Will it bother you when it starts to grow? Mine has increased in length about 33% in just a matter of days...
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
Will it bother you when it starts to grow? Mine has increased in length about 33% in just a matter of days...
I was in the apple store yesterday for a Macbook issue, I brought up the fact about my iPhone having a crack at the end and they replaced it on the spot. I tried last week to get a replacement but it was 'not a known issue' so they wouldn't do it. Either Apple has recognized it or I got a nice Genius.
a little upset
I posted photos earlier in the forum. Took it to apple store today, documented with the phone, photos and copies of the forums. They "pretended" to not have heard of the issue, but reluctantly agreed to replace it. Initially they tried to say it was cosmetic, but when I pointed out that it was actually flaking apart, they agreed. Then they started asking me specific questions, read off their screen such as "do you use a protector", "do you put it into your pocket", "which pocket, front or back". I have seen these same questions posted by people in other forums, so it leads me to believe they do know of the issue, but are keeping it as quite as they can since they don't have a solution yet, until they figure out what is going on.
Finally, they decided wouldn't replace it at the store! I wasn't being rude or impatiant or anything. They said since I didn't have every piece with me that was included with the phone they couldn't exchange it. My wall charger was at home, an hour away! I offered to fed ex the wall charger to them and they said no. They said apple care would take care of it through the mail because the needed everything back. I have never heard of this before. I've had problems with 1G, and they replaced on spot. What does the wall charger have to do with the cracks, or in my case flaking, broken pieces?
What really makes me nervous, is that when I left, I checked the white iphones on display at the Apple store...and a majority of the displayed ones had cracks! Some were very light, but since I know what to look for, I saw them. One was almost as bad as mine, beyond hairline and actually split apart where the headphone jack is. So this leads me to believe it is beyond a bad batch of plastic, or local to specific manufacturing plant, and something they don't have a solution for yet. So I fully expect my replacement phone, assuming I eventually get one, will come in mail to have cracks too.
One point I made to them, that seemed to raise their eyebrows as something they hadn't thought about, is that I live in an area that is below zero in the winter. I told them I ski with my phone and that if it is cracking now, when winter comes and the material is exposed to more extreme shrink and swell of freezing and warming temperatures, I would seem reasonable to experience material fatigue beyond what we are seeing now.
I've been a customer of apple ever since the Apple IIe, and still am a fan. I can personally count at least 5 people I have convinced to buy the iphone based on directly on my recommendation, but the fact that they are ignoring this issue, and wouldn't replace mine in the store, even though it is beyond hairline, and flaking off, is beyond understanding. I'm perplexed.
I posted photos earlier in the forum. Took it to apple store today, documented with the phone, photos and copies of the forums. They "pretended" to not have heard of the issue, but reluctantly agreed to replace it. Initially they tried to say it was cosmetic, but when I pointed out that it was actually flaking apart, they agreed. Then they started asking me specific questions, read off their screen such as "do you use a protector", "do you put it into your pocket", "which pocket, front or back". I have seen these same questions posted by people in other forums, so it leads me to believe they do know of the issue, but are keeping it as quite as they can since they don't have a solution yet, until they figure out what is going on.
Finally, they decided wouldn't replace it at the store! I wasn't being rude or impatiant or anything. They said since I didn't have every piece with me that was included with the phone they couldn't exchange it. My wall charger was at home, an hour away! I offered to fed ex the wall charger to them and they said no. They said apple care would take care of it through the mail because the needed everything back. I have never heard of this before. I've had problems with 1G, and they replaced on spot. What does the wall charger have to do with the cracks, or in my case flaking, broken pieces?
What really makes me nervous, is that when I left, I checked the white iphones on display at the Apple store...and a majority of the displayed ones had cracks! Some were very light, but since I know what to look for, I saw them. One was almost as bad as mine, beyond hairline and actually split apart where the headphone jack is. So this leads me to believe it is beyond a bad batch of plastic, or local to specific manufacturing plant, and something they don't have a solution for yet. So I fully expect my replacement phone, assuming I eventually get one, will come in mail to have cracks too.
One point I made to them, that seemed to raise their eyebrows as something they hadn't thought about, is that I live in an area that is below zero in the winter. I told them I ski with my phone and that if it is cracking now, when winter comes and the material is exposed to more extreme shrink and swell of freezing and warming temperatures, I would seem reasonable to experience material fatigue beyond what we are seeing now.
I've been a customer of apple ever since the Apple IIe, and still am a fan. I can personally count at least 5 people I have convinced to buy the iphone based on directly on my recommendation, but the fact that they are ignoring this issue, and wouldn't replace mine in the store, even though it is beyond hairline, and flaking off, is beyond understanding. I'm perplexed.
