What the hell is happening to Apple?

samiwas said:
People seem to think that every single unit produced goes through a manual quality control person who checks every switch, glass leveling, light leak... I hardly think this is the case.

I have spent exactly zero time researching mass electronics production in Chinese factories, but to think that every single unit is checked is just ludicrous. This could simply be that the factory did not produce the item even to Apple's spec. Do you think Steve sits there and opens every one of the millions of phones produced and looks over them?

If Apple approved of the quality, they would not be replacing them for free for something as minor as tiny scratches in the chrome. They would tell you that's just part of the manufacturing process. They ARE taking them back for even the most mundane of "problems". That, to me, shows that they actually do care that you get a good product.

As several others have said, it seems like a massive manufacturing problem because phone geeks who find even the slightest imperfection with their phone will flock to a site like this to complain. To many people, their phone is what defines their existence. People who have good phones, people who simply don't care, and the hundreds of thousands of people who do NOT come to internet forums will never be heard from. You hear lots of noise from the tiny percentage of people who do have problems, so it sounds like a major problem.
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As someone who previously worked on computer systems used in the manufacturing of automotive electronics and safety equipment, I can tell you that in the US, every part is checked. EVERY part goes through either an infrared, xray, photographic scanner and anything that is out of spec, even down to minute cracks in say the casing of a car radio causes the device to be rejected and scraped. Now if the US can do it, then why the heck cant China?

Apple has gone from a nitch manufacturer of great devices that were quality, to a more mainstream manufacturer of great devices that are kwality with a k. That being said, I am going to keep on using my semi defective macbook pro and my cracked iPhone 3G, because the replacements will be worse.
 
bit_bucket said:
As someone who previously worked on computer systems used in the manufacturing of automotive electronics and safety equipment, I can tell you that in the US, every part is checked. EVERY part goes through either an infrared, xray, photographic scanner and anything that is out of spec, even down to minute cracks in say the casing of a car radio causes the device to be rejected and scraped.
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Maybe car parts are checked like that because people's lives are at stake.
 
With the number of iPhones Apple have sold since launch day, even a small percentage of failures will result in a large number of disgruntled users. It's unfortunate and annoying if you get a bad one but the fact remains (borne out by numerous surveys) that Apple remain at the top end of reliability among hi tech manufacturers.

Personally, I've never had a problem with a single Apple product I've bought (and I've bought a lot over the years!), but have had numerous problems with Dell, HP and IBM (with a faulty ThinkPad). I've also had faulty phones from Nokia, HTC and Motorola. Does that mean all equipment from those manufacturers is useless? No, it just means I was unlucky in exactly the same way people with bad iPhones have been unlucky.
 
cellocello said:
Maybe car parts are checked like that because people's lives are at stake.
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Not entirely. Our radio line was checked like this. Radios with cracks are not a safety hazard. Actually most respected electronics manufacturers check this stuff. I guess Apple's China manufacturers cant be bothered with such high tech folly?!
 
stevearm said:
That's funny, most Nokia or Microsoft phones are ten times more stable/better built than this piece or crap iphone 3G
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Yeah, the three Samsung Blackjacks I went through in one year were all better built...NOT. Each had a "known manufacturing defect," hence the warranty replacements. And I had several tech support agents advise me that "Windows Mobile needs to be restarted at least once a day to keep from crashing." While that is probably typical tech support BS, it certainly seemed necessary with all four WM phones I owned prior to this iPhone. I had to visit the Task Manager quite a lot due to the phone getting bogged down. My Moto Q required me to remove the battery a couple of times just to get it unstuck.
 
bit_bucket said:
Not entirely. Our radio line was checked like this. Radios with cracks are not a safety hazard. Actually most respected electronics manufacturers check this stuff. I guess Apple's China manufacturers cant be bothered with such high tech folly?!
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Nokia's China manufacturers check every single cell phone and every single cell phone part under an X-Ray machine? News to me.
 
I love my iPhone 3G and all, but Apple did slack with this one. This is not their first phone and they have had past experience with iPhone manufacturing. When I got my original iPhone on launch day there were zero problems besides bugs that were fixed with a software update.

Apple is used to mass producing products and I just think that the iPhones shouldn't have the casing flaws that they have.

Yes I know not EVERY iPhone is poorly built, but I just think Apple could have done a better job.
 
stevearm said:
That's funny, most Nokia or Microsoft phones are ten times more stable/better built than this piece or crap iphone 3G
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Really? Do you have any experience whatsoever with multiple phones? Do you own other models? Do you even own an iPhone 3G? Or is your comment based on ignorance?

