iPhone 5s corrosion from sweat?

Question

Level 1

8 points

iPhone 5s corrosion from sweat?

I have an iPhone 5s which I bought just for running in March, so still under warranty. I have always kept it in a case and use a Reebok/Bose iPhone branded case and taken it out straight after running.

The touch ID has started playing up and I took it to the genius bar and have been told it has evidence of significant corrosion and I therefore have to spend £199 for a replacement. It has never been dropped in water or exposed to anything sinister at all.

Surely following all of the recent Apple ads aiming this product at fitness / running etc, this cannot be right? My previous Nano has lasted for two years with no problems at all? Please help as I cannot quite reconcile this as a long term multiple Apple user.

iPhone 5s, iOS 8.1.2

Posted on Dec 12, 2014 12:36 PM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Dec 12, 2014 2:00 PM in response to NickMW

These ads must only be in the UK I haven't seen any that promote such use in the US.

Was your iPhone in a water resistant case? Sweat is very corrosive and can easily be identified in or on electronic devices. It also does a lot of damage to them. It will also trigger the moisture sensors. It is not covered under your warranty.

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Answer 2

NickMW Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 12, 2014 2:16 PM in response to deggie

Thanks for the reply Deggie. It was a Uk TV spot called Strength by Apple and a superb campaign about fitness linked to the iPhone.

The case is supplied by Bose with their sport sweat resistant headphones, made for exercise with a Made for iPhone logo all over the packaging, so apparently meets Apple standards. The only reason I bought it was to run based upon this combination!

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Answer 3

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Dec 12, 2014 4:24 PM in response to NickMW

The Made for iPhone would only refer to the headphones and their ability to be used with the iPhone. It would have absolutely nothing to do with whether the case is truly moisture resistant to protect the iPhone.

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Answer 4

NickMW Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 12, 2014 11:43 PM in response to deggie

The armband comes in the package and is for the iPhone 5. Deggie, I am in marketing and know the law well, to sell a sweat proof product made for running in the apple store certified for iPhone, advertise the phone for outdoor activity and not point out that the product cannot be used for exercise that may cause sweating would be considered misleading. I have multiple Apple products and have been very loyal to the brand for years and find this completely unacceptable.

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Answer 5

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Dec 13, 2014 8:16 AM in response to NickMW

I know several runners who have used sweat resistant cases with their iPhone and have not had an issue. An ad does not mean the device is moisture proof. A case may have the Made for iPhone but it just means they will fit. Usually it doesn't have that it has a smaller picture of the iPhone(s) it will fit with a label beneath it saying which phone it fits.

Apple does not test cases other other than their own. If your Bose/Reebok packaging states it stops sweat and guarantees this the your issue is with them not Apple.

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