iPhone 7/Plus iPhone 7 problem. Think it's Audio IC. What can I do?

[yeeoldmacbook23]

What is going on my fellow Apple folks! I have a problem that I did research on but I came on here for (hopefully!) some help!
I have an iPhone 7 128gb which I bought brand new in 2016. Just in the last few days it's been having issues with people hearing me and I can't hear them. Speaker greyed out. Slow boot time. I looked up this issue and apparently it's "audio IC"? Before I looked this up I tried to restore the phone on my old 2010 MacBook. Restore went through fine but the issue persists. I'm now reading this is quite widespread and there's even some class action lawsuit? So I have a question: my phone looks mint. Been in a case with a screen protector since day 1. Never had it worked on. Before I make the hour trip or call Apple in the morning: are they replacing devices in store or am I out of luck due to the age of this phone? I don't really have the budget for a new device and I'd really prefer to just keep my 7 for a little longer if possible. I need this for work. Posting on here because I'm reading mixed results all over the web. Thank you for any help!!

 

[now i see it]

I have the exact same iPhone with the exact same problem. Dont bother taking it to apple because they won't and can't fix it. Yes it's the audio IC. You CAN make phone calls but only if you wear earphones so you can hear. The speaker for the phone is toast.

No they won't replace your busted 7 with a working one. The warranty period is up. But they'll love to sell you a new phone and you'll get the push to do so. The iPhone 7 sucks. At least mine did. And on iOS 13 it's even worse.

 

[yeeoldmacbook23]

That's really a shame to hear that they aren't doing any type of replacement program. I'd even be happy with 7 with a lower storage at this point. I guess I can get by on earbuds but I am so used to having the phone on speaker. What will you do with your 7 that has the problem? You said Apple can't fix it but isn't this their fault; like a hardware issue it seems?

Wanted to edit: I've been pretty loyal with Apple (had the original iPhone up to the current 7) and I've loved this 7. Yes I know there are newer models but this one *was* working perfect. I see the 8 is pretty similar aside from the glass back. Does the 8 have this issue? I might have to look at getting a replacement phone because I can't *not* have a fully functional device.

 

[now i see it]

Technically an iPhone that doesn't have apple care+ extra insurance is only guaranteed to work for one year. If it bricks on day 366, you're out of luck even if the cause was a design or manufacturing defect.

I have a 1 year old iPhone 8 also. It works perfectly (as much as iOS 13 will let it). In day to day use its just like using the 7 except it's a little heavier cuz of glass back. It's definitely not an upgrade for a functioning 7, but it's a good replacement for a messed up one.
I use iPhones for other purposes too, for example, Bluetooth displays, odometers etc, so my 7 has replaced my old 5 as my now overkill odometer and Bluetooth display.

 

[akash.nu]

That's really a shame to hear that they aren't doing any type of replacement program. I'd even be happy with 7 with a lower storage at this point. I guess I can get by on earbuds but I am so used to having the phone on speaker. What will you do with your 7 that has the problem? You said Apple can't fix it but isn't this their fault; like a hardware issue it seems?

Wanted to edit: I've been pretty loyal with Apple (had the original iPhone up to the current 7) and I've loved this 7. Yes I know there are newer models but this one *was* working perfect. I see the 8 is pretty similar aside from the glass back. Does the 8 have this issue? I might have to look at getting a replacement phone because I can't *not* have a fully functional device.

Electronic items fail. It’s nobody’s fault. The device is out of warranty. I’m not aware off the class action suit you’re talking about but just because someone has filed a case, doesn’t automatically make it the manufacturer’s fault. Until it’s proven there won’t be any move from Apple end if in their own testing they haven’t found anything obvious.

 

[DevinNj]

Not sure why you haven't contacted Apple first, but according to this link looks like they will take care of the issue:

Apple Service Program status - Apple Support

Apple Service Program status

support.apple.com

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Not sure why you haven't contacted Apple first, but according to this link looks like they will take care of the issue:

Apple Service Program status - Apple Support

Apple Service Program status

support.apple.com

That has absolutely nothing to do with speaker issues that the OP is experiencing.. That is for no cell service ...

 

[DevinNj]

That has absolutely nothing to do with speaker issues that the OP is experiencing.. That is for no cell service ...

