Inline with the new policy from Apple with regards to water-damaged iPhone, SingTel revealed in the Straits Times Forum about a similar out-of-warranty replacement policy.
Subject to a fee, customers can have a new or refurbished iPhone. At SingTel, the replacement iPhone is sold at $350. SingTel’s replacement policy can be found at home.singtel.com/singtel/iphone/support_iphone.html
The two observable liquid submersion indicators can be seen as indicated in the image above. Refer to this Knowledge Based article for the locations of older iPhones and iPod Touch.
According to iFoAppleStore, this new policy could be a way for Apple to clear existing stocks for upcoming new iPhone models.
The iPhone is equipped with four liquid submersion indicators: one in the headset jack, one in the dock connector, and two on interior surfaces. The indicators have been used by Genius Bar staff to help determine if an owner’s iPhone problem was caused by liquids, which are not covered by Apple’s warranty. The policy change could be related to an easing of Apple’s general repair policy, or as a way of clearing out an inventory of the current iPhone 3G stock ahead of a new model introduction this summer.
Good to know that SingTel is adhering to the new policy but I wonder whether their customers would find out if someone did not bring it up in the ST Forum.
Furthermore, in the US, the fee to pay is US$199 for the replacement set. Yet, even considering the exchange rate with the US of years ago, it wouldn’t come up to S$350. At today’s current rate of exchange, the replacement set shouldn’t cost above S$300. Service fee?
Lastly, as we know Singapore’s weather is quite unpredictable, care should be taken with the handling of your iPhone. Get a case or keep it in a bag and remember putting in your back pocket while it rain, is NOT good for your phone.
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US prices don’t include local taxes, which may go up to 10%.
I think it’s quite ridiculous regards to this. I had a battery problem with my iPhone 3G(S) so I went down to SingTel’s shop and get it check but the guy told me my phone got in touch with water and I have to pay a fee of $350 to get it replace! Damn, firstly I swear my phone never got in touch with water not even rain, secondly to change for a refurbished set why should we pay $350? It’s a hell lot for a refurbished set. Best of all the explanation given by the guy is my phone perhaps get in touch with my sweat.. what a joke!