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My iPhone 3G has a zit

I bought a white iPhone 3G last Friday. As soon as I got home, I took it out of the box to bond with my new wonderful gadget from Apple. However, I noticed immediately on the back of the phone, just below the chrome Apple logo, there was a rather ugly "zit" in the plastic. It's not a scratch or smudge. Rather, it's more like a bubble, bump, or a piece of debris that's actually in or beneath the surface of the plastic. In fact, it has a tiny black dot in the center of this blemish.

I've shown off my phone to several coworkers and friends, and they all turn it over to look at it from every angle because it is a thing of beauty. Funny enough though, I've seen several people try to wipe off this mark, so it's not just me who's noticed it.

I'm wondering what my chances are of getting this replaced from Apple. It in no way affects the functionality of the phone, but it is dissapointing to have spent so long in line, to buy the coolest of the coolest gadget on the planet to have it come with a zit!

24" iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.10), I love my mac

Posted on Jul 14, 2008 1:03 PM

30 replies

Jul 16, 2008 4:47 PM in response to Charles Laine

I called up AppleCare because I noticed this on mine and they are sending me a new one. I know it's a small thing, but it's still a manufacturing defect and thus should be fixed. I'm not one to go crazy over a scratch or something, but I would recommend that you get yours replaced, mainly so that apple knows there is a production issue. It seems like quite a few people are noticing this on their iphones

schorner

Level 1

10 points

Jul 16, 2008 6:29 PM in response to benjamin_ellis

What amazes me is the quality control issues. Mine were blatantly obvious, but somehow it got boxed up as if it was perfect. That worries me.

A A P L

Level 7

21,746 points

Jul 16, 2008 6:37 PM in response to mitchpetersoniscool

Oh lord.
Those "zits" (funny, BTW) are not only a so-what, but most people will put cases on, covering it up.
If my 3G was perfect, sans a little bump or two, I'd keep it.
I'm OCD, but that's a bit much. :P

Jul 16, 2008 6:59 PM in response to benjamin_ellis

Are you guys getting it replaced through Apple or through your mobile service provider?

Jul 17, 2008 7:29 AM in response to Demolition Hiro

I went to the service center to get iphone replaced but I was refused. Saying that they can't replace the iphone due to minor spot. Lol!!

I am just surprised how Apple chose 3HK to be the exclusive reseller in Hong Kong. 3HK is the worst service provider in Hong Kong. Today i found out that their customer service staff suck even more.

macdim

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2008 7:55 AM in response to maskale

Mine is the same. Is there any cause for concern because it's like this? Mine isn't quite as bad as yours. I figure if it gets any worse I'll send it back, and even if it doesn't, I'll do it anyway before my 1 year warranty is up so that I can get a good one. Although I will be getting AppleCare as well. Already had a 1st gen screen crap out on me. BTW, I also have a "zit" but it's near the bottom of the back and extremely difficult to notice.

PBTX

Level 1

0 points

Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM in response to Bryan Mick

Hi Bryan,

Will you post on update on whether the invisishield installed with the bubble/zit. I ordered one as well and have the same little problem on my phone. My shield will take a while for delivery due to demand. Thanks.

Jul 17, 2008 5:32 PM in response to Charles Laine

I had the same issue. I didn't like it and it bothered me eventually I just went to the Apple store and told them I wanted to switch the color. They did and I'm happy now.

Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM in response to Charles Laine

I am the original poster of this thread. I'm going to try and go tomorrow and get this phone replaced. I bought it at an Apple retail store and they've been selling out every day, and that's why I've waited. Hopefully tomorrow I can get this swapped out. I'll post the results tomorrow. The people that work at my local store are really cool and nice on the surface. I'm going to put their "cool factor" to the test with this workmanship/build quality complaint.

This bump is driving me nuts. In fact, I'm sitting here in a dark room with the only light being the glow from my Apple Cinema Display. With the phone laying on the desk between my hands in front of the keyboard, I can look down and see this mark. It's unacceptable. It would be like buying a car with a huge door ding. You notice it every time you get in your car.

Jul 17, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Bryan Mick

You only have 14 days to return it for an exchange, right?

Jul 17, 2008 8:05 PM in response to Charles Laine

You guys are lucky to have good customer service in your area.

In Hong Kong, 3HK (iphone reseller) just suck when it comes to customer service.

All customer service reps are like robots programmed to say one thing no matter if the problem is a small or a big thing. "No Replacements once the box is opened."

So if you get a defected iphone once you open the box, it is your own tough luck. Well that is what they show from their customer service.

My own option now is to install an invisible shield and hope that it helps to improve the outlook. I am not sure if it will though.

Message was edited by: Demolition Hiro

Jul 18, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Charles Laine

Final followup for me...

Apple took care of it for me today, replacing the phone with no resistance and no questions asked. I just walked into the Apple Store and showed them the defect and they replaced it. Again, this zit or bubble was so obvious to the naked eye that I'm surprised it made it past their QA on the assembly line.

But a thank you is in order for the folks at the local store for taking care of it with zero hassle.

Bryan Mick

Level 6

13,020 points

Jul 21, 2008 5:11 AM in response to PBTX

Actually, with the invisishield installed, the zit is _much less_ noticeable.

I was surprised - I thought it would be the opposite.

Cheers!
-Bryan

Ma.K832

Level 1

40 points

Jul 22, 2008 2:22 PM in response to Charles Laine

May i ask how big the zit was? I have a zit which is visible under direct light. Its small, practically tiny, but the apple store told me its too small to be covered under warranty. Just curious how big this protrusion was on your phone.

HyperGo

Level 1

0 points

Aug 2, 2008 12:47 PM in response to Charles Laine

Unfortunately, I also have one small *** at the bottom of my iphone 16 3g. Its near under the speaker. Dunno if I'm going to ask rogers to replace it or not.

My iPhone 3G has a zit