Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
3G - Cracks in Plastic Housing
- Thread starter dogheadboy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Saw I had a crack in mine a week ago and didnt figured I had done something to it 
then I saw this thread today and took a look at my phone again and I now have 2 cracks in it, both around the edge of the top of the phone
then I saw this thread today and took a look at my phone again and I now have 2 cracks in it, both around the edge of the top of the phone I'm no expert, but I do have an iphone with a few easily visible and many hairline cracks. My first cracks started around the headphone port so there I thought it was the stress of pulling out the headphones that was causing cracks. Since there are now cracks in various spots on my iphone now I think thats only part of the issue. I believe its temperature related, heating up and cooling down is causing stress marks that are turning into cracks. I've had mine in the summer sun a bit and I work in an air conditioned office and my home is air conditioned.
I believe that the plastic they used is just too brittle and not versatile enough to handle regular temperature changes.
This doesn't mean we shouldn't take our phones outside into the sun, because they're phones, they're meant to be used anywhere, it's the whole point of mobility. Apple should do further tests and replace the lousy plastic with something of higher grade and better rated for varying temperatures.
Is there only one factory making iphones?
If there are multiple it is possible one factory might be buying cheaper plastic to save money. Which could explain why there are many that have zero cracks at all.
Haha what a new meaning to the word TROLL. all of you have been had LOL wow. yeah. such a piece, its held together with duct tape. well played sir, well played.
Let me guess, the keys popped off your macbook too, when you plugged in your (broken) ipod. but instead of telling anyone, you gave it to your kids to play with like they had a computer. hehe
(of course im talking about CongoRedJr not andyblila)
It could have something to do with production times maybe? Like mine is 28 week white iPhone with no cracks at all... even after my phone took a tumble last night when part of my computer table (the part holding the keyboard) fell off. I've inspected it all over and found no scratches or cracks.
Lets compare model #'s of white 3G's and see if we can see a pattern.
Perhaps if those of you who have cracks (and have taken care of the phone) would post your model # we can establish whether or not there is a pattern there. I have two iPhone 3G's in my possession since I just got a replacement from applecare for a faulty wifi adapter in the first one. I'm due to send the first one back tomorrow. Neither show any cracks so far. Here are the model #'s
Launch day iPhone 3G in white: model MB705LL
Current iPhone 3G in white: model MB499LL
Again, neither show cracks. I've taken special care with both, I'm a freak about my gadgets and the thought of it cracking really bugs me.
If you own a cracked white 3G, please reply here and tell your model #.
Perhaps if those of you who have cracks (and have taken care of the phone) would post your model # we can establish whether or not there is a pattern there. I have two iPhone 3G's in my possession since I just got a replacement from applecare for a faulty wifi adapter in the first one. I'm due to send the first one back tomorrow. Neither show any cracks so far. Here are the model #'s
Launch day iPhone 3G in white: model MB705LL
Current iPhone 3G in white: model MB499LL
Again, neither show cracks. I've taken special care with both, I'm a freak about my gadgets and the thought of it cracking really bugs me.
If you own a cracked white 3G, please reply here and tell your model #.
8GB Black. Crack between headphone jack and chrome bezel (screenshots). Cracks also seen around camera hole.
Model #: MB046LL
Build Week: 29
Model #: MB046LL
Build Week: 29
Ok for the model number
my model number is A1241, various cracks and stress marks as posted earlier.
my model number is A1241, various cracks and stress marks as posted earlier.
NOTE: the correct model number is found on the box, not on the phone. Or you can look in Settings -> About.
ok, I was just gonna post the model number is different in the menu than on the back of the phone.
My real number is MB632C
Made in week 27
My real number is MB632C
Made in week 27
16GB Black
Model number MB759Y
Spotted at least one crack from the camera lens outwards. Didn't check for more.
The phone isn't even one week old. No case, but proper handling - never shared pocket with anything (side pocket, so no sitting on it).
I have to say that this is appalling. I can live with firmware issues (that I shouldn't have to bear, but still) since it's patchable but these kinds of defects are nothing but the result of shoddy design and industrial processess. The phone it has replaced, an aging 30 months old nokia I handled very roughly, while the plastic was scratched to hell and back it had no cracks at all - and I used wifi often so it's not like the phone had never been under heat cycles.
