Is this normal? Iphone 3GS inflated

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Is this normal? Iphone 3GS inflated

This has happened to my iPhone 3GS this week. After working perfectly all this time, I found the battery had inflated massively, separating the screen and severly damaging the glass back part.

Have you ever had a problem like this?

What's Apple attitude to this?

I consider this should be warned in Apple information documents about this device but when consulting Apple they say they know about this problem but there is not public official warning about it.

I consider this is a serious problem and it should be announced when a person purchases an iphone. Besides, it must be quite dangerous since I have read

about similar cases in which the iphone finally exploded...

What do I have to do?¿

Thanks a lot

iPhone 3GS

Posted on Apr 25, 2013 10:50 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 25, 2013 10:52 AM in response to TanyaMG

That is not normal behavior. There have been some other discussions of this phenomenon recently, see the More Like This category to the right of your post, also search for Swelling Battery. Take the iPhone to the Apple store genius bar and discuss the situation with them.

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Answer 2

Apr 25, 2013 10:53 AM in response to TanyaMG

The battery is designed to swell up when it's worn out, most likely after years if intense use/charging. Instead of exploding, it swells up. I'm not sure what the options for repair are though.

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Answer 3

TanyaMG Author

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Apr 25, 2013 11:23 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

They offer to replace for an identical item after paying 90€ since it is out of warranty. However, I am not sure since I believe this to be potentially dangerous and in my humble opinion Apple should assume their responsibility.

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

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Apr 25, 2013 11:28 AM in response to TanyaMG

Sorry. The iPhone 3G has been discontinued for nearly 3 years. It was introduced 5 years ago. Batteries don't last forever.

If you think Apple should take responsibility, then call a lawyer.

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Answer 5

TanyaMG Author

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Apr 25, 2013 11:32 AM in response to KiltedTim

Sorry,

They say Iphone 3 Gs is not an obsolete device, and they in fact offer to provide me with a new one.

Even though batteries do not obviously last forever, shouldn't they warn about the potential risks of a phone swelling and shattering?. My phone is 3 years and a half now, and I do not consider this is too much time for a device which costs hundreds of euros,,,. And yes, I may actually call my lawyer then...

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Answer 6

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,936 points

Apr 25, 2013 11:34 AM in response to TanyaMG

My bad. I misread that. i though it was a 3G, not a 3GS. Still, the 3GS is discontinued. ANY electronic device that uses rechargable batteries can suffer the same type of problem. Standard warnings required by law can be found in the papers packaged with the phone.

You can call your lawyer, but in the end, all you're going to get out of it is legal fees.

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Answer 7

TanyaMG Author

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Apr 25, 2013 11:37 AM in response to KiltedTim

No probs!

regarding the standard warnings, Apple said they know about this swelling but they have not made public any policy to that respect. The woman I spoke to linked me to Wikipedia to read abou the potential risk of swelling and explosion....

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Answer 8

Apr 25, 2013 11:39 AM in response to TanyaMG

Tanya, even if it is a discontinued device, it Apple offers you a replacement that is a refurbished iPhone, that unit will have a new battery in it. If your iPhone lasted more than three years before this occurred you could expect a refurbished to last as long, also. And since battery technology has improved, this may not happen even then.

Getting a refurbished, you could use it for a period of time and then see how much you could sell it for on places like eBay.

Just some thoughts for the decision process.

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