My bad, I quoted the wrong link

 

[FlippyGonnaSnap]

HughJeffries actually got Apple to replace his faulty audio IC model when even out of warranty because it’s a design flaw.

Worth a shot.

Here is the video:

 

[yeeoldmacbook23]

Electronic items fail. It’s nobody’s fault. The device is out of warranty. I’m not aware off the class action suit you’re talking about but just because someone has filed a case, doesn’t automatically make it the manufacturer’s fault. Until it’s proven there won’t be any move from Apple end if in their own testing they haven’t found anything obvious.

I understand electronics fail but upon more research this is a widespread issue effecting many 7 and 7 Plus devices. A friend has fortunately given me his backup phone, a Samsung, for now. But I still have a lot of info on my 7 and I just preferred that. If I had treated this device rough, really did some damage and stuff then sure I can understand having issues with it. But I literally babied my 7. I used it very lightly for calls, texting and music only. No heavy use. I really think Apple should at least help in some way. A credit or something. Don't you think? If this apparent audio ic issue was few and far between I can see Apple not taking responsibility but this is different. My Toyota, for example, is well out of warranty however I had a major safety notice in the mail earlier talking about how some electronic can fail on my car. I took it in and it was fixed for free. It wasn't a safety issue. Just an electronic one. Toyota did it for free. Why can't Apple do the same?
[automerge]1573330891[/automerge]

My bad, I quoted the wrong link

I actually appreciate the link even though it wasn't for my issue lol. But there's a "no service" issue with the 7 too?? Seriously? These issues can't all be by chance. Can't Apple just recall these devices?

 

[akash.nu]

I understand electronics fail but upon more research this is a widespread issue effecting many 7 and 7 Plus devices. A friend has fortunately given me his backup phone, a Samsung, for now. But I still have a lot of info on my 7 and I just preferred that. If I had treated this device rough, really did some damage and stuff then sure I can understand having issues with it. But I literally babied my 7. I used it very lightly for calls, texting and music only. No heavy use. I really think Apple should at least help in some way. A credit or something. Don't you think? If this apparent audio ic issue was few and far between I can see Apple not taking responsibility but this is different. My Toyota, for example, is well out of warranty however I had a major safety notice in the mail earlier talking about how some electronic can fail on my car. I took it in and it was fixed for free. It wasn't a safety issue. Just an electronic one. Toyota did it for free. Why can't Apple do the same?

A phone and a car are not really similar analogies. A car malfunctioning can be a critical system failure depending on what it is. Human life is at steak there. An audio IC malfunctioning within a smartphone is nowhere close to that level. That’s why different types of devices has to go through different types of safety checks and certifications.

You babying a device doesn’t change anything with an electronic failure. It’s not really controlled by the users. It wouldn’t have failed because you’ve been using it more for years. That’s a mechanical device mindset, not related to electronic devices.

Also, when you say the issue is widespread, what’s your sample size? I hope you’re not just making your mind up by reading a few threads on the internet. Bear in mind iPhone models get sold in millions.

Please don’t take my responses in wrong sense. I’m not trying to counterattack you. Just trying to say that you’re feeling bad for no reason and your expectations are formed incorrectly.

 

[yeeoldmacbook23]

A phone and a car are not really similar analogies. A car malfunctioning can be a critical system failure depending on what it is. Human life is at steak there. An audio IC malfunctioning within a smartphone is nowhere close to that level. That’s why different types of devices has to go through different types of safety checks and certifications.

You babying a device doesn’t change anything with an electronic failure. It’s not really controlled by the users. It wouldn’t have failed because you’ve been using it more for years. That’s a mechanical device mindset, not related to electronic devices.

Also, when you say the issue is widespread, what’s your sample size? I hope you’re not just making your mind up by reading a few threads on the internet. Bear in mind iPhone models get sold in millions.

Please don’t take my responses in wrong sense. I’m not trying to counterattack you. Just trying to say that you’re feeling bad for no reason and your expectations are formed incorrectly.

Oh no worries. I don't feel like you're trying to counterattack it's been friendly on here and considering I'm new here I actually like reading the different forums here just for fun! I'm more thankful for replies on here more than anything.

