iPhone 7 Water resistant but water damage not covered - ********* at Genius Bar?

[ventmore]

I completely agree.

I understand that it's impossible for Apple to know whether an iPhone 7 has been damaged from a spilled glass of water or a 20 meter dive. At the same time, they should have an obligation to repair a phone that failed to conform to the IP68 specification that Apple advertises. To not do so is false advertising plain and simple.

I'm guessing that in the USA at least it will take a class-action lawsuit to resolve the question.

I believe it's IP67.

I've always been very cautious about using my iPhones outside if there's any rain whatsoever, yet I know a lot of people who will quite happily pull their iPhone out in the rain, and they have never had a problem.

With the iPhone 7, I will no longer worry about using my device in the rain. If for some reason the seals fail and water does get in, then I will deal with Apple then, but I'm not worrying about it now.

They can't really warranty it for water damage because, as we all know, they would then have people wanting replacements after taking it to the bottom of the pool, or even using it for underwater photos whilst diving, and they'd have no way of knowing whether those people had used the device within the limits of the IP67 rating or not.

 

[JohnApples]

If Apple advertised your phone dropping from "X" distance to the ground without shattering, you'd expect it to be able to drop from "X" distance safely. They don't advertise that your phone will be able to withstand any drop, so it's not a 1:1 situation.

The OPs point is that if he or she is using it in advertised water settings and it fails, it should be covered. I agree in theory, but there would be no way for Apple to determine the validity of a person's claim of innocence.

Not true, they actually advertise that iphone is IP67 resistant.
It is a clear certification that means:


It is actually very clear

Good point, it is an official standard. Although, in either case (even if they did have a standard for drops up to x feet), there's still unfortunately no way to determine if you were following those guidelines. It's tricky, because I don't believe there's any legal requirement for a company to provide warranty services toward water resistance claims?

 

[Romf]

Good point, it is an official standard. Although, in either case (even if they did have a standard for drops up to x feet), there's still unfortunately no way to determine if you were following those guidelines. It's tricky, because I don't believe there's any legal requirement for a company to provide warranty services toward water resistance claims?

Hmm no idea, but maybe that would be the trick, if a law says they don't have to cover any water resistance related problems. Although, seen the number of countries they are selling in, I don't really see how that would be possible.
I am really waiting anyway for the first problems to see how it will be dealt with by Apple

 

[Steve686]

First of all NOBODY has their phones yet.

Secondly, since nobody has their phones yet there have not been any incidents to gauge how well the phone holds up against water in everyday situations.

Thirdly, since the above is true, nobody has any idea whatsoever how Apple is going to act and rectify any situation that, quite frankly, hasn't even come up yet.

My Apple Watch suffered water damage last year. I had Apple Care since the watch was a wearable and very prone to impacts and contact with water. I showered with it daily and that's the only water that contacted it. I took my watch to Apple after the screen started to fail and they said it was water damage.

Even though they said it was water damage, they replaced my Watch through Normal channels and did not use my Apple Care replacement option. I was an early adopter and very pleasantly surprised that I had to pay no money out of my pocket for a brand new watch.

 

[garyleecn]

I am interested in this as well/


I think you didn't get my point.
When you buy a phone, you can have bad luck and get a model with something defective. It can be the home button (for previous phones ), or the camera or *anything*. It just happen as millions of devices can't be 100% perfect.
In all these cases, an appointment to the genius bar will solve the problem as it will be exchanged under warranty.
So the "waterproofing" (or water-resistant function) could be, as any other functions, defective.
Some say iphone 6S was already water resistant but it wasn't advertised. So if you went to genius bar with a water damaged iphone 6S, Apple had grounds to refuse the warranty exchange.
Here, water resistance is a function like any others. What if you get a defective one, and your phone gets a water damage under a rain or with a few splash? On what grounds can Apple not replace a phone with a defective, advertised function?


My first guess is that geniuses will have instructions to be quite relaxed about it and assert the situation by questionning the customer, but maybe I am wrong

Exactly. They have no way to proof that the water damage is due to misuse instead of defections

 

[_Refurbished_]

First of all NOBODY has their phones yet.

Secondly, since nobody has their phones yet there have not been any incidents to gauge how well the phone holds up against water in everyday situations.

Thirdly, since the above is true, nobody has any idea whatsoever how Apple is going to act and rectify any situation that, quite frankly, hasn't even come up yet.

My Apple Watch suffered water damage last year. I had Apple Care since the watch was a wearable and very prone to impacts and contact with water. I showered with it daily and that's the only water that contacted it. I took my watch to Apple after the screen started to fail and they said it was water damage.

Even though they said it was water damage, they replaced my Watch through Normal channels and did not use my Apple Care replacement option. I was an early adopter and very pleasantly surprised that I had to pay no money out of my pocket for a brand new watch.

The OP is pointing out that there can be a defect in the waterproofing. You wouldn't be officially covered using the phone under Apple's guidelines.

You went against Apple's guidelines and were lucky to deal with a nice rep. They clearly weren't obligated to replace anything.

