How would you react if you learned that Apple planned to force users to upgrade their iOS devices by making the old ones explode after a set period of time, like secret documents in a James Bond movie? (Well, this writer would push away his old model iPhone 5 for one thing!).
While this may not quite be the case (at all), an iPhone 3GS user in Beijing is alleging that his smartphone suddenly exploded on November 13 while lying on his bedside table. Fortunately no one was hurt.
The owner, surnamed Ma, reports that the phone was neither in the middle of a call, or being charged at the time. He says that he does not want compensation from Apple, but would like to know the cause. The iPhone in question was purchased in 2009 and used until the release of the iPhone 4. Ma then did not use the 3GS again until one month ago, when he needed two phones for work.
After the initial “explosion” the phone split open at one side. The SIM card remained intact — albeit slightly blackened.
A member of staff at a local Apple retailer has said that the most likely cause is the iPhone’s battery, which could be defective or have discharged an abnormal amount of electricity due to unusual surrounding temperature or humidity.
Apple’s customer service has said that the company will only be able to confirm the cause once Ma sends the phone, relevant receipts, and necessary components to one of its technicians.
Source: Beijing Morning Post
Via: China Economic Net
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
3 responses to “Old Model iPhone Explodes In Beijing”
I had the same issue with an iPhone 3GS, and it is a common one. In my case I used the iPhone 3GS continuously throughout 2 years. Then I received my iPhone 4S and the 3GS ended on my desk. In approximately 2 weeks the iPhone bloated up, the back cover was dented and there was a gap between the casing and the screen. I reckoned it was the battery, so I took it apart, ordered a new battery for €15,- and replaced it. I gave it to my stepdad and it is still working!
Yeah, LiPo batteries are NOT forever. Eventually they will puff, and they may even rupture. Rupture isn’t guaranteed, but once they puff, don’t keep ’em around waiting to see.
Oh, and once they rupture? Combustion is almost certain.
It’s not an Apple problem, look at my old BlackBerry battery:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VOEOz69EfHQ/UOshHjYizKI/AAAAAAAADOw/HrihdKZmt4I/w400/Forty-four.jpg
Same story, phone not used for some time.