Apple Now Offering to Swap Water-Damaged iPhones for $199

[MacRumors]

https://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png

ifoAppleStore reports that Apple is now offering the opportunity for users with water-damaged iPhones to swap their units for working refurbished units for a fee of $199.

The new policy applies to out-of-warranty incidents that would normally require the purchase of a new phone, and also trigger an extention of the owner’s two-year AT&T contract. Under the new policy, the iPhone owner simply pays a one-time $199 price for a refurbished handset, and transfers the SIM card to the new device.

The report speculates that the policy change may be a means of allowing Apple to clear stock of refurbished iPhones ahead of a rumored summer launch of a new model, although it may simply be a general easing of Apple's repair policies.

Article Link: Apple Now Offering to Swap Water-Damaged iPhones for $199

 

[Sky Blue]

Is it $199 for either model?

 

[gigidey]

This is fantastic news, it eases my iPhone-hydrophobia somewhat.

 

[twoodcc]

is this just for water damage, or for any damage? like the silent switch not working anymore?

 

[Drumjim85]

I expect this to only last until the 3Gs are out of stock... and no to continue on through the life of new models.

 

[jaw04005]

This is fantastic news, it eases my iPhone-hydrophobia somewhat.

Yes, it's so big of Apple to offer replacement phones for $199 when every other phone is covered under AT&T's optional insurance policy.

Not to mention, the numerous people that have complained about the water-damage stickers being falsely activated.

 

[pmpknetr21]

Is it $199 for either model?

Nah. That's just for the 8 GB. The 16GB is $299. Also, they're required to give you the like model of what you're giving them.

It's a really good change in policy. It's really great for those who don't want to resign a two year contract or pay the unsubsidized price. (I'm sure this was a hell of a fight for Apple against AT&T.)

 

[Dkota05]

FML....Just paid $399 for a replacement on Friday after a week of dealing with a water damaged 3G.

 

[Airforcekid]

Weird... too much surplus i presume!

 

[Cartoonkid]

Weird... too much surplus i presume!

That and they don't want them sitting around after the new models come out.

 

[pmpknetr21]

FML....Just paid $399 for a replacement on Friday after a week of dealing with a water damaged 3G.

Ouch. This policy started on Sunday, so as of Friday, you would've had to of have purchased a new unit.

Sorry.

 

[Cartoonkid]

FML....Just paid $399 for a replacement on Friday after a week of dealing with a water damaged 3G.

I'd go back and argue your case. The worst they can say is no, but you might get lucky.

 

[SAMTATSICPRO]

ughhhhh... i wish this happened like 3 weeks ago... had to down grade my 16 gig to an 8 gig for paying full price of 600 dollars... my 16 gig was damaged with water... so now... ill just wait for the new one.

 

[Eclipse10114]

So ok, I have a 2G iPhone that is out of warranty and water damaged. It is not on our Att contract anymore (since upgraded to 3Gs). With this new policy, can I drop $200 to replace the device and take it home to activate it for a different line on our contract (its a family plan and not all of them are iPhones)?

 

[smarch]

New policy?

I replaced my original water-damaged 8gb for $199 back in January 2008. Did they get rid of this policy and now bring it back or something?

ps. don't throw your phone into a toilet, no matter how interesting a trajectory it may take on the way into the bowl.

 

[Cartoonkid]

So ok, I have a 2G iPhone that is out of warranty and water damaged. It is not on our Att contract anymore (since upgraded to 3Gs). With this new policy, can I drop $200 to replace the device and take it home to activate it for a different line on our contract (its a family plan and not all of them are iPhones)?

Wishful thinking, my friend.

 

[aandf1978]

screw that!!! Sell you water damaged iphone on eBay!! I just washed mine last week, I let it dry out and made sure it still worked except for the screen being messed up, and sold it in the box with no other accesories for $306. The sad thing is I tried to open it up at the bottom and kinda marked it up, nothing terrible, and that it why it sold so cheap. Usually the water damaged white 16GB iphone 3g goes for close or over $350 new. Anyways after I got the money just went to AT&T and extended my contract and got a new phone. Thought about waiting for the new one but needed a phone and could not wait 2-3 months.

 

[Hing]

I have a iphone 2g water damage, so do they give me a 3g iphone or 2g iphone under the policy.

 

[tollie]

Confirmation?

I've yet to see this reported anywhere else, and it's not confirmed by any press releases on the Apple website. I wish I knew the source.

FWIW- I lost my first iPhone 3G to the rain, even while my phone was in my pocket. I tried turning it off, but it kept turning itself back on because the water had gotten into the unprotected dock connector. Yanking the battery would have probably prevented permanent damage, but yeah... battery is buried inside, and merely trying to access it voids the warranty.

To note: I got quoted all sorts of different prices from ATT / Apple for a replacement 16GB phone: from $500 to $700. I eventually just upgraded another line that was eligible.

My question: I wonder what this policy will look like after next iPhone? I've seen the rumors of ATT working on a "phone trade in" program... is this it? Or will there be an upgrade / trade-in path for iPhone 3G to iPhone 3rdgen?

Assuming this story is valid, I wonder if it would be better to water damage swap, and hope to be qualified for upgrade pricing to iPhone 3rdgen, or would it be better just wait and see.

- tollie

 

[jtgotsjets]

Anyone else worried about this? I feel like TONS of people come here and complain that Apple rejected their in-warranty repair because of bogus "water-damage." Now instead of being to argue their case with a manager or something, official policy dictates that they need to pay $200 even though they're in-warranty?

 

[Eclipse10114]

Wishful thinking, my friend.

They probably think I would want to unlock it and sell it or something, damn. So what are the requirements to qualify for this $200 exchange then, do they really look up your Att account before doing the exchange because I have never seen them do that at the Genius Bar. I thought they only diagnose the device.

 

[adomanico18]

Stop Replacing Your Iphones

if anyone here is dumb enough to pay to get a new iphone when clearly a new one is coming out in a month then thats your fault. patience is a virtue people.

 

[akacaj]

is this just for water damage, or for any damage? like the silent switch not working anymore?

It is for everything because all you would have to do is take a shower with your iPhone!

 

[akacaj]

if anyone here is dumb enough to pay to get a new iphone when clearly a new one is coming out in a month then thats your fault. patience is a virtue people.

Pay $199 to get a brand new looking iPhone and sell it on ebay. Then use that money to buy the latest model. Besides if you phone is damaged you would need a new one anyway.

 

[DipDog3]

Pay $199 to get a brand new looking iPhone and sell it on ebay. Then use that money to buy the latest model. Besides if you phone is damaged you would need a new one anyway.

Or take your perfectly good working iPhone and sell it on ebay and use that money to buy the new iPhone.