The very fact that you claim that Microsoft phones are "ten times more stable" than the iPhone leads me to believe that your comment is one of pure stupidity. I am by no means an Apple fanatic. I've owned plenty of cell phones, Microsoft-based ones included. I need not retort on your comment; your claim is embarrassing in itself.

Once again, people need to realize that this is an iPhone forum. People go to a forum for help. They don't come to rave about their new purchase. Go to a Nokia forum. Go to a Motorola forum. You'll see similar posts.

GNice said:
Clearly you must not have used an MS phone much:D
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This sums up the above.
 
This is a given with all early adopters, regardless of the product, be it an iPhone, a Blu-Ray player, or a car. I'm not defending Apple, but people need to take these things with a grain of salt. It sounds like Apple is doing a good job replacing defective product, which given the sheer volume of sales they are going through, is really all we can ask for right now.

The only other solution is to wait until the hype dies down and buy one then. Even then it doesn't guarantee that you'll get a perfect phone.
 
Some random thoughts...

There were 18 million Windows Mobile devices sold over the past year, so bigtime goofs would be pretty well known.

The new Verizon Touch (XV6900) got an immediate reputation for having splits in its white case. Any plastic experts here with knowledge of the effects of different color dyes?

Re: daily resets for WM phones. Not only is that a common suggestion for the iPhone as well, but owners are also often told to reload (restore) the entire OS ! I"ve never heard someone say to do that for WM.

Just read an article on in-sourcing. A company that makes hair styling equipment just moved their factory from overseas to the USA. They said it took 75 Chinese twenty minutes to make one of their flatirons. Here, it took five Americans just five minutes. No details why.

It seems pretty clear that Apple doesn't do extensive testing or QC. They prefer that the customer spend their time and money to come in for a replacement. The odd result is that people think highly of Apple for being so willing to give them another unit. Who would've thunk it? There must be a marketing lesson in there somewhere related to the perception of getting something for "free".
 
GNice said:
Clearly you must not have used an MS phone much:D...or you got awful lucky.
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Windows Mobile is far more stable than the 2.0 software, I know because I use one at work, and had one a couple of years ago for personal use.

Spongey817 said:
Really? Do you have any experience whatsoever with multiple phones? Do you own other models? Do you even own an iPhone 3G? Or is your comment based on ignorance?

The very fact that you claim that Microsoft phones are "ten times more stable" than the iPhone leads me to believe that your comment is one of pure stupidity.
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The last windows mobile smartphone I had must have crashed about twice a year. My current iPhone 3G crashed twice on the first day. Every post on this board is about various problems with the iPhone 3G, be it with the build, the reception, the battery life, the software, the app store etc etc...
 
To the OP:

My replacement phone was scratched badly on the metal trim around the glass.

Did they let you replace a replacement because of scratches?
 
xolan99 said:
To the OP:

My replacement phone was scratched badly on the metal trim around the glass.

Did they let you replace a replacement because of scratches?
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Yeah, well, that was only one of the problems I had with my 2nd 3G. And I didn't intend on making a case out of the scratches, actually.

I went in and told one of the geniuses that I get vertical streaks on the screen when it's in lock-mode and so I think I should get another replacement, especially considering I had just come in the day before for a replacement. He gave me a half-assed answer saying that the phone works fine and so he thinks I should just go back.

So I gave him the whole list. The black streaks, light leak, scratched metal bezel, dust under the screen, the whole package. That pretty much shut him up. I got a replacement and it still has the light leak, albeit a lot smaller than before. I'm happy with today's replacement (knock on wood).

But,,, whatever the case, if you paid $300 after waiting in line, you can get the phone replaced, dude. There is no reason why you should have a scratched up product out of the box "just because Apple has to meet high demands" F-that. It's your money and, if you have a job that pays well, you can probably make another argument saying that you can buy another iPhone with the time you spent trying to get an exchange. I went back to the store 3 times before getting this one, so yeah. Good luck with everything. Make your case and get that phone you paid for.
 
stevearm said:
. Every post on this board is about various problems with the iPhone 3G, be it with the build, the reception, the battery life, the software, the app store etc etc...
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Maybe you missed my point, though I stated it twice already.

Not many people, if any, come to a forum to rave about their latest gadget purchase. They don't search google for MacRumors for the sole purpose of sharing their love for the iPhone in hundreds of threads entitled "my iPhone is perfect." It doesn't work that way.

People come here for solutions to problems (mainly). And they do the same for every other mobile manufacturer on the planet.

Don't believe me? Check out just one subforum from Microsoft for WM. https://forums.microsoft.com/WindowsMobile/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1592&SiteID=65
 
My 3g is cosmetically perfect, no issues there. But I do think that the 2.0 software is extremely buggy. Lots of us have reported crashing/freezing etc. The software that was released just seems like a beta release.