I'm assuming Apple will give the customer the benefit of the doubt, unless there is clear evidence of abuse. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[perkedel]

People still need to be careful with their phones. They are more water resistant but not waterproof. It doesn't mean you get a license to go out and be reckless with it and still expect Apple to cover everything no matter what.

People with common sense do this, but you know, some idiot will go nuts on this, and post videos on YouTube!

 

[Steve686]

For a defect, yes, you would be covered.

If someone brings a water damaged phone into Apple, it isn't like water damage in the past where they merely shined a light on water sensor stickers that were accessible to a 3 year old.

It's going to be up Apple to examine the phone and determine if there is a defect, which they may not even disclose to the user, and replace the phone free of charge.

I know what the OP is saying, but the simple fact is that nobody knows what Apple is actually going to do case by case. So getting worked up and creating hysteria about something unknown is pointless.

Just like the whole Zika virus concoction.

 

[dmx]

If won't be covered.

Samsung phones are IP68 and water damage is not covered under warranty. Luxury watches (not talking about smart watches) are also typically water proof/resistant but water damage isn't covered, either. Unfortunately, covering water damage isn't possible as people could easily abuse it to get their device replaced.

Just as with Samsung - you'll need accidental damage coverage for water damage.

 

[PJM83]

Sony and Samsung's warranties doesn't cover water damage either. However they usually replace the device if it fails a pressure test due to manufacturing error. One of my coworkers Xperia Z3 stopped working after he took pictures with it in the pool, told Sony as it was and after a pressure test they replaced it. Said a rubber sealing was faulty.

 

[_Refurbished_]

For a defect, yes, you would be covered.

If someone brings a water damaged phone into Apple, it isn't like water damage in the past where they merely shined a light on water sensor stickers that were accessible to a 3 year old.

It's going to be up Apple to examine the phone and determine if there is a defect, which they may not even disclose to the user, and replace the phone free of charge.

I know what the OP is saying, but the simple fact is that nobody knows what Apple is actually going to do case by case. So getting worked up and creating hysteria about something unknown is pointless.

Just like the whole Zika virus concoction.

I don't think there is hysteria, at least not with me. The interesting part of this thread is that this is the first time you could be uncovered for a defective part. That's what's being pointed out.

My 3GS became water damaged through an unknown cause and Apple wouldn't fix my charging port (the reason I took it to the Apple Store in the first place). Had this happened with the 7 I would be enraged, assuming I followed their guidelines for the 7.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

I'll be washing mine once a week to get the dust bunnies out. I'll let you know lol

Seriously though I use my aw1 in the shower and I've been swimming with it on without an issue and I'll continue to do so. It's either partially or fully submerged daily without a hint of misting.

Interesting...

 

[ZEEN0j]

I would worry about the 7 being the first water resistant iPhone a problem. The 6s has rubber gaskets (I don't remember where) so they actually started experimenting there. Of course you could have a manufacturing defect and that would be a bummer.

 

[Romf]

For a defect, yes, you would be covered.

If someone brings a water damaged phone into Apple, it isn't like water damage in the past where they merely shined a light on water sensor stickers that were accessible to a 3 year old.

It's going to be up Apple to examine the phone and determine if there is a defect, which they may not even disclose to the user, and replace the phone free of charge.

I know what the OP is saying, but the simple fact is that nobody knows what Apple is actually going to do case by case. So getting worked up and creating hysteria about something unknown is pointless.

Just like the whole Zika virus concoction.

Definitely, everything here is just speculation and talking - but isn't that what a forum is for?
I am quite sure we will learn that geniuses are given some guidelines about how to treat these problems.

Sony and Samsung's warranties doesn't cover water damage either. However they usually replace the device if it fails a pressure test due to manufacturing error. One of my coworkers Xperia Z3 stopped working after he took pictures with it in the pool, told Sony as it was and after a pressure test they replaced it. Said a rubber sealing was faulty.

That's an interesting input, thank you

 

[sinsin07]

You mean don't use a feature you are buying the phone for?
That's quite some logic you got there

You mention logic and appear to be worried about iPhones getting wet, defective devices and leaky seals.
You are already aware of Apples "get out of jail free card" concerning water damage.
Logic would dictate don't explore getting your phone wet. And if you do, be prepared to pay.
Then there is no need to worry about this:

I think Apple will in the future see some problems with this and I don't know how it could be solved.

and crying and gnashing of teeth, or the invariable "class action law suit".

Simple.

 

[Romf]

You mention logic and appear to be worried about iPhones getting wet, defective devices and leaky seals.
You are already aware of Apples "get out of jail free card" concerning water damage.
Logic would dictate don't explore getting your phone wet. And if you do, be prepared to pay.
Then there is no need to worry about this:

and crying and gnashing of teeth, or the invariable "class action law suit".

Simple.

My intention is not to go put my phone in the water as some people suggest.
But for example, not care about placing a call under the rain

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Don't worry about it. It's most likely just a scare tactic to prevent people from deliberately submerging their iPhones.

The first-generation Apple Watch is IPX7-rated (water proof to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and it also has a similar disclaimer that "submerging the AW is not recommended," yet they've been swapping out water-damaged AWs (due to a manufacturing defect) under the standard warranty.

