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Mine had the same issue. Returned it. Was driving me nuts every time I looked at it. (Apologies for the lint on the display).

The “surgical grade” stainless steel band also seemed to be unevenly bent near the antenna breaks.

Someone stated above something to the affect of “if it works just use it.” I think that sentiment misses the point - I had lint and dust constantly getting stuck in that gap. I could also fit a piece of paper in the gap on the top left of my phone, but no paper could fit on the bottom (because there was no gap).

And also, what about water resistance over time? Does the gap make it more vulnerable?

Subjectively, I strongly dislike the “premium” BS Apple tries to pitch. I wish there was an option to get an aluminum version like the iPad Pro. I can’t stand glass-based phones, and I hate the look of the “bling” mirrored stainless steel.

If you have this issue - return the phone.

#GapGate is real.
 

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I’m in the US so not sure if this applies in India but I’ve had 2 phones replaced for the gap issue but haven’t been able to get away from it. That gap exists in almost all of them, albeit in different places. You’d have to get really lucky to end up with one that doesn’t have one, and then you run the risk of having something else cosmetically wrong with the phone.
The way I understand this issue, the screen is ever so slightly smaller than the circumference of the steel housing, perhaps to mitigate the risk of the screen shattering from side impacts. In years past, apple used to have a thin plastic frame running around the edge of the screen that has been removed in these latest models. This means that the folks at the assembly line have to be far more precise to align the screen dead center of the device; any slight deviations result in wider gaps in some places.
In my experience, these minor cosmetic issues have existed for years owing to iPhones being mass produced on assembly lines where folks are more concerned with churning out volume over quality. I’ve personally just learned to live with them. I’d say try to put it out of your mind and enjoy your phone, and if down the line it gives you any other issues you can get it swapped out under warranty. In my experience, if you let these minor issues get to you you’re setting yourself up for some major grief as you’ll find such minor deviations with almost every device which could lead to dissatisfaction with your very expensive purchase.
 
The Imagine store is pretty good in Chennai/ Bangalore, have had my apple stuff replaced/ fixed whenever I had an issue. Dont continue using the phone as it is even if it works, get it replaced/ fixed, preferably replaced as its brand new. Also get applecare, its worth it, especially in India when fixing stuff is expensive outside of warranty.
 
Ugh, I wish I didn’t see this thread! My 12 mini has a gap at the bottom and on the left corner as well! It’s not as bad on mine I think though. Because I couldn’t see it easily, only the paper fits in the gap. The upper part and the long sides don’t have gaps.

edit: when I lightly press on the screen I can hear a clicking sound.. that’s not normal maybe?? :/
 

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I examined my husband's 12 Pro and my 12 Pro max. I can wiggle a piece of paper into gap areas on both. The paper will fit in slightly and I wonder it that is part of the design with the phone being sealed further down.

Out of curiosity I tried the same test on my Watch 6. I can fit a piece of paper between its screen and the metal wrapped around it to the same depth as I can on the iPhone 12's. I swim a mile six times a week with that watch on and tracking my progress. I got it when they were first released in September. I think I can safely say it handles the water just fine. So I am inclined to think the gap is just part of the design and the water seal still good.

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I examined my husband's 12 Pro and my 12 Pro max. I can wiggle a piece of paper into gap areas on both. The paper will fit in slightly and I wonder it that is part of the design with the phone being sealed further down.

Out of curiosity I tried the same test on my Watch 6. I can fit a piece of paper between its screen and the metal wrapped around it to the same depth as I can on the iPhone 12's. I swim a mile six times a week with that watch on and tracking my progress. I got it when they were first released in September. I think I can safely say it handles the water just fine. So I am inclined to think the gap is just part of the design and the water seal still good.

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That was smart to try..

Fwiw, I have silver sport s6 (just purchased 5 days ago from Best Buy) and the tolerances are super tight. There’s no gap, and I’m not able to stick paper (even thin receipt paper) in like you are doing.

I hope people sticking paper in their phone / watch bezels doesn’t become a meme now though lol. Sigh
 
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I think, I’m not 100% sure, but I lodged a little bit of 📄 receipt inside the gap of my 12pm. But yes, there’s a gap. my back up phone, the Xr, of course doesn’t have that gap because the curved phones came with rubber seal lined around the phone. Ummm, I never keep launch day phones and I always exchange once Before the return period ends Anyway.
 

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Same problem here with my iPhone 12 pro in the Netherlands. Space between the rim and display on the top. Noticed it because there was getting dust in between the space. I have an appointment at the Apple Store tomorrow. Curious what they say.
 
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Same problem here with my iPhone 12 pro in the Netherlands. Space between the rim and display on the top. Noticed it because there was getting dust in between the space. I have an appointment at the Apple Store tomorrow. Curious what they say.
kindly update.. Check with them whether this will have an impact on water resistance?
 
Both my max and iPad pro have a tiny gap and at least one area. Cannot see with the eye at all and have to use a really thin paper. It sounds like many have it. Im not going through all the stress of cherry picking etc. If its really bad or you can see it id probably contact apple. I never would have noticed if I had not read the forums.
 
I actually was expecting this to happen once the rumors of such design was hinted at.

This is why the design of the X, XS, and 11 is superior with the screen curving into the band, then with an added gasket inside. You cannot fix a piece of paper in.

With that said, i would think the 12S or 13 will fix this issue. I always go for gen 2 or gen 3 of a new design.
 
kindly update.. Check with them whether this will have an impact on water resistance?
Back from the store and got a new one. It was an edge case he said. Another one could say it was within the margin. He checked and half of the display phones there had it and the other half not. So I think i had some luck with the nice employee :). Asked also if it would have impact on the water resistancy and he assured me that wouldn't be the case; because of the glue behind the screen.
 
Back from the store and got a new one. It was an edge case he said. Another one could say it was within the margin. He checked and half of the display phones there had it and the other half not. So I think i had some luck with the nice employee :). Asked also if it would have impact on the water resistancy and he assured me that wouldn't be the case; because of the glue behind the screen.
Did your new set have any gaps where you could slip the paper in?
 
Back from the store and got a new one. It was an edge case he said. Another one could say it was within the margin. He checked and half of the display phones there had it and the other half not. So I think i had some luck with the nice employee :). Asked also if it would have impact on the water resistancy and he assured me that wouldn't be the case; because of the glue behind the screen.
Thanks for the update.. Whether the new phone has a gap issue?
 
does the phone work ?

if it does don't worry about it stop looking for issues enjoy your phone

Smart move is looking for issues while the phone is new so you can return/exchange it if need be.

It's a $1620 USD minimum iphone in India, you better get perfection for that price.
 
Google clarified the similar issue of its pixel 5 phones. Apple has to address this issue and clarify its customers. Being Tech giant- Transparency is more important and make confident in using their product.

Yes, Google "addressed" their poor manufacturing QC by basically saying "Oh that's normal to have random gaps between the screen and chassis". Total load of crap, unacceptable for an expensive phone (or any phone given it's not rocket science to engineer a gapless joint between screen and phone...).

PS I returned my Pixel 5 today at 3pm after receiving it by post at 1pm! I use both Apple and Android but when either of them start trying to sell me on this ********* I vote with my wallet and the Return button.
 
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