Heads up: Apple Store/Genius will not work on iOS11 devices

[LarryJoe33]

I am sure most of you know this, or you read all the fine print when becoming a beta tester lol. My iPhone 7 has a dead pixel at the bottom of the screen. Only noticeable on a white background. I figured what the hell, it's pretty new and I know they will just put a new screen on it no questions asked.

Went yesterday, as expected, an inspection of the flaw resulted in a no problem, we will put on a new screen. He said, "that's the good news". The bad news is that we are not allowed to work on any device running iOS11, you need to go home and plug it into itunes and downgrade. I nicely pleaded with him that it's just a hardware swap and it shouldn't be an issue. He felt for me, but went on to state that they calibrate new screen installs and they can't do this with iOS 11. It's nice to know there is a difference between Apple store screen fixes and mall kioks.

Anyhow, I decided to live with my barely noticeable dead pixel. Downgrading seems to be a pain in the ass. It is not a restore, of course contacts and photos in the cloud will restore, but setting, apps etc. will all need to be configured, downloaded, etc. You also CAN NOT restore the iOS 11 back up over the downgrade (I thought of that).

 

[jbachandouris]

Sorry, this is not news to those of us who have used betas before. The so-called Geniuses treat beta testers with the same contempt as jailbreakers which is wrong seeing as APPLE provided the PUBLIC beta.

I wanted to downgrade back to the previous no-beta OS and had to get the store manager to ORDER the tech to downgrade it for me.

Just not worth the trouble...

 

[LarryJoe33]

I think you mean "not" news? In all fairness, the genius at the apple store had the same comments with regard to how ****** it is that Apple doesn't support beta testers and cited the reasons why they should since we are all testing, providing feedback and ultimately making the next product better. I didn't make an issue of it. I get that they should not work on software related issues for iOS11, I don't get hardware though.

That said, he gave me some scenarios where it could suck. If I cracked my screen and wanted to use my apple care for a $29 replacement and the cracked screen left me unable to perform a downgrade. In this case I would be faced with paying $99 for a replacement device. Other than that, I can't think of a scenario where I am out of luck?

 

[jbachandouris]

I think you mean "not" news? In all fairness, the genius at the apple store had the same comments with regard to how ****** it is that Apple doesn't support beta testers and cited the reasons why they should since we are all testing, providing feedback and ultimately making the next product better. I didn't make an issue of it. I get that they should not work on software related issues for iOS11, I don't get hardware though.

That said, he gave me some scenarios where it could suck. If I cracked my screen and wanted to use my apple care for a $29 replacement and the cracked screen left me unable to perform a downgrade. In this case I would be faced with paying $99 for a replacement device. Other than that, I can't think of a scenario where I am out of luck?

Thanks for pointing out my omission. I agree with everything you have posted. Sadly, we have no control over retail operations...

 

[adrianlondon]

Easier to live with your dead pixel until iOS11 is released officially, then take it in for repair (assuming by then you're still under your warranty!).

 

[LarryJoe33]

Yeah, that's my thinking. However, I am guessing iOS 11 will be released in October when they start shipping the 7s. My annual upgrade is the end of November. So I'll have a nice new shiny screen for a month before I get the 7S. I am going to make them put a new screen on though out of principle.

 

[KittyKatta]

I am sure most of you know this, or you read all the fine print when becoming a beta tester lol.

I understand why they don't want to deal with devices running a Beta. But what bugs me is that they heavily advertise Public Beta's and I know A LOT of people who are running the Beta when they can barely operate a fully baked release. So its always a shame to see anyone turned away or vilified for running a Public Beta.

 

[Feenician]

what bugs me is that they heavily advertise Public Beta's

Where? They don’t even link to it from the iOS 11 page on Apple.com

https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-11-preview/

 

[SumYoungGai]

why not set your device up as new on 10.3.2 and then bring it in with nothing on it? then once you finish the repair, reinstall iOS 11 and redownload all your stuff.

 

[DaveOP]

Sorry, this is not news to those of us who have used betas before. The so-called Geniuses treat beta testers with the same contempt as jailbreakers which is wrong seeing as APPLE provided the PUBLIC beta.

