Update: 30SEP14
To everyone that is experiencing the same issue I wanted to provide an update on the issue so that everyone is on the same page.
- After countless efforts to rectify this problem with Apple it is unfortunate to say that I am no closer to a solution to this problem. I have reached out to Apple's Corporate Customer Relations, AppleCare Senior Technical Advisors, Apple Store Genius's as well as countless other individuals about this problem to no prevail. Here's what I can tell you:
1. The support request that was filed on my behalf to the engineering department returned without a solution. Engineering was about to reproduce the problem that myself and everyone else (who has posted here) is having. I have been informed that Apple Engineering has explained that the phone's volume is normal and (not to insult my intelligence) to hold the phone closer to my head. They went on further to explain that it does not appear to be a hardware or software malfunction.
-My Understanding: The fact that engineering was able to recreate the "problem" is a positive step in a possible solution for our problem. Even though the engineering department declined it to be a software problem, perhaps in the future, it can be adjusted to raise the db output level on the phone's earpiece.
2. In the event that you would like to replace your device (with a like device), Apple has 3 replacement options:
(a) Go to an Apple Retail Store: Book a Genius Bar Appointment through AppleCare, Apple's Retail Store Page or the Apple Store App on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
(b) Mail-In replacement: Apple will send you a shipping label I which you will need to go to a UPS store and have the device packaged and shipped to Apple. This will leave you without a device for approximately 5 days. *You will need to return to using a previously used phone or go without a phone for this time.
(c) Express Mail-In Replacement: Apple will put a hold on your credit card for the full retail value of your device (example: $949 / iPhone 6 Plus 128GB).There will also be a $29 shipping fee (this is sometimes waived depending on your individual issue).
- I have since replaced my device and I have experienced no fix. It seems to be that part of the problem is that the iPhone 6 Plus's sheer size. To explain, with the iPhone 5S the phone was small enough for the user to feel it next to their ear. The edges of the device were small enough so that when the user held the phone to their head it was much easier to "align" the phone's earpiece to their head. With the iPhone 6 Plus, since the screen is dramatically bigger than previous generations it is somewhat difficult to judge when the phone's earpiece is directly over the users ear. Again, this seems to be (in my opinion) only part of the problem.
As always, Apple's products come with a 14-Day replacement window. If you are at all unhappy with your product please remember to take advantage of this. As always, Apple will try their hardest to attempt to make every customer happy. I can say that in my experience Apple has made every attempt to get a resolution to my problem. They have replaced my device as well as replaced my discarded screen protectors when it was replaced.
I encourage everyone having this problem to continue to comment as we all can agree that a problem cannot be fixed if it is not made aware to someone.