Given that many Apple Watch owners did not heed Apple's warning that the AW not be submerged, they simply decided to use stronger language to say that water damage won't be covered under warranty as a more powerful scare tactic.

Because they're advertising and selling the iPhone 7 with a specific IP rating, they're legally obligated to warranty water-damaged iPhone 7/7+ (due to a manufacturing defect) as long as it incurs water damage within the scope of the IP67 rating.

 

[garyleecn]

I think Apple said that as a "precaution"

Since Apple is known for good, and flexible customer service, I think they won't deny too many water damages.

They said that just in case someone try to make a scene, obviously take advantage of it, or even bring a lawsuit, then Apple can say this: we told you, it's not covered

 

[caelius]

As a lot of people already said, claiming that water damage is covered would be an invitation for people to abuse it. Want a need phone? Sure, just throw it into the pool and get one. Apple would be stupid to open that door just an inch wide.

That being said, I'm pretty sure they'll cover it anyway. After a case-by-case examination. Also, the first Apple Watch is IPX7 rated too and survived me swimming with it for over a year now without the tiniest problem.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I think Apple said that as a "precaution"

Since Apple is known for good, and flexible customer service, I think they won't deny too many water damages.

They said that just in case someone try to make a scene, obviously take advantage of it, or even bring a lawsuit, then Apple can say this: we told you, it's not covered

I think it's just a scare tactic because some people who don't know any better will heed their advice just because Apple says so. However, they can't legally deny warranty service to water-damaged iPhone 7/7+ given that they're advertising and selling them with the IP67 rating. "We told you it's not covered" won't work anyway.

They've repaired water-damaged IPX7-rated original Apple Watch under warranty and they've never pulled the line "We told you it is not to be submerged so too bad."

As a lot of people already said, claiming that water damage is covered would be an invitation for people to abuse it. Want a need phone? Sure, just throw it into the pool and get one. Apple would be stupid to open that door just an inch wide.

That being said, I'm pretty sure they'll cover it anyway. After a case-by-case examination. Also, the first Apple Watch is IPX7 rated too and survived me swimming with it for over a year now without the tiniest problem.

Can't just throw it in the pool and get a new one. It'd be quite difficult to get the iPhone 7/7+ to croak under water. It's officially rated as waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes just like your AW that you've taken swimming all this time, and unofficially it can handle greater depth and longer time.

 

[stulaw11]

No phone manufacturer includes water damage in their warranty.

There is NO possible way with water to know if you went beyond its limits. the phone is either wet or not wet.

It's not like with a drop you can see damage. Absent some visible manufacturing defect in the seals of course when they crack it open; that may be a different story.

There is no way to know if you went past the 1 meter or whatever the iphone 7 is rated for or 2 feet of water. so they just simply do not warranty that aspect.

 

[Apple2zcore]

My question about all of this is whether or not the applecare+ covers water damage replacement as one of the two $99 replacements?

Is this a given or not?

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

No phone manufacturer includes water damage in their warranty.

There is NO possible way with water to know if you went beyond its limits. the phone is either wet or not wet.

It's not like with a drop you can see damage. Absent some visible manufacturing defect in the seals of course when they crack it open; that may be a different story.

There is no way to know if you went past the 1 meter or whatever the iphone 7 is rated for or 2 feet of water. so they just simply do not warranty that aspect.

False. They warranty water-damaged Apple Watch under the standard warranty.

Not knowing whether you went beyond the scope of the IP rating is irrelevant. If the customer said they never took it deeper than 1 meter for 30 minutes, Apple will accept it as true and replace it. If, however, you let the cat out of the bag that you took it diving then they have the right to deny warranty service.

 

[sinsin07]

My intention is not to go put my phone in the water as some people suggest.
But for example, not care about placing a call under the rain

You survived this long without placing calls in the rain, but if you feel the urgent need to place calls in the rain, shower, standing in a swimming pool, whatever do so.
Just be prepared to pay if something goes wrong and don't whine about it.

 

[legioxi]

My question about all of this is whether or not the applecare+ covers water damage replacement as one of the two $99 replacements?

Is this a given or not?

Yes, AC+ covers water damage as on of the two $99 replacements since it is not a normal warranty repair.

ADH coverage will expire and all of Apple’s obligations to you under this section 3.2 will be fulfilled in their entirety before the end of the Plan Term when Apple, as a result of ADH claims, has provided to you two (2) Service Events. ADH coverage only applies to an operational or mechanical failure caused by an accident from handling that is the result of an unexpected and unintentional external event (e.g. drops and damage caused by liquid contact) that arises from your normal daily usage of the Covered Device as intended for such Covered Device.

ADH coverage does not include

(a) protection against normal wear and tear, theft, misplacement, damages caused by reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the Covered Device,

(b) protection against any other act or result not covered by the Plan, as described in Section 4.2 below, or

(c) any damage to the Covered Device that arises from one or more conditions described in Section 3.2 (a) or (b).

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/applecare/applecareplus/docs/applecareplusnaen.html