iPhone 3G has bubbles under the glass

[unixfool]

I've had my iPhone for maybe 10-11 months. About two weeks ago, I noticed what I thought were specks of dust (5 of them, all near each other) in the upper-right portion of the screen. It didn't bother me all that much, as I've seen dust particles under PDA screens before, but then today, when I was outside in the sunlight, I got a very good view of the specks...they weren't dust particles but frickin' bubbles! Yep, bubbles.

I've done a quick search of the forums and didn't see anyone posting about this, so I thought I'd post. I did a quick web search and came up with this: http://forums.macnn.com/103/ipod-iphone-and-apple-tv/350141/bubbles-under-glass-of-iphone/

No, I didn't drop it (I've dropped it once in the last 11 months, maybe 4 months ago). It is not in a hardshell case, although I've a side-mounted Dio case that I use to attach the phone to my belt.

I can take it to Apple if I need to, but I really don't want to argue or debate with a Genius on if the phone was damaged during the drop 4 months ago (there's a slight set of scratches on the lower backside of the case...can't see them much but they can be felt). I did buy the phone from Best Buy with the phone insurance. I could return it to Best Buy if the Geniuses get uppity on me. Another option is for me to just let things be, but when (yeah, when) I get a 3GS, I would like to be able to sell my iPhone on eBay if I don't give it to my wife to use. If it gets worse over time, no one will be willing to buy the phone at a price that is good for me.

I took pics using my Macbook's webcam and a flashlight (my den is a bit dark when fully lit):

http://wigglit.com/images/iphone_bubbles/

Sample image:

 

[unixfool]

I may have put this in the wrong iPhone forum (?)

 

[skye12]

It doesn't seem too bad. Just use it.

 

[unixfool]

Yeah, it seems like it, but the pictures don't do it justice (not at all). It looks a bit nasty on a white background with the backlight on. And again, the main worry is if it gets worse. I just checked and I'm within warranty until 25 Sep.

The main reason for this post is to document it here on macrumors (maybe the existing posts were archived? Dunno...a search showed up nil results).

Note that if you read my previous posts, you'll see that I'm far from the typical Apple obsessive type. Bubbles under the screen isn't like scratches and such, either.

I'll let it go for now, but the very next bubble that shows in the next 2.5 months will generate a semi-anal visit to the local Genius.

 

[abijnk]

The General had something like this way back when. You should still be under warranty, I'd just take it in.

 

[unixfool]

Took the phone in last week to have a Genius look at it, as the bubble count doubled to 10. Was expecting a new phone, but they replaced the glass on-site (5 min job). I didn't know that the phones were modular in a way that enabled glass swapping.

The Genius suspected that I'd left the phone in my car on a hot day...no cigar for her! I keep my phone with me at all times, in a belt case. Phone hasn't been extremely hot, either...mildly warm, in most cases.

I may take it back, as the glass isn't aligned properly. The glass is not flush with the frame and I feel it constantly when sliding my fingers across the glass near the frame. The right side is sunk in, while the left side is poking out.

The store manager also called me. I got a visit survey in the mail and didn't leave a flattering account on the store's part. Waited almost a half hour before being seen, even though I had an appointment. He apologized for the wait, then sent me another survey today, asking for details on the repair work, in which I mentioned the glass being misaligned.

But its cool to see that the glass can be swapped out like that.