I suppose my analogy was a little poor but it's still a failure, nonetheless. I've concluded that this issue is widespread based on reading multiple articles from sites like this one, for example. Other sites, YouTube videos from cell phone repair shops, personal comments from customers on Apple's own website. And from that research I also found out about some type of "touch disease" problem with the iPhone 6 Plus. I heard of "bend gate" but I never owned a 6 Plus, just a smaller 6. Never had a issue with that. I never had an issue with any of my other iPhones (original, 3G S, 4S, 5S, 6) until this 7. Now I happened to do some research on this and suddenly I find a multitude of articles, videos, comments, etc from different sources all regarding this audio deal on the 7 and 7 Plus. That doesn't seem isolated to me even though like you said Apple has sold literally millions and millions of these. It just seems more frequent on these particular models. I don't think all the articles and stuff are just coincidences.

Audio IC: What You Need to Know About iPhone 7 Loop Disease

Having trouble with your iPhone 7's audio? It could be Audio IC, aka loop disease. Learn all about iPhone 7 loop disease, and how your device may be affected.

blog.puls.com

iPhone 7 'Loop Disease' audio chip issue targeted in class action complaint | AppleInsider

A new class action complaint seeks damages and a hardware recall from Apple over the so-called iPhone 7 "Loop Disease," an issue that causes audio problems on impacted handsets and can ultimately render the device inoperable.

appleinsider.com

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/05/04/apple-aware-of-iphone-7-mic-issue-ios-11-3/ (Apple said a "limited" amount)

https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/8tboxc

Apple Investigation Probes Into Audio IC iPhone 7 Problem

Reports of an audio IC iPhone 7 problem have been dubbed "loop disease" by tech experts. Symptoms include screen freezing and distorted audio.

topclassactions.com

An iPhone 7 audio problem that could cost you $180 to fix

Having audio problems with your iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus? It seems that you are not alone, and if its out of warranty you might have to pay as much as $180 to get the problem fixed.

www.zdnet.com

these are just some of the articles I browsed through. I'm not going after Apple because I really do support them and my iPhone 7 has been stellar up until now as it sits on my desk here literally unusable. But I do appreciate your feedback and I find it friendly on here, sincerely.

 

[SHIVERINGGOAT]

I had the same problem the only option was to pay £315 for a new iPhone 7 256GB via Apple or £25 via eBay to send off to have the board micro soldered. I don't normally opt for unauthorised repairs but its worked. Many people are charging £80 for this repair but searching eBay I found someone with good feedback for the specific repair, now its back working. I am also not happy that a phone I paid over £1,000 for just over 3 years ago seems to have developed a fault that's pretty widespread - I've read loads of customer feedback on eBay after these repairs. Hope this helps.

 

[TSM]

I had the same problem the only option was to pay £315 for a new iPhone 7 256GB via Apple or £25 via eBay to send off to have the board micro soldered. I don't normally opt for unauthorised repairs but its worked. Many people are charging £80 for this repair but searching eBay I found someone with good feedback for the specific repair, now its back working. I am also not happy that a phone I paid over £1,000 for just over 3 years ago seems to have developed a fault that's pretty widespread - I've read loads of customer feedback on eBay after these repairs. Hope this helps.

Can you share that technician's adress?
I need it badly now

 

[perezr10]

HughJeffries actually got Apple to replace his faulty audio IC model when even out of warranty because it’s a design flaw.

Worth a shot.

Here is the video:

No, Apple won’t replace it. I took my daughter’s iPhone 7 to the Apple Store and they refused. If you have an iPhone 7 don’t even bother unless you want to be laughed at.

On occasion, Apple can fix anything for free if they feel like it. That’s what Hugh Jeffries got.
[automerge]1594686001[/automerge]

 

[SHIVERINGGOAT]

Can you share that technician's adress?
I need it badly now

He was great, and my friend had same problem he sorted this too. I had my iPhone 7 repaired 7 months ago, still working fine

IPHONE 7/7+ AUDIO-SOUND IC REPAIR NO MIC SOUND DISEASE LONG BOOT AUDIO IC REPAIR | eBay

• No microphone. • iPhone takes ages to turn on. • Any sound faults. • No audio in calls. Is your phone suffering from any of the below?. We do most micro soldering repairs, as well as screens, battery's flex's.

www.ebay.co.uk