My girlfriend has this problem with her iphone. Went to Apple store, the "geniuses" couldn't be more useless. They told me it's literally impossible to replace the button because of the design of the phone, when we know it's possible but takes time. Second genius wanted to give me a refurbished phone, which would tank the resale value. At least now they can fix what one "genius" told me was unfixable.
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Apple Initiates iPhone 5 Sleep/Wake Button Replacement Program [Updated]
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Being refurbished has no effect on resale. In fact it increases it if you swap a phone right before you sell it as you can get more because it would be in mint condition. And no body has ever asked me if it was a refurb because they dont care because it looks and works like a new phone.
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There is virtually no difference between brand new phones and phones that are swapped through the genius bar. As Bhs1975 said, it can actually increase value for resale if you get it swapped right before you sell it because you'd be taking a phone that's been in use for 11-23 months and switching it out with one that's never been used before.
Went to apple two weeks ago and they said that it must be me using it too vigorously and said it would be $269 to replace it.
I told the guy my iPhone 4 did the same thing and that both also have a home button that usually needs 2-3 presses to work.
Apple quality is not what it used to be.
Does that iOS 7.1.1 still have the battery drain issue?
I told the guy my iPhone 4 did the same thing and that both also have a home button that usually needs 2-3 presses to work.
Apple quality is not what it used to be.
Does that iOS 7.1.1 still have the battery drain issue?
Other than the risk of chargebacks and all that filed from eBay sales, especially international ones.
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Alternative for what?
Had the same problem over a year ago, for about 3 months I thought it was just my cheap amazon bought case, then I took it out of the case and realised it was the actual phone itself, went to the Apple store and it was replaced on the spot no questions asked.
I want to know this too.
If not, I have had this problem for over a year, so I think I can wait till September to trade it in and get $350 off an iPhone 6.
So basically if modifications were made like a 3rd party repair Im not eligible?
I dunno, my EVO 4G used to die in about 6 hours if I was using it regularly, much faster if I played any sort of game (and regardless of what I did if I forgot to charge it). Compared to that, I've never had a problem on iOS.
What am I supposed to be seeing?
I've got a 5 and a 5S, problems free so far, but I can't see how a "flexing frame" could interfere with the button, that is placed on the top of the phone where the frame can't flex at all ....
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Battery drain has nothing to do with iOS ...
Was told by a "genius" (hate that word) at my local Apple store that having an iPhone 5 w/ serial number in the range only matters if your sleep/wake button is currently acting up for the few seconds they test it. You have to wait for it to start failing to get a replacement, and hope they are still doing the replacements by that time. 
Actually the resale value of a refurbished is higher than an 11+ months old unit! because it was thoroughly checked and with a new battery.
What a rude and strange response! Where did I say Tim Cook read the email?! To be very frank I could not care less where that email address is re-directed - it has got me better service than standard Apple support and that's all I care about.
Looks to be so since your original phone will be opened and repaired.
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Was told by a "genius" (hate that word) at my local Apple store that having an iPhone 5 w/ serial number in the range only matters if your sleep/wake button is currently acting up for the few seconds they test it. You have to wait for it to start failing to get a replacement, and hope they are still doing the replacements by that time.
Well, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." They're not swapping phones here but repairing yours.
The program says "The program covers iPhone 5 models for 2 years after the first retail sale of the unit." Not sure if this means 2 years after you purchased your particular phone or ending 9/2014 for everyone.
Was told by a "genius" (hate that word) at my local Apple store that having an iPhone 5 w/ serial number in the range only matters if your sleep/wake button is currently acting up for the few seconds they test it. You have to wait for it to start failing to get a replacement, and hope they are still doing the replacements by that time.
Not doubting this b/c there are way more uninformed geniuses than their should be, but this info doesn't seem to jibe w/ the online info, especially since one doesn't need additional authorization to send in for repair other than having a valid serial #; i.e., their isn't a 2nd step requiring call in.
Even though this is termed as a "replacement" program its effectively a voluntary recall to repair both a potential or existing issue. For Apple to acknowledge a possible functional defect but then deny repair because the problem has yet to manifest itself, but could in the future = class action suit, which is what they are trying to avoid here.
I haven't decided if I want to get the fix or not, but if you want it, go to another store or send it in. Don't be swayed by a knowitall, knownothing Genius.
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It means two years after original retail purchase.
Have you deemed its eligibility based on the fact your serial number is accepted by Apple's site or the fact that your sleep/wake button is flimsy or both? You would need to meet both criteria for Apple to accept it. Also, any damage to the screen would need to be rectified beforehand too.
It is eligible based on the serial number lookup on Apple's website and it is flimsy. Basically, I don't want to wait for the unit to be repaired by grabbing a loaner. If they give me $350 for the trade-in, can I just buy a refurbished iPhone 5 with no extra money on my end?
If your current phone is in a condition you state it is in, you may not get the full $350 credit and thus may be asked to pay the difference towards a refurbished unit.
Serial Number not eligible?
My phone is fortunately working without any problems, but a co-worker has a problem with her power button, and she took it in for them to look at it. They said the phone is out of warranty and the serial number isn't eligible for the repair. But my question is this - if the phone IS displaying this issue, what constitutes what Apple considers a valid serial number with one that is not? If this is a problem that they are willing to fix, even with phones that are out of warranty, what determines the phones that make that serial number list and ones that do not?
My phone is fortunately working without any problems, but a co-worker has a problem with her power button, and she took it in for them to look at it. They said the phone is out of warranty and the serial number isn't eligible for the repair. But my question is this - if the phone IS displaying this issue, what constitutes what Apple considers a valid serial number with one that is not? If this is a problem that they are willing to fix, even with phones that are out of warranty, what determines the phones that make that serial number list and ones that do not?
Presumably Apple keeps an inventory of all iPhones, corresponding serial numbers, manufacturing date, etc. This defect was most likely happening due to a manufacturing fault. Once they have determined the point at which this manufacturing issue has been rectified, they can isolate a batch of iPhones and their serial numbers and make them eligible for this program. Not everyone is allowed to jump on this bandwagon no matter how much they wish they could have.
Probably a certain batch of phones that were constructed with the faulty button. The same way a car manufacturer can recall cars or Tyson can recall bad chicken. They know exactly which parts went into what device or which chickens came from which farm.
FWIW, for others maybe, always worth taking it to Apple if your warranty has only just expired as they can extend it a bit as a gesture of good will.