actually CRACKED, as in broke through to the point that it would allow water in, in several spots. What most people are describing, and what the pictures show in this thread, seem to be simple fractures through a glossy top coat. Maybe it's actually through the plastic, but I don't think so. My current replacement has them in a few spots too, but they don't seem to go through the plastic. If so, I think we'd be seeing shards of plastic falling off the Iphone on at least a few of these - if it's cracked, it's going to fall off. If it's merely a surface scratch, then it's nothing. I personally think these are ridiculous complaints. If you have to strain to find them, they're not worth worrying about. Even new cars have a few little nicks here and there - you have to learn to live with some imperfections. Pick your battles, pick what you really want to worry about. Personally, I'm not going to worry about these little fractures. My Iphone looks fine, it works great, so who cares?
I find it unbelievable that Apple kept this bloody plastic casing that causes so much hassle. For illustration purposes find below the pictures of my cracked black 3G iphone.
Got it replaced by apple last march, but they sent me a refurbished one with dead pixels, then I was sent one with dust under the screen and light leak to the left of the screen glass.. but I decided to keep it..
The cracks at the dock connector were so bad and deep that the plastic bit finally came off and fell.
pic 1: dock connector
pic 2: headphone jack
pic 3: headphone jack
Obviously for Apple it is way cheaper to keep using refurbished one rather than re-design the case and change the plastic composition
Got it replaced by apple last march, but they sent me a refurbished one with dead pixels, then I was sent one with dust under the screen and light leak to the left of the screen glass.. but I decided to keep it..
The cracks at the dock connector were so bad and deep that the plastic bit finally came off and fell.
pic 1: dock connector
pic 2: headphone jack
pic 3: headphone jack
Obviously for Apple it is way cheaper to keep using refurbished one rather than re-design the case and change the plastic composition
They won't replace it one year after purchase, right?
is it possible that they will address this problem in that time frame? cuz im buying a white one next week
is it possible that they will address this problem in that time frame? cuz im buying a white one next week
I can't believe anyone would really complain about hairline cracks. They aren't so common that it is a major issue, but if you do get any then Apple's warranty is incredible. My 3g developed a crack coming off the corner of the dock connector after 11 months of HEAVY use. I NEVER once put the thing in a case. I stopped by the Apple store and they swapped it for a new one, no questions asked. It even had water damage evident at the headphone jack sensor. Phone is awesome, company is even better.
THEY ARE SO COMMON THAT IT IS A MAJOR ISSUE. ALL IPHONES WILL DEVELOP THEM, HANDS DOWN. It is just a matter of whether or not they are identified and addressed.
I know the OP 3GS916, hes my roommate lol. His ban is absolute BS. His brother once had an account with MR, but got banned for calling someone an idiot (that was like 3 years ago.) When 3GS916 registered, he had no problem, but after about a week, he tried to log in but was banned for "re-registering after banning." Its absolute crap. All he wants to do is post on the site. Hes sent in several messages through the "contact us" link, but nobody bothers to get back to him. Too bad those who run this site could care less about those who post here.
Also, these hairline cracks are a cause for complaint and concern. Im on my 2nd 3GS (which already has the cracks at the speaker ports) but the last iphone 3G i replaced had cracks that merged and grew into bigger problems. By problems I mean two cracks merged at the headphone jack and caused the chrome ring to fall out.
Like I said, get it swapped for a new one. It MIGHT be a major problem, but it's Apple's problem since they are so willing to swap them out. Put it in a case if you tend to get problems.
As they should be so willing to swap them out. Dont want another class action suit on their hands.
^^ Possibly. I was given the option when I exchanged mine a week ago. Not sure if it is standard in all stores or specific to each genius bar. Best of luck!
I agree the hairline cracks don't impact the phone features but it's still annoying. The issue is that Apple was well aware of this problem for over a year and apparently did nothing about it. To charge $599/$699 for a phone that cracks like this is a disgrace. I've never had any cracking issues even on my cheap cell phones. Apple should be ashamed.
What amazes me is how many Apple apologists there are on this board.
I just got a new White 3GS today and inadvertently noticed some hairline cracks on the speaker and mic ports. I would've never thought the things I have been reading on these forums would happen to me (then again, I would have never thought the day would come when I would get an iPhone ).
I don't mind the scratches since they are few and small on an unnoticeable part of the phone. But should I call AppleCare and let them know so they can write some notes in my log so when the cracks DO become a problem, the Apple Store would replace it without a hassle?
).I don't mind the scratches since they are few and small on an unnoticeable part of the phone. But should I call AppleCare and let them know so they can write some notes in my log so when the cracks DO become a problem, the Apple Store would replace it without a hassle?
AFAIC, that's great news! Since the case cracks are a known defect, Apple will replace the phone when asked; I'm usually in and out of the store in less than ten minutes. And since the oleophobic screen on the 3GS is apparently prone to scratches, this means that whenever I start noticing scratches on the screen, I'll have a valid excuse (hairline case cracks) to get my phone replaced!!
Thank you Apple.
I have a small hairline scratch on my 3GS screen, less than 1mm, and two diff apple stores told me it was not covered under warranty and would not replace it. But I have read of other people having luck with this.
I also have the hairline scratches, right by the speaker and SIM card slot. I was considering taking it to the Apple Store, but I've decided against it. Reading all these replies about how it is a common issue convinces me that I don't have it too bad. What happens to this iPhone could easily happen to the replacement I would get, possibly even worse.
So for now I'm going to stick with my current model. If it does get worse, then I'll take it in for a replacement. For now though, it's not really a big deal. The phone works perfectly fine. I just need to get a case to cover the small cracks, otherwise it's going to bother me now and then.
So for now I'm going to stick with my current model. If it does get worse, then I'll take it in for a replacement. For now though, it's not really a big deal. The phone works perfectly fine. I just need to get a case to cover the small cracks, otherwise it's going to bother me now and then.