So it is just surprising that Apple would release something like I mentioned, and then in effect ask the public to be patient while they solve all of the software glitches over the next several months. Really, that's just not fair to what has been a very loyal customer base. I'm sure that they were aware of all of the issues with the software/app store, etc., but were up against a release deadline and just had to get it out already.
 
Programmers

docal97 said:
My 3g is cosmetically perfect, no issues there. But I do think that the 2.0 software is extremely buggy. Lots of us have reported crashing/freezing etc. The software that was released just seems like a beta release.

So it is just surprising that Apple would release something like I mentioned, and then in effect ask the public to be patient while they solve all of the software glitches over the next several months. Really, that's just not fair to what has been a very loyal customer base. I'm sure that they were aware of all of the issues with the software/app store, etc., but were up against a release deadline and just had to get it out already.
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I agree, Steve has always had excellent foresight for design. Apple products have been beautifully designed since the beginning. Look at the 3gen iPod and compare it to the design of the Zune. The Zune could have been a competitor, however, cosmetically it doesn't come close. I think the Apple design crew is doing a great job; their programmers have been dropping the ball lately, and if this doesn't turn around I think we'll begin to see sales dropping. The difference between Apple users and Microsoft/PC users is the fact that most of the Apple folks are very computer/gadget literate. Apple users are easily frustrated due to the fact that they know implementing the needed changes to the Apple devices can happen, but Apple just won't commit time to doing it! Come on Apple, put your game face on! Alright, I'm done with my Rant.
 
My biggest disappointment may not be with Apple and their deteriorating quality control, it is with consumers who have adopted the attitude that all things now-a-days will be made poorly and that is OK with them.

Have Americans been beaten down so badly by corporations that they simply now consider poor quality control, poor customer service as the norm?

Think about it: the airlines are now charging for checking bags -- result no one is upset. So now US Air is charging for Cokes and other drinks.

When Apple went with AT&T we should have known this would not turn out good. Ever try and register on their site? I did this morning. They "send" you a temporary password via text message -- except when you get the message it says they have set up an e-mail account for you -- no password. Want to retrieve your e-mail? Well, you need a password. Want to go online and get support? You need a password.

The new phone is cheaper -- plain and simple. And the charges AT&T stick you with make the phone the same cost as before. The result is Apple makes more money, AT&T makes more money, and you have a cheaper phone.

We live in a world of shoddy. And Apple has embraced this way of doing business with enthusiasm.
 
stevearm said:
Windows Mobile is far more stable than the 2.0 software, I know because I use one at work, and had one a couple of years ago for personal use.
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Of course WM is more stable right now .... its on version 6.1 (soon to be 7) .... its had years and years of continued development on it ....

But i would say this .... LOOK AT IT... we're on version 6 and its not exactly mind blowing or innovative ... I'm not necesssarily saying this as a fanboi ... but WM hasn't really HAD to innovate or move the game in a completely different direction .... therefore its been solidly evolved and stabalised.

Last time i used windows mobile was around version 3 or 4 (i had an ipaq) .. i am pretty confident that i could pick up a WM6 device and be up and running pretty quick .... while this isn't a bad thing ... its very functional but the iphone is working on a completely different philosophy .... its launched as a public device and is going towards corporate ... WM was initally developed as a corportate OS ... like blackberry and is now moving the other way .... hence the BB Thunder upcoming ....

Technically BB doesn't need to compete in that way quite so much with iphone but they feel the need to ... makes you wonder
 
numediaman said:
My biggest disappointment may not be with Apple and their deteriorating quality control, it is with consumers who have adopted the attitude that all things now-a-days will be made poorly and that is OK with them.

Have Americans been beaten down so badly by corporations that they simply now consider poor quality control, poor customer service as the norm?

Think about it: the airlines are now charging for checking bags -- result no one is upset. So now US Air is charging for Cokes and other drinks.

When Apple went with AT&T we should have known this would not turn out good. Ever try and register on their site? I did this morning. They "send" you a temporary password via text message -- except when you get the message it says they have set up an e-mail account for you -- no password. Want to retrieve your e-mail? Well, you need a password. Want to go online and get support? You need a password.

The new phone is cheaper -- plain and simple. And the charges AT&T stick you with make the phone the same cost as before. The result is Apple makes more money, AT&T makes more money, and you have a cheaper phone.

We live in a world of shoddy. And Apple has embraced this way of doing business with enthusiasm.
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Please remind me a time when things were made good or better.
 
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