iPhone 4S battery swelling?

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Level 1

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iPhone 4S battery swelling?

The back panel of my iphone, notably along the side with volume controls, is being pushed open from the inside. The case is separating along one side about 3mm so far, not quite far enough to tell what is going on in there. However, my guess, from having done some online research, is that my battery is swelling (some call it ballooning). Since I bought the phone new when the 4S first came out, my carrier won't replace or send the phone in for repair (out of warranty, no insurance).

If I take my phone to an Apple Store, can this be fixed? If so, is it worth the cost of repair vs. upgrading to a 5S (or 6 if I can wait that long)?

Anyone else have any problems like this?

iPhone 4S

Posted on Jun 5, 2014 9:08 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 5, 2014 9:12 AM in response to Shawrk

If you take it to an Apple store genius bar, the technicians can determine what is the cause of the expansion you see. Taht part is free. If it is a manufacturing defect, repair should then be free, also.

But it is important to get it in sooner rather than later so it gets checked out.

Make an appointment at the Genius bar so you don't have to stand around waiting for someone to get free.

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,674 points

Jun 5, 2014 9:14 AM in response to Shawrk

That would indicate the battery swelling, yes. An Apple Store will probably just replace the iPhone.

Whether it will be worth the replacement price is pretty much up to you. If you intended to upgrade anyway, it might be better to put the money toward the new iPhone, but you might want to investigate what an iPhone 4S in proper working order would bring if you sold it. That might be close to if not more than the cost of the replacement, in which case it might make sense to go ahead and have it replaced, even if you intend to upgrade in the near future.

Regards.

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Answer 3

Shawrk Author

Level 1

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Jun 6, 2014 8:00 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

I made a reservation, and he let me know that it was an unacceptable defect, regardless of warranty, and replaced the phone free of charge.

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Answer 4

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jun 6, 2014 8:16 AM in response to Shawrk

That is sweet!

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Answer 5

Jun 6, 2014 8:26 AM in response to Shawrk

That is great news...thanks for the feedback.

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Answer 6

Lilly_JM

Level 1

0 points

Apr 4, 2015 2:08 PM in response to Shawrk

I has a similar issue, perfectly functioning phone until it pushed out the back panel.

Spoke with support online who gave me a case number and told me to bring it into store to be repaired. They had me wait 3 hours to get a genius appointment, and then told me that i had to buy a new phone, that it couldn't be repaired.

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