iPhone Battery & Home Button replacement program

scud

scud

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Hi all,
I have 2 x iPhone 5 phones which have home button and battery issues, and Apple has replacement program to fix both of these problems, have checked serial numbers and both phones qualify for free repairs as stated on apple website.

I have tried the IStore who couldn't help, and pointed me to my contract provider which is Cellc. So took the phones to Cellc, and they say it's nothing to do with them.

Any ideas who would ultimately be responsible for fixing this ?
 
Same problem - I was told by the guy in the iStore to buy a new phone - (ha ha ha). I have seen battery replacement kits on Amazon which I am tempted to buy & replace the battery myself.
 
scud said:
Hi all,
I have 2 x iPhone 5 phones which have home button and battery issues, and Apple has replacement program to fix both of these problems, have checked serial numbers and both phones qualify for free repairs as stated on apple website.

I have tried the IStore who couldn't help, and pointed me to my contract provider which is Cellc. So took the phones to Cellc, and they say it's nothing to do with them.

Any ideas who would ultimately be responsible for fixing this ?
Click to expand...
Well they're wrong - at least as far as Apple (not Core) is concerned. I suggest printing out this page - https://ssl.apple.com/support/iphone5-sleepwakebutton/other_countries.html and going back to Cell C highlighting the following:

Replacement Process
If your country is listed below*, bring your iPhone 5 to a participating wireless carrier. Your iPhone will be examined to verify eligibility, before proceeding with the replacement process.
Click to expand...
* it is ;)
 
tRoN said:
But it has to be within 2 years according to the last point?
Click to expand...
The phone was only first released on September 21, 2012 - afaik it only hit SA the following December.
 
scud said:
I've tried this, shown cellc the printed version at tygervalley and cavendish cellc stores, they just roll their eyes, say its an apple problem., has nothing to do with them etc. very unhelpful.
Click to expand...
That sucks - have you tried contacting CellC's customer service department?

I would also consider social media campaigns (facebook and twitter) as we'll as sites like Hellopeter and definitely contacting the two CellC reps on the forum.

Mod_note: I'd like to move this to the CellC section unless you have any objections that is.
 
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Try approaching Digicape, with the recall on the phone chargers iStore Canal Walk was useless...I did my upgrade with them (iPhone 4 Vodacom)...they had no record of my having done this..I eventually found my paperwork....Digicape's response when I called them:" Bring the charger we'll exchange it,...me: but note I did not purchase it from you...no problem, bring it in!"
I bought my latest laptop there as a result!!
 
D tj said:
Try approaching Digicape, with the recall on the phone chargers iStore Canal Walk was useless...I did my upgrade with them (iPhone 4 Vodacom)...they had no record of my having done this..I eventually found my paperwork....Digicape's response when I called them:" Bring the charger we'll exchange it,...me: but note I did not purchase it from you...no problem, bring it in!"
I bought my latest laptop there as a result!!
Click to expand...

great idea, i'll try digicape tomorrow, they've always been the most "switched on" when it comes to all things apple.
 
What's the point, in SA we get screwed over.. Vodascum would not fix my iPhone power button (even tho it falls in the list)because it's over 1yr old. So they can suck my balls.
 
rishalin, I feel the same, but phones aren't so cheap these days, can't afford to throw them out so easily. But this whole situation seems really strange. Are iPhones sold by cellc /Vodacom etc all grey imports ? I just wonder why they're not covered by apple replacement programs.
 
@Cell_C
Apple have a global program to replace batteries and home buttons on the iphone 5. I have 2 phones that have problems, and both qualify on apples website to be fixed for free. Both phones are on cellc contract, does this mean cellc is responsible for fixing , or would this be an issue for core group?
 
You need to book it at a Cell C store. Our repair centre will assess wheather to replace or repair the device. *DM*
 
Cell_C said:
You need to book it at a Cell C store. Our repair centre will assess wheather to replace or repair the device. *DM*
Click to expand...
Hi Cellc,
I have tried this at 2 stores, both say they know nothing about the apple programs. They want me to book in my phones, then someone will me get in touch with a quote, and it'll take up to 2 weeks for repairs etc. So i don't have much confidence.

Can you please confirm that you are able to fix the phones for free, if the phones meet the requirements on the apple website ?
 
scud said:
Hi Cellc,
I have tried this at 2 stores, both say they know nothing about the apple programs. They want me to book in my phones, then someone will me get in touch with a quote, and it'll take up to 2 weeks for repairs etc. So i don't have much confidence.

Can you please confirm that you are able to fix the phones for free, if the phones meet the requirements on the apple website ?
Click to expand...
This.
Im not willing to send my phone in for 2 weeks just for CellC to come back with some BS and saying i must pay.
This is a very easy procedure, Its a Apple fault, they admitted its their fault and its a flaw on the phone, other countries you take your phone to the Apple repair center, they have a look, if its in fact the power button or the battery problem, they swop your phone. Easy. Why no SP in SA knows about this or has an effective POA in place is beyond me. Now we the paying customer has to jump threw hoops to get our R10000 phone fixed. Absolutely pathetic.

IFix charges R200 for the power button for those who are interested, i'm taking my phone this afternoon, better than gambling with CellC.
 
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So i got my iPhone through FNB. RBJacobs pointed me to Digital Planet. Called them up. They were not aware of the battery replacement program. Then emailed the [email protected] this is what they had to say

iStores will only replace the iPhone units that were sold by the iStore or from 8TA. If the device was purchased on contract the replacement will be done by the relevant Service Provider.

If your device qualifies for the recall program, Make a booking with a technician at an iStore nearest to you so that the component can be replaced
Click to expand...

I informed Digital Planet about this. They guy first tells me to obtain a proof of purchase from FNB, then go to an iStore and show them the proof of purchase as they "deal directly with Core". I ask him to put that in a mail for me. He changes his tune and asks me to mail him about the issue because they're not aware of the problem and they need to take it up with core.

This whole thing is one big screw up
 
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Lament said:
IFix charges R200 for the power button for those who are interested, i'm taking my phone this afternoon, better than gambling with CellC.
Click to expand...
Lament , thanks for the heads up, i'll try iFix and cancel my CellC contracts - only 10 days to go
 
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