Several reports were filed across the blogosphere today about the occurrence of small hairline-type cracks becoming noticeable on iPhones.  At first, it was thought white versions were the only ones being effected, but later reports confirmed that its black brethren suffers from the same flaw as well.

iPhone Matters is reporting that white iPhone 3Gs, which haven’t been "dropped or pressed," are beginning to show hairline cracks around the edges and near the buttons and headphone jack.  Unfortunately for those affected, Apple has not yet recognized cracked White iPhone 3G casings as a “known” problem. That means there won’t be any iPhone 3G swaps until Apple officially acknowledges that there even is a problem with their fleet of White iPhones.  With Apple still struggling to keep their Apple Store shelves stocked with iPhones, it might take a while for Apple to start replacing defective units.

While the cracking seems to be effecting both white and black devices, it seems to be happening more frequently with the white models.  Perhaps whatever additive is used to create the Black-colored iPhone rear-cover is serving to reinforce the casing itself, unlike the white one.  Some people have even gone as far as to say that with a "carbon-type" additive in the black coating, it helps it in terms of strength and overall integrity.  IntoMobile suggested; "Carbon black is added to tires to help reinforce the otherwise weak natural rubber. The carbon-based nano-particles help increase tensile strength in rubber."  Could the Black-coloring in Black iPhone cases be serving the same tensile-strength boosting purpose?  It makes sense, but only in speculation.  After a closer look, many found that black iPhones had the same problem.

To possibly side-step this problem, or at least stop further cracking, there are plenty of options to protect your precious device.  For example, there are all kinds of hard-shell cases you can buy.  ZAGG’s excellent invisibleSHIELD product is certainly durable, and could prevent dirt from getting into any fissures that appear on your iPhone’s back cover. You can also wait a little while for the "Golden Shellback", which is a vacuum-applied polymer that waterproofs any device, inside and out.  That would definitely do the trick.

For those with cracks, taking it back to the Apple Store (or possibly the mobile phone retailer where you made your original purchase) is your only recourse. Several people have already noted that they’ve successfully had their handset replaced after a careful inspection.  It’s worth a try.

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 7:53 pm under News, iPhone.  Print This Post

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