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Apple settles over iPhone water damage warranty issues

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 12 Apr 2013 5:10 User comments (4)

Apple settles over iPhone water damage warranty issues Apple has settled a recent lawsuit in which they were accused of not honoring warranties of their iOS devices including the iPhone and iPod Touch.
In settling, Apple admits to no wrongdoing, and will pay out $53 million to tens of thousands of customers.

The case, which could have cost Apple a lot more if they did not settle, revolved around the so-called "white tape indicator" found in the device. The little strip of tape helps gauge water damage and will turn pink or red depending on the severity of the water damage. Apple refused to repair hardware without a white tape.

This is all fine and good, except for the fact that the tape maker, 3M, admitted that humidity could cause the damage, as well, not just direct water damage.

The settlement is for owners of the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and the first three generations of the iPod Touch who were refused repairs or replacements due to water damage. The payouts are expected to be large, even above $100.

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4 user comments

113.4.2013 02:20

why so much confusion? make all smartphones water/dust-proof like sony has done now for experia z. i do not understand why smartphones makers do not consider it as a "requirement". phones are smarter but are weaker now-a-days as a "phone".

214.4.2013 03:29

How do I cash in on this? My wife was denied service due to water damage on her 3GS a couple years ago.

314.4.2013 05:32

OUCH!

I expect them to sue 3M then.



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This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 14 Apr 2013 @ 5:35

414.4.2013 19:51

I wonder if I should lightly activate the strip on my 3gs.....

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