Apple warranty scam

[DRM]

My phone has developed a fault with the volume up button, the button has started being activated intermittently and has no feel to it, so the volume just goes to max, so I took it into the Apple store who said it was in excellent condition, which it should be as it’s only 3 months old, and has been fully enclosed in a case from day one, it has a glass front and rear with just a hole for for the home button, the speaker and charging port, so yes no bother we’ll replace, till they disappear in the back and come back to say no go it’s water damaged, it’s never been rained on, never mind wet, yet a liquid contact indicator is showing red, and the warranty is void, to say I’m fuming is an understatement, yet a quick search of the t’internet suggests this scam has been going on since at least 2008, and even suggest that 3M that make these LCI’s say humidity can trigger it too, I think I need to go back and see If UK consumer law covers it, so meanwhile if your considering a new phone, just get an inexpensive Android.

 

[classic33]

Known issue.
I'd lay money on it being the SIM card tray one. Heat from your hand can trigger it on a cold handset. And they know that much.

 

[Cycleops]

This is very naughty as Apple claim the phones are waterproof but when it comes to a warranty claim they say something different.
They’ve been fined over this:
https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/30/apple-fined-12m-for-unfair-claims-about-iphone-water-resistance/
AFAIK no Android phones are fitted with these indicators.

 

[DRM]

Known issue.
I'd lay money on it being the SIM card tray one. Heat from your hand can trigger it on a cold handset. And they know that much.

Yes that’s the one, and you can only see it with a scope thing, I’ve read as well that 3M that produce these indicators say they’re not totally reliable and the item should be checked for water ingress correctly, ie opened up and inspected.

This is very naughty as Apple claim the phones are waterproof but when it comes to a warranty claim they say something different.
They’ve been fined over this:
https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/30/apple-fined-12m-for-unfair-claims-about-iphone-water-resistance/
AFAIK no Android phones are fitted with these indicators.

yes the ad states it’s water resistant to ip67, 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes

 

[classic33]

Yes that’s the one, and you can only see it with a scope thing, I’ve read as well that 3M that produce these indicators say they’re not totally reliable and the item should be checked for water ingress correctly, ie opened up and inspected.

yes the ad states it’s water resistant to ip67, 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes

Given that it's known about, SIM tray indicator, I'd be pushing for a replacement as they said they would.
The internal ones give a better indication of water ingress.

 

[byegad]

This is very naughty as Apple claim the phones are waterproof but when it comes to a warranty claim they say something different.
They’ve been fined over this:
https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/30/apple-fined-12m-for-unfair-claims-about-iphone-water-resistance/
AFAIK no Android phones are fitted with these indicators.

Back in the dark ages of mobile phones 20-30 yrs ago, I worked for a well known Mobile Network, I know for a fact that several makers used the water detection strips back then. Warranty claims were often knocked back because the strip indicated water had been present.

 

[swee'pea99]

That's shoddy.

 

[Roseland triker]

Here's my phone. brilliant!!!
Battery lasts a week and I can phone people on it
Water resistant and very strong. Clip it on to my climbing kit or on my bike etc. Had it years with no issues

 

[cougie uk]

Here's my phone. brilliant!!!
Battery lasts a week and I can phone people on it
Water resistant and very strong. Clip it on to my climbing kit or on my bike etc. Had it years with no issues

View attachment 631414

You ring people ? Niche use of a mobile there...

Apple prices are silly. Android much better value if you can tear yourself away from their systems.

 

[Roseland triker]

You ring people ? Niche use of a mobile there...

Apple prices are silly. Android much better value if you can tear yourself away from their systems.

I can phone people but I don't

 

[T4tomo]

In other news Tim Cook earned $99million last year.

I'm an android user!

 

[DRM]

I rang customer services yesterday, told them I want it exchanging as I remembered the "genius" said she'd tried alcohol on the button to flush any dirt out, I think she triggered the LCI, and I believe UK consumer law trumps their excuse anyway as it's a hardware fault and the thing is not up to standard, they said they want to speak to the store so will call back between 6 & 7pm, I'm still waiting

 

[Cycleops]

If you get a negative threaten them with the small claims court.

 

[Lozz360]

It appears that there doesn't need to be any evidence of actual moisture damage to the phone, just the Liquid Contact Indicator needs to show that moisture was present for Apple refuse to honour the warranty. I can't think of any other company that installs a component with the sole intention of voiding any warranty claims. It's disgraceful.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Massive Apple fanboy here. Even I say stick it to them. Small claims. Call DM. After Andrew capitulated, Ms Markle rather quiet, Ms Dick resigning, Katie Price on the mend etc, DM needs something to fill. They will gaslight Apple, Tim Cook’s 73M salary package will be thrown in.