Sorry about your bad experience. The genius at my store replaced mine in a heartbeat last week. I guess it all depends on the "friendliness" of the genius/sales rep- unless Apple acknowledges this flaw as a known issue.
hello, i'm new to these mac forums,
but neways, i've just purchased an 8gig black iphone 3g, i've always been an htc user for pda phones, but i just had to try out the iphone 3g. i've literally read about 80% of posts regarding this topic on 4 different forums, and i've collected a good amount of info, but i find there to still be mixed reviews. i purchased my ip3g a week ago, have NEVER dropped it or mishandled it. It's protected by an incipio silicon sleeve and screen protector. Two nights ago, i noticed VERY small hairline stresses (not yet cracks?) from the chrome bezel to the headphone jack and chrome bezel to the volume rocker. Its very hard to see on the black shell, but with the right light reflection and good lighting, its there ( i looked 5+ times on 5 diff. occasions) it is comparible to spider cracking under the clear cloat of car paint (if u can visualzie that). I have documented this with apple care over the phone already, and I have an appointment with genius bar tomorrow to see if i can replace my phone. it is still under 14 day r n r policy. I understand this may be a bigger problem that one replacement at this time cannot completely solve, but its better than a phone that has already started cracking, and down the road can quite possibly become worse. Should I do anything else, and are my chances of replacement high? (b/c the stresses/cracks are not very noticable)
I apologize for getting it all out in one post, but i do have to go to the genius bar tomrorow. Any further insight or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you folks.
but neways, i've just purchased an 8gig black iphone 3g, i've always been an htc user for pda phones, but i just had to try out the iphone 3g. i've literally read about 80% of posts regarding this topic on 4 different forums, and i've collected a good amount of info, but i find there to still be mixed reviews. i purchased my ip3g a week ago, have NEVER dropped it or mishandled it. It's protected by an incipio silicon sleeve and screen protector. Two nights ago, i noticed VERY small hairline stresses (not yet cracks?) from the chrome bezel to the headphone jack and chrome bezel to the volume rocker. Its very hard to see on the black shell, but with the right light reflection and good lighting, its there ( i looked 5+ times on 5 diff. occasions) it is comparible to spider cracking under the clear cloat of car paint (if u can visualzie that). I have documented this with apple care over the phone already, and I have an appointment with genius bar tomorrow to see if i can replace my phone. it is still under 14 day r n r policy. I understand this may be a bigger problem that one replacement at this time cannot completely solve, but its better than a phone that has already started cracking, and down the road can quite possibly become worse. Should I do anything else, and are my chances of replacement high? (b/c the stresses/cracks are not very noticable)
I apologize for getting it all out in one post, but i do have to go to the genius bar tomrorow. Any further insight or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you folks.
Mine is the same where the volume rocker is....its 4 days old and had this out-the-box. I swapped a white one for this reason and a black one for the headphone jack crack. You cant see the crazing head on but at an angle to the light source. Its exactly like you said.....crazed car lacquer! I feel sure they are like this out-the-box and it just showes up over time with the white but not the black. The piece of black plastic between the volume rocker and bezel is a thin/weak point in the outer rim of the black case. When assembled this piece stretches slightly and the lacquer cant keep up so crazes. I would imagine apple will subtley roll out a modified case that looks the same but is thicker in places of stress or perhaps just change the lacquer for one that is more elastic, a cheaper and quicker solution. I didnt have any problem getting the white replaced as it was clearly visable after 4 days use. Please post back and let us know if your replacement is the same etc.
In a few more months I would suspect that more phones will have cracks than not and a good deal of them will be very noticeable. I think as time goes on, this is going to be a huge problem for Apple. Mostly because they will have to fix this first at the manufacturing level and then everyone will want a "fixed" version. So will they issue a recall? Not likely. It's bound to cause a great deal of controversy, especially given some bad attitudes on some store managers part. Only time will tell.
No cracks thus far
I must say that I have not had any of the cracking problems.I honestly think it might just be certain batches that were infected or over treated with whatever the protective material that they used to make the backing hard to scratch.