Since Movistar refuses to replace defective units, I'll be without the phone while the Amsterdam center repairs it.
As a whole, it's a really disappointing experience. Considering my 9 months old iMac screen has started to develop a shadow as of now I'm terribly upset about the quality standards of Apple.
Model number MB759Y
Spotted at least one crack from the camera lens outwards. Didn't check for more.
The phone isn't even one week old. No case, but proper handling - never shared pocket with anything (side pocket, so no sitting on it).
I have to say that this is appalling. I can live with firmware issues (that I shouldn't have to bear, but still) since it's patchable but these kinds of defects are nothing but the result of shoddy design and industrial processess. The phone it has replaced, an aging 30 months old nokia I handled very roughly, while the plastic was scratched to hell and back it had no cracks at all - and I used wifi often so it's not like the phone had never been under heat cycles.
Since Movistar refuses to replace defective units, I'll be without the phone while the Amsterdam center repairs it.
As a whole, it's a really disappointing experience. Considering my 9 months old iMac screen has started to develop a shadow as of now I'm terribly upset about the quality standards of Apple.
Haha what a new meaning to the word TROLL. all of you have been had LOL wow. yeah. such a piece, its held together with duct tape. well played sir, well played.
Let me guess, the keys popped off your macbook too, when you plugged in your (broken) ipod. but instead of telling anyone, you gave it to your kids to play with like they had a computer. hehe
(of course im talking about CongoRedJr not andyblila)
I'm with you. First crack I see, I'm in the Apple Store. I still haven't got Macro pictures of mine, but I see not one crack.
I got mine on launch day and the model # is MB499LL. I have no cracks. I am wondering if the model # has to do with where it was manufactured? It obviously has something to do with the batch. I think this lends credence to my theory that these problems may be isolated to a bad batch. As I said, I have the current model # in white, but I bought it on launch day, so I'm not sure whether or not the model # has anything to do with what week it is. But I do believe it has a lot to do with whether they are cracking or not.
No problems here, 8GB black.
I treat my iPhone like any other phone I've owned. I'm not gentle... and I do softly drop it from time to time (as in, about 15cm onto the desk accidently). There are tiny cosmetic scratches on the back of the case, but certainly no cracks.
Because I can...
I really don't understand the point of having a case. Why spend the money on a slim, pretty, shiny phone to ugly it up with a stupid looking, thick, cheap overlay? It looks stupid and if there's no point trying to protect resell value because these type of devices lose their value anyway.
Admittedly, I do like the mobile sock idea.... I'd like to see one for the iPhone made out of the same material as the cleaning cloth you're given.
I treat my iPhone like any other phone I've owned. I'm not gentle... and I do softly drop it from time to time (as in, about 15cm onto the desk accidently). There are tiny cosmetic scratches on the back of the case, but certainly no cracks.
Because I can...
I really don't understand the point of having a case. Why spend the money on a slim, pretty, shiny phone to ugly it up with a stupid looking, thick, cheap overlay? It looks stupid and if there's no point trying to protect resell value because these type of devices lose their value anyway.
Admittedly, I do like the mobile sock idea.... I'd like to see one for the iPhone made out of the same material as the cleaning cloth you're given.
I can honestly say that I am extremely happy with my v1 phone. I was so looking forward to 3G, but was disappointed terribly with Apple's choice of plastic, so I immediately went on the hunt for an iPhone, and was lucky enough to score a brand new one for $150.
With equal candor, I had no problems paying $600 for an aluminum iPhone, and the additional $15 per month would not have been a problem either. I, for one, would not accept 2 3Gs for my aluminum
I will baby my v1 until Apple figures out a way to add 3G into an aluminum case.
My EDGE phone rocks!!!!!!!
Jude
I can honestly say that I am extremely happy with my v1 phone. I was so looking forward to 3G, but was disappointed terribly with Apple's choice of plastic, so I immediately went on the hunt for an iPhone, and was lucky enough to score a brand new one for $150.
With equal candor, I had no problems paying $600 for an aluminum iPhone, and the additional $15 per month would not have been a problem either. I, for one, would not accept 2 3Gs for my aluminum
I will baby my v1 until Apple figures out a way to add 3G into an aluminum case.
My EDGE phone rocks!!!!!!!
Jude
Agreed.