IPhone Cracks Emerge - Watchdog on the lookout

Tuesday 12 October 2010 @ 4.12 p.m. | Trade & Commerce

Consumer watchdog has taken Apple to task over warranty issues as reports surface of new design problems relating to the iPhone 4's glass body.

Telstra, following discussions with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, agreed to provide full two-year warranties for customers who buy handsets on two-year contracts. The agreement included all manufacturers except Apple. Apple, which charges customers extra for extended warranty.

The consumer watchdog's concerns come as new reports surface of large cracks appearing in the iPhone 4's body when certain third-party slide-on cases are used.

The glass design of the iPhone 4 is pleasing to the eye but within days of the handset's launch repair shops. Dropped phones are not covered by Apple under warranty. Should the ACCC force extended warranties for Apple iPhones?

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