I must say that I have not had any of the cracking problems.I honestly think it might just be certain batches that were infected or over treated with whatever the protective material that they used to make the backing hard to scratch.
exchange
So I'm on my way to the Apple store this morning to exchange my cracked phone. I'm really rather nervous about it. I don't want to get one that's worse than what I have. I've decided that if it is, I'll just return it altogether, wait until they've ironed out all the issues and try it again. I've also started to miss the simple things like MMS and integrated messenger. I knew that the iPhone didn't have these things and I honestly didn't think it would be that much of an issue. In light of the things I have going on with my iPhone....let's just say I'm more than disappointed. Especially since I stood outside on launch day for 4 1/2 hrs to get the phone. I really enjoy my iPhone and looked forward to getting it for over a year. I really HATE the thought of having to give it up. But I wouldn't keep anything else that was defective and it really bothers me that some people are suggesting that these cracks should be looked over. Cracks don't heal themselves and over time will only get worse. Apple may or may not acknowledge that this is a problem...they may or may not fix it. But rest assured, if you turn up with a phone in a few months that's cracked to hell they aren't going to be too excited at the prospect of giving you a new one. At that point it will look like normal, maybe even careless usage on the part of the owner. In any case, I've made my decision and I hope that I've made the right one. We'll see.
Wish me luck at getting a perfect phone!!!!
So I'm on my way to the Apple store this morning to exchange my cracked phone. I'm really rather nervous about it. I don't want to get one that's worse than what I have. I've decided that if it is, I'll just return it altogether, wait until they've ironed out all the issues and try it again. I've also started to miss the simple things like MMS and integrated messenger. I knew that the iPhone didn't have these things and I honestly didn't think it would be that much of an issue. In light of the things I have going on with my iPhone....let's just say I'm more than disappointed. Especially since I stood outside on launch day for 4 1/2 hrs to get the phone. I really enjoy my iPhone and looked forward to getting it for over a year. I really HATE the thought of having to give it up. But I wouldn't keep anything else that was defective and it really bothers me that some people are suggesting that these cracks should be looked over. Cracks don't heal themselves and over time will only get worse. Apple may or may not acknowledge that this is a problem...they may or may not fix it. But rest assured, if you turn up with a phone in a few months that's cracked to hell they aren't going to be too excited at the prospect of giving you a new one. At that point it will look like normal, maybe even careless usage on the part of the owner. In any case, I've made my decision and I hope that I've made the right one. We'll see.
Wish me luck at getting a perfect phone!!!!
Headphone Jack Crack - Follow-Up with Pic
I wanted to update my earlier post about my black iPhone 3G 16g that I've had for about 3 weeks. After about 1.5 weeks, it developed a crack in the black plastic back between the headphone jack, and the chrome bezel around the front of the iPhone. The width of the plastic at this part of the shell is about 1mm.
As with most everything else in life, it looks uglier the closer you get to it....
From an eyeball view, you can only see the larger crack between the point on the headphone jack closest to the bezel, and the bezel itself.
From the macro view, you can see finer cracks in the general area.
I wanted to update my earlier post about my black iPhone 3G 16g that I've had for about 3 weeks. After about 1.5 weeks, it developed a crack in the black plastic back between the headphone jack, and the chrome bezel around the front of the iPhone. The width of the plastic at this part of the shell is about 1mm.
As with most everything else in life, it looks uglier the closer you get to it....
From an eyeball view, you can only see the larger crack between the point on the headphone jack closest to the bezel, and the bezel itself.
From the macro view, you can see finer cracks in the general area.
Being that is it so early in the life of the first batches of these phones, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that virtually every single iphone manufactured to date may eventually develop some sort of cracking. It's just way too early to know.
Got mine last night and there is a little dent just below the volume switch touching the bezel. There are also tiny tiny little cracks in various places but nothing like chipping or even anything I can feel.
I will give it about a week or so before I see if the cracks are spreading before I try to return it.
I will give it about a week or so before I see if the cracks are spreading before I try to return it.
Im starting to love my original iPhone even more now
Again, if you do not have a new 3G iPhone WTF are posting to this thread for???? We are trying to figure out what is going on. Your post added no value. Thanks for being and A**hole and rubbing our noses in the fact that we are having problems. Most Mac people are great, what's your excuse?
Thanks for your input to this thread, I think that all of our 3G cracking problems are now solved!
I wanted to update my earlier post about my black iPhone 3G 16g that I've had for about 3 weeks. After about 1.5 weeks, it developed a crack in the black plastic back between the headphone jack, and the chrome bezel around the front of the iPhone. The width of the plastic at this part of the shell is about 1mm.
As with most everything else in life, it looks uglier the closer you get to it....
From an eyeball view, you can only see the larger crack between the point on the headphone jack closest to the bezel, and the bezel itself.
From the macro view, you can see finer cracks in the general area.
those finer cracks you mention are exactly what i have. I wonder if the larger crack developed from those finer cracks, or they just happened coincidently (prolly not)
ok, so this is obviously a widespread problem. If you return your phone the next will probably crack too. What is apple going to do about this? What did they do when the macbooks cracked?