I wanted to downgrade back to the previous no-beta OS and had to get the store manager to ORDER the tech to downgrade it for me.

Just not worth the trouble...

That was a tech being over-zealous, but for OP, the screen calibration machine really does not support Beta-OS's, and will fail calibration if the software is not restored. I have no idea why he didn't just back his phone up, let them downgrade it, fix the screen, and then update to iOS 11 again and restore from backup. It's a very simple process.

 

[LarryJoe33]

That was a tech being over-zealous, but for OP, the screen calibration machine really does not support Beta-OS's, and will fail calibration if the software is not restored. I have no idea why he didn't just back his phone up, let them downgrade it, fix the screen, and then update to iOS 11 again and restore from backup. It's a very simple process.

I guess that should work in theory and would be easy enough. In terms of "let them downgrade it". They weren't having any of this. They weren't allowed to do this and said several times that I had to do this myself. In terms of restoring iOS 11 from backup, unchartered territory. I am not confident it would restore like it should given it's a beta.

Long and short of it is, I am sure I could get this done no matter the route. It is just not worth the hassle for a minuscule blemish on the screen. Yes, it is easy enough, but time consuming and many steps --- downgrade, make another appointment, go to the store, sit there waiting for a genius, leave the phone for an hour or two, come back and get it, configure it enough to download the public beta client again, install public beta 1, patch to 2, restore from backup and *hope* it works the first time. (I have read issues with restoring a beta backup). If it doesn't, find the right beta that will allow a backup restore, maybe downgrade again, maybe patch to 2 again, etc.

Not worth it. Public Beta 2 is running well. I hope to never ave to downgrade as a public beta tester and just install the official release as normal in October.
[doublepost=1500312418][/doublepost]

why not set your device up as new on 10.3.2 and then bring it in with nothing on it? then once you finish the repair, reinstall iOS 11 and redownload all your stuff.

That's exactly what I don't want to do --- redownload all my stuff.

 

[matthew2926]

why not set your device up as new on 10.3.2 and then bring it in with nothing on it? then once you finish the repair, reinstall iOS 11 and redownload all your stuff.

Yea, do this. Backup on iOS 11, downgrade to 10.3.2, get your screen fixed, update back to iOS 11, then restore the iOS 11 backup that you made. Shouldn't affect any of your data or settings.

 

[akash.nu]

Public beta is not the same as a public release though. Why are people expecting apple to support it? It's not ready for daily use. You choose to use it yourself.

 

[charlituna]

It's not so much that they are not allowed to work on them. They can't when its a screen replacement. The machines don't have the software to work with 10.3.3 or 11. So if they try to calibrate the display it will brick the phone. And they are not allowed to not calibrate a display.

Also in regards to swaps etc they get in trouble if they swap something for an issue that was actually just the beta software. My ex was a genius and used to come home gripping about the lectures they got about how they were swapping devices over beta issues. And that's part of why it says clearly when you go to sign up that you can't get service with that software and you should not use it on vital gear
[doublepost=1500319635][/doublepost]

That's exactly what I don't want to do --- redownload all my stuff.

And now we see the real issue. You're lazy and want Apple to accommodate that.

 

[LarryJoe33]

It's not so much that they are not allowed to work on them. They can't when its a screen replacement. The machines don't have the software to work with 10.3.3 or 11. So if they try to calibrate the display it will brick the phone. And they are not allowed to not calibrate a display.

Also in regards to swaps etc they get in trouble if they swap something for an issue that was actually just the beta software. My ex was a genius and used to come home gripping about the lectures they got about how they were swapping devices over beta issues. And that's part of why it says clearly when you go to sign up that you can't get service with that software and you should not use it on vital gear
[doublepost=1500319635][/doublepost]

And now we see the real issue. You're lazy and want Apple to accommodate that.

Jeesh, I didn't say that at all, did I? Please read the post. I had no issues with the experience I had yesterday. I went out of my way to say the genius was helpful and compassionate. I didn't bitch other than wondering out loud that this isn't someone looking for support from a beta issue or bug. I wondered out loud what the big deal is with a screen swap and the OS it was running. He informed me that they calibrate it with a machine that can't run or work on iOS 11. I said I didn't realize they do this and it was nice to know they do more than slap on a screen. I can assure I am not lazy. If I REALLY felt strongly that I had to have a new screen NOW and the issue was bugging me to no end, I would do what it takes. Yes, it doesn't appear to be rocket science on the surface. My reluctance is to first, not mess with a nice and stable beta install, and two, avoid having to go through the annoying paces of getting my phone serviceable. I take offense to your assertion is the real issue is I am lazy.

