HELP touch screen unresponsive after v2.0 firmware update on iPhone 1st gen

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HELP touch screen unresponsive after v2.0 firmware update on iPhone 1st gen

After the long update of the version 2.0 firmware on my 1st gen iPhone, parts of my touch screen have become unresponsive. I can no longer access the entire row "456" of the phone dialer, in any app. Also, the touch screen is not as accurate as it used to be for the areas that are still functioning, I have to guess where the virtual button is. Either way, I can't use it anymore with the dead spot no matter. Also, the display has become choppy and slow.

I hope it is just a software issue and that Apple will fix it promptly.

macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jul 15, 2008 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 15, 2008 7:11 AM in response to knjcnj

This just happened to me totally out of the blue, a few days before the 2.0 update came out. I had to exchange my phone (twice) at the apple store.

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Answer 2

Jul 15, 2008 7:17 AM in response to knjcnj

You're not the only one; see thread:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1599568&tstart=0

After rooting around other forums, this issue was happening to some as early as Aug. 07 or before. 2.0 seems to have really made it worse. As you can read in the post above, it is inconsistent between apps for some, completely dead for others.

If you are under warranty get to a Apple store asap (apparently 'known issue with willing replacement' for many); if not, well, not sure if software is going to fix this or not...

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Answer 3

knjcnj Author

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Jul 15, 2008 7:45 AM in response to ipso_facto

I would love to run to my nearest Apple store for a return and exchange but unfortunately I am overseas for a couple months. I am afraid my warranty is going to run out within the next couple months as well. I'm afraid I won't make it back in time.

Is there a number I can call from over seas? or perhaps is it possible to email Apple to hang on to my warranty until I can get back to the states?

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Answer 4

Jul 15, 2008 8:16 AM in response to knjcnj

There are a few things you can try on your own. Check this link:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1650#faq5

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Answer 5

Jul 15, 2008 9:40 AM in response to Phil Nolan

Yeah, seems all that stuff is aimed at some app screwing/hanging up. None worked for me (and others have done the whole restore etc. to no effect). This seems to be a MUCH more serious combo of OS/Firmware/Hardware cluster f-age.

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Answer 6

knjcnj Author

Level 1

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Jul 15, 2008 8:09 PM in response to ipso_facto

Ive also tried doing all the restore and reset steps for the iPhone. No good. If I could restore it to previous firmware version somehow without a major ordeal

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Answer 7

Jul 23, 2008 12:51 PM in response to knjcnj

I too am having this issue. Am in the midst of a full system restore. After that I'm calling Apple or heading to an Apple store or calling Amex (purchased the phone through Amex).

For me, the bottom row of buttons, keyboard, etc. are not working. Not having delete is real annoying.

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Answer 8

Jul 23, 2008 1:40 PM in response to snwbdrhoon

As long as you bought it within the past year they should exchange it at the Apple store with no problem. Now whether you'll get a decent one in exchange is another story.

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Answer 9

NYRgal

Level 1

65 points

Jul 23, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Phil Nolan

Phil Nolan wrote:
Now whether you'll get a decent one in exchange is another story.

All replacement/refurbished phones come with brand new casings and mostly new parts inside. They are tested just like a brand new phone (maybe even more)

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Answer 10

Jul 23, 2008 2:30 PM in response to NYRgal

That's what they tell you at the store. Doesn't mean that's what you'll get. My first replacement had a bad vibrator motor, my second replacement has mushy buttons and the sound keeps cutting out I'm debating if I feel like driving all the way out there for a third replacement. Both replacements are older than the one I traded in according to the serial numbers.

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Answer 11

NYRgal

Level 1

65 points

Jul 24, 2008 10:10 AM in response to Phil Nolan

I work for apple and you should definitely be getting a phone with new casing. I've never seen a replacement phone that doesn't look new. I'm not sure why you keep getting poor phones. Do you have another apple store you can try? I've had 3 replacement phones and they have all looked brand new (before I worked there).

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Answer 12

Jul 24, 2008 10:24 AM in response to NYRgal

They've all looked new, nothing visibly wrong with them. It's the way they worked that was the problem. In fact I have a feeling the buttons being mushy had to do with the way the new case was installed. There are 4 Apple stores in PA, but this one is the only one that's within reasonable distance. 2 are in Pittsburgh (other side of the state), the third one is about an hour and a half from me. The one I go to is a half hour drive.

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Answer 13

Jason L

Community Specialist

Jul 24, 2008 10:33 AM in response to knjcnj

Hey knjcnj,

Try restoring the iPhone and setting it up as a new iPhone.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305744

If that does not work contact AppleCare support.
U.S. iPhone technical support: 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466)

Jason

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Answer 14

pmacdd

Level 1

8 points

Jul 29, 2008 3:49 AM in response to knjcnj

Add my replacement first generation iPhone to the list of dead touch screens. Can't get past the slider.
Any suggestions?

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