Water Submersion Indicator - Void Warranty

I've only had the iPhone 3GS for two months. Since then, I have been using it carefully. Never have I dropped my phone or put it in any location in which liquid was present. I live in sunny California and it has only rained once so far. I kept the phone within my pocket so there isn't any reason why rain could've gotten on it. However, when I took my phone to the Genius Bar at the Apple Store because Home Button is not working smoothly (No problem on device function, though), they told me that my water indicator had gone off.

Do you have similar situation? Why did this happen? I am really careful on using iPhone, but I could not believe in Apple's judgment.

Posted on Nov 1, 2009 10:39 AM

23 replies

Nov 25, 2009 8:47 AM in response to xcomme

I was just sent away from the Apple Genius Bar after they told me my water sensor was tripped as well. My phone has never been dropped in water either. I'm guessing it's from my son playing one of those games you blow into it. Either way... I think Apple is full of crap and I will not be replacing my iPhone.

Ziatron

Level 5

4,220 points

Nov 1, 2009 2:54 PM in response to xcomme

It sounds like your phone has two problems.

1) A defective moisture sensor.

2) Home Button is not working smoothly.

xcomme Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 1, 2009 12:47 PM in response to xcomme

My case is different from the others.

First, I used my iPhone very carefully, and never dropped it to ground or water or anything like that. Second, I live in Sunny California, the humidity is fairly low.

Yes, the indicator on my phone turned pink, but I really opposed to Apple's judgment that my phone has been dropped into water or splashed by any liquid. It did not. I used my iPhone very carefully.

I believe that iPhone is well designed, at the same time, I am shocked why my iPhone's indicator turned pink. It does not make sense.

The humidity in California is like 10-20% all the time in the past few months. But isn't iPhone designed for worldwide distribution in the cities, like in East Coast, Oregon or SE Asia?

Nov 2, 2009 7:47 AM in response to xcomme

xcomme wrote:
After buying an iPhone, are people NOT allowed to sweat? Otherwise, warranty would be voided.

And people are NOT allowed to take the iPhone into bathroom even it is put on dry counter-top? Maybe the moisture and humidity is bit of high.

Apple great iPhone products should be able to work well under these environmental conditions, right? Does iPhone spec and warranty spell out that you are not allowed to work out while carrying iPhone?

Designing a cheap indicator such close to the edge is just a way to easily get away with their obligation for warranty work, i think.

I don't have any idea why you're arguing with us. Go to the Genius Bar, your phone isn't working. And your accusation about the design belies the fact that 99% of us have no problem with the indicator, including those who live in environments substantially wetter than California. My indicator is fine, and I live in California. In fact, my iPhone has been on a trip on a motorcycle driving up the 101 to Oregon. That's pretty wet, and my iPhone works perfectly.

There's a saying in medicine and retail sales....everyone lies.

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Nov 2, 2009 7:11 AM in response to xcomme

Why do you need the iPhone in the bathroom while you shower?

deggie

Level 10

167,827 points

Nov 2, 2009 8:03 AM in response to OrangeMarlin

Not trying to argue with you, but do you have a source for your 99% figure?

Nov 2, 2009 8:17 AM in response to deggie

deggie wrote:
Not trying to argue with you, but do you have a source for your 99% figure?

Estimate on manufacturing defects. It's probably 99.9%.

deggie

Level 10

167,827 points

Nov 2, 2009 8:18 AM in response to OrangeMarlin

Big difference between manufacturing defects and water immersion trigger. I'd leave it at most do not have it tripped.

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Water Submersion Indicator - Void Warranty