I simply posted this to give people a heads up and I knowingly came clean that this was probably old news to you gurus. It's fun messing with an upcoming beta OS, it is not my life though. I am not expecting Apple to accommodate me or support a beta build. For the record, the genius cautioned me that he has experienced many people toasting their phone downgrading.

I am simply leaving well enough alone because so far I am enjoying my testing and haven't been inconvenienced too much with issues. And no, I don't want to download my stuff and get everything back to the way I like it. I don't want to be glued to my phone for hours. My family wouldn't appreciate that either. All the power to you for being obsessed with your devices.

 

[Azzin]

I’ve got my iPad Pro 12.9 booked in for what I presume will be a swap, as I ran the remote diagnostics using the Support app and it confirmed battery issues.

However, I’m running iOS 11 so I guess I’ll have to backup to iCloud, restore as new on iOS 10, get it swapped and then restore the replacement from the iOS 11 iCloud backup?

 

[LarryJoe33]

I’ve got my iPad Pro 12.9 booked in for what I presume will be a swap, as I ran the remote diagnostics using the Support app and it confirmed battery issues.

However, I’m running iOS 11 so I guess I’ll have to backup to iCloud, restore as new on iOS 10, get it swapped and then restore the replacement from the iOS 11 iCloud backup?

Yeah, they won't touch it with iOS 11, especially for a battery test. They will want to do it again in the store and there is no way they will rely on the results from iOS 11 in addition to the policy.

Hopefully this post saved you a trip.

 

[Azzin]

Yeah, they won't touch it with iOS 11, especially for a battery test. They will want to do it again in the store and there is no way they will rely on the results from iOS 11 in addition to the policy.

Hopefully this post saved you a trip.

Thank you.

I’ve got to get it sorted, so an iOS 10 set up is what it will go into the store with and I’ll restore to my iOS 11 backup once replaced.

Thanks again.

 

[mariusignorello]

Where? They don’t even link to it from the iOS 11 page on Apple.com

https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-11-preview/

Late to the thread, but on that page you linked, the Public Beta is offered at the end, above the SDK module.

 

[SumYoungGai]

And no, I don't want to download my stuff and get everything back to the way I like it. I don't want to be glued to my phone for hours. My family wouldn't appreciate that either. All the power to you for being obsessed with your devices

Ok, no one here is going to convince you to do so then. But for what it's worth, my iPhone backup on iCloud is 75 GB and it takes me about 30 mins to restore from iCloud backup and then about an hour of a usable device to download the remaining apps/photos (246 apps & 42 GB of original quality photos). If your internet connection is slow you could always go to the library or a school campus with fast wifi.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Ok, no one here is going to convince you to do so then. But for what it's worth, my iPhone backup on iCloud is 75 GB and it takes me about 30 mins to restore from iCloud backup and then about an hour of a usable device to download the remaining apps/photos (246 apps & 42 GB of original quality photos). If your internet connection is slow you could always go to the library or a school campus with fast wifi.

Thanks. I understand the process and my internet connection is fast. I am pretty competent. I’ve built my own PCs, overclocked CPUs, imaged hard drives and restores them to no end. I can handle a phone.

My intention for posting this topic was to give testers a heads up if they needed service so they could save some time and downgrade before walking into the store. I choose not to. It may not be a pain in the arse to some, but for me it’s another reason to f*ck with my phone. That coupled with the stable iOS 11 install I already have makes me not want to mess with it.

Related, I lost a rubber foot/pad on my MacBook. I called Apple to see if they could ship me some or if I could buy them. They said to bring it in and they would replace it no charge. I made an appointment. Just waiting for the we can’t work on a machine running High Sierra beta!

 

[itsmilo]

Thats why i have auto download enabled on my mac. This way i do not have to redownload any apps when i do a restore

 

[LarryJoe33]

Bravo.