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New iPhone 5, concerns about power button issue

D

dsi76

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 9, 2012
139
46
Hi guys, I've been lurking here for quite some time. I have an iPad 3 and a 2011 Mac Mini so I am not that new to the Apple scene. However, a few days ago I bought an iPhone 5 after being on Android for four years. The main reason for the switch was that I was getting tired of the bigger devices, and I have smaller hands and prefer the comfort of holding a smaller (but high end) device.

Anyways, I love this iPhone and all, especially the apps which are amazing; however I have one big concern which may be a deal breaker. I just read about the notorious power button issue where it fails after repeated use after several months or even weeks, so I am wondering whether it is really worth the off-contract money I paid for it.

Sure, I can get AppleCare but who knows what will happen after warranty. Without the AppleCare, if the problem starts to happen after one year I won't be able to get a replacement. I'm actually leaning towards not getting the AppleCare because I've already spent a lot. But, maybe it would be a smarter choice. Decisions!

So I have two questions -
1) how common is this issue?
2) does anyone know if the problem has been fixed in newer batches?

My alternative would be to return the iPhone and get the HTC One, but my hands will hate me and I will miss the apps.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Last edited:
U don't have to purchase AppleCare right away, u can wait until the 11th month.
 
1080p said:
Not anymore. All that is offered for iPhones now is Applecare+ which can only be added within the first 30 days.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is what I was told by the staff, I have 30 days to decide whether to add it.
 
The power button will still work after the "failure" you just have to push it on the left side of the button. Annoying, but it will still work. You will have a 1 year warranty also so I imagine Apple will have the issue fixed for good at some point.
 
Majority of owners do Not have this problem. I wouldn't lose no sleep over it
 
Something in that phone is gonna fail at some point. There isn't anything you can do about it. Just enjoy the phone!
 
Bummer about AppleCare.

Sounds like a mundane mechanical prob, anybody in the house not afraid of small tools should be able to resolve if it comes to that. :)
 
Mrbobb said:
Bummer about AppleCare.

Sounds like a mundane mechanical prob, anybody in the house not afraid of small tools should be able to resolve if it comes to that. :)
Click to expand...

Well there's always this:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iPhone+5+Power+Button/10703/1

I've done this kind of work on a Galaxy S2 but I cringe when I see the plastic opening tool used right under the iPhone display.

I wonder how much it would cost to get it done at the Apple store out of warranty. I do notice that some third party guys online can do it for around $80, which is not too bad.

Anyways I will just enjoy my device for now and decide later whether I should go for peace of mind and get AppleCare.
 
Surely if the power button was defective and you were within your first year apple would replace it for free? Or 2 years if you bought applecare.
 
ste1164 said:
Surely if the power button was defective and you were within your first year apple would replace it for free? Or 2 years if you bought applecare.
Click to expand...

Yes I referred to that in paragraph 3 of first post. I was asking about out-of-warranty concerns.
 
I've had to have my phone replaced twice already because of it. I got my iPhone 5 on launch day and it stopped working 2 months later. It just happened again last month and I had to get it replaced.
 
aDRock1154 said:
Also in the same boat. I'll have my second replacement tomorrow.
Click to expand...

So this is where my OCD kicks in, being afraid that every press of the power button will potentially damage its mechanism. On the other hand, the problem is fixable and there is Apple warranty and also third party repair centres in town. Hopefully my mind will be at peace LOL
 
I own an iPhone 5 purchased from the Apple Store online on launch day. Coincidently, I've noticed within the last few days that the right side of my power button no longer responds when pressed. I have to press the left side of the button. I live less than a mile from the local Apple Store, but haven't decided whether this is worth a visit for repair.
 
I've dropped, abused, dunked my iPhone 5 since release day… never had an issue with the power button or any of the buttons for that matter.

Also if you bought the phone with a credit card, many will offer to double the warranty making the second year covered. Usually they will only cover up the to cost you paid (so $200/$300 under contract), but that's not an issue because the OOW replacement cost is only $200.

Also the HTC One is amazing.
 
I don't think this button thing is as common an issue as you (OP) think. Between my wife and I, we have had nine different iPhones, ranging from the original to the 5. Out of those, one showed a home button issue, and we purchased that one used. Anecdotal in the end, I know, but people having a specific issue are going to be the more vocal ones. Think how many iPhones have been sold. Now think of how many have had the issue (that we know of, yes). You are left with a very minuscule percentage. But, if worse comes to worse, there are plenty of fix it kiosks in malls (at least in the states) that will repair/replace home buttons for well under $50; much cheaper than an Apple replacement.
 
I have never had this power button problem. The only problem I have had was a loose battery in my ip5. However apple replaced the phone for me.
 
dsi76 said:
So this is where my OCD kicks in, being afraid that every press of the power button will potentially damage its mechanism. On the other hand, the problem is fixable and there is Apple warranty and also third party repair centres in town. Hopefully my mind will be at peace LOL
Click to expand...

I have Apple Care + and I haven't had to use it once. My wife is going to get my 5 once the 5S comes out, so at least she'll have a newer device (plus the AC+)

At the end of the day these phones are essentially tools. I will use it as much as I need to and if it breaks i'll have it replaced.
 
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