If those with cracks just sit on the sidelines and wait on this, then it might not create enough noise for Apple to step up. I think if you get visible cracks to the eye, you should definitely make some noise with Apple if not exchange it. It will be interesting to see how bad these fine cracks get after another month or two. From the sound of it people have already notices them getting bigger in many cases. I wonder if at some point they might just spit open down the line?
Hello guys, so I've been reading this post and I just couldn't help it and I called Rogers and they swapped it. I was kind of impressed actually, the Rogers lady was pretty nice and understanding. My iPhone (white) has hairlines/tiny cracks between the up/down volume, and the chrome edge of the iPhone. Its only 2 and a half weeks old! I freaked out a little bit and called them up. I wonder what would be like for those who don't bother too much about this issue and leave it the way it is. Would they get a more visible damage in the near future? I have to say, this is kind of a pain in the neck. I would hate to leave it unattended and then later on becoming a bigger issue, don't you agree?
resolved?
okay,
So apple care admitted that as of a week ago, the problem was statistically more than an isolated event, and they are "studying" this issue. As such, the apple stores have been asked that when they do replace the phones, (not saying that they have to at this point) that they collect everthing that came with the phone, since most of the components contain plastic too, to aid in their study. So, if you plan on trying to get a replacement, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE EVERYTHING. Since the store wouldn't take mine (didn't bring the wall charger), it is being replaced by Apple Care, BUT...they are still charging me the $29 advance replacement fee. This is my only phone, and it is a business phone, so I can't go days without it. So, in addition to the $40 dollars I spent in gas driving to the store I am spending an additional $29 for advance replacement. I can't figure why they wouldn't waive the $29, but in their defense, the offered to throw in either a bluetooth (already have one) or a year of Mobile Me, (worthless in my mind with the issues I am still having with Mobile Me) for the troubles I have gone through. Anyone want to buy a bluetooth?
okay,
So apple care admitted that as of a week ago, the problem was statistically more than an isolated event, and they are "studying" this issue. As such, the apple stores have been asked that when they do replace the phones, (not saying that they have to at this point) that they collect everthing that came with the phone, since most of the components contain plastic too, to aid in their study. So, if you plan on trying to get a replacement, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE EVERYTHING. Since the store wouldn't take mine (didn't bring the wall charger), it is being replaced by Apple Care, BUT...they are still charging me the $29 advance replacement fee. This is my only phone, and it is a business phone, so I can't go days without it. So, in addition to the $40 dollars I spent in gas driving to the store I am spending an additional $29 for advance replacement. I can't figure why they wouldn't waive the $29, but in their defense, the offered to throw in either a bluetooth (already have one) or a year of Mobile Me, (worthless in my mind with the issues I am still having with Mobile Me) for the troubles I have gone through. Anyone want to buy a bluetooth?
Please take the poll
It might be worthwhile for anyone reading this thread to participate in the poll at:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/538092/
It would be interesting to get some idea of the ratio of cracked phones to phones that are not cracked... yet
It might be worthwhile for anyone reading this thread to participate in the poll at:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/538092/
It would be interesting to get some idea of the ratio of cracked phones to phones that are not cracked... yet
Okay, can everyone who has cracks say their model number. I want to check if mine was in the same batch.. mine is MB499LL
Every product launch has its share of issues, and this one is no exception.
I sympathize with those who are having problems. I have waited to buy an iPhone 3G because I was burned by the negative black issue that plagued my first iPod touch. I couldn't live with that screen, and those who have iPhone 3Gs with cracks shouldn't live with them either. Even if the problem is only cosmetic, it is unacceptable. I would definitely return an iPhone with cracks.
Apple, like any other company, will only fix the problem if forced by the consumer to do so.
I sympathize with those who are having problems. I have waited to buy an iPhone 3G because I was burned by the negative black issue that plagued my first iPod touch. I couldn't live with that screen, and those who have iPhone 3Gs with cracks shouldn't live with them either. Even if the problem is only cosmetic, it is unacceptable. I would definitely return an iPhone with cracks.
Apple, like any other company, will only fix the problem if forced by the consumer to do so.
Scratches and such don't bother me, if they were caused by me (dropping, and so on) but I can see where people are getting upset when they try to take good care of their phones, only to have damages appear.
Ive dropped my 1st gen a fair few times, and the back has a dent in it. I pre ordered a 8 gig black from at&T which should be here soon. Im hoping I don't bust it the first day.
Ive dropped my 1st gen a fair few times, and the back has a dent in it. I pre ordered a 8 gig black from at&T which should be here soon. Im hoping I don't bust it the first day.