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[kevo_huevo]

I would like to know this as well. I purchased my 4S from att.com and got it launch day. Can I still get Applecare+?

yes, all you have to do is go to your local at&t store and they will run the SKU on it for you. you'll need your account information and phone info (i just brought the box with me).

edit: in response to above, you have 30 days from the day you purchased your phone to get Applecare+

edit again: before i bought applecare+ from at&t, i asked an apple employee about it. he said you can still purchase applecare+ directly from apple, but you can only do so at the time your phone breaks and/or at the time of accident/incident. the only difference is that you have to pay a $100 deductible instead of the $50. and yes, applecare+ covers two additional accidental drop/water/self-inflicted blunders.

 

[TommyT]

So...uhhh can you buy Applecare after you already got the phone?

I would like to know this as well. I purchased my 4S from att.com and got it launch day. Can I still get Applecare+?

When I called Sprint, they said that it has to be done at time of activation or Apple will not let it go through. So I'm going to try the Apple store and see what they say.

 

[Xamdou]

yes, all you have to do is go to your local at&t store and they will run the SKU on it for you. you'll need your account information and phone info (i just brought the box with me).

edit: in response to above, you have 30 days from the day you purchased your phone to get Applecare+

Can I buy apple care+ from my local Apple store even though I bought my phone from att.com?

Also does Applecare+ cover accidental damages like broken screens and water damage?

 

[kevo_huevo]

Can I buy apple care+ from my local Apple store even though I bought my phone from att.com?

Also does Applecare+ cover accidental damages like broken screens and water damage?

see above edits

 

[The Lamonster]

I am really sick of my Otterbox Impact case. It's a dust/hair/lint magnet and I can never keep it totally clean.

However, I do like the coverage, shape and rubbery texture. I absolutely love the way it feels. Any alternative rubbery-style case recommendations that don't attract dust/hair/lint?

Magpul Executive Field case. Feels awesome. Made from rifle grip plastic. Hard, yet soft to the touch. Won't attract any dust or lint. Costs 10 bucks. It's awesome.

Is there a difference if it doesn't say "executive?" And any confirmation if it fits the 4S?

 

[IronFistedChampion]

If you wanna buy AppleCare+ and you bought the phone online, all you have to do is call the AppleCare number from Apple's website and give them the phone's serial number, your personal information, and payment information.

I pre-ordered my 4S from AT&T and that's what my cousin told me I had to do (he works at Apple). They took my order with no problems =]

 

[Enco]

Holy crap, tried Siri in the Apple store and it was amazing.

It picked up everything I said (well 99.9% of things in the crowded/loud store) and it felt so slick. Will definitely look into upgrading for that alone. Apple did a stunning job with it.

edit: to clarify on what I said, I asked it a few scientific questions and some maths stuff, asked it to make a reminder, asked it the time, asked it how it was, told it I love it, asked it about the Eiffel tower, I texted someone and dialed number etc. Everything worked. The wolfram alpha integration is out of this world

 

[Xamdou]

see above edits

Thanks!

Called my local Apple store and they said I can't buy Apple Care+ from them because it is a standalone product, and can only be purchased at the same time with a 4S... They then told me to call att about getting Apple Care+........

 

[IronFistedChampion]

Thanks!

Called my local Apple store and they said I can't buy Apple Care+ from them because it is a standalone product, and can only be purchased at the same time with a 4S... They then told me to call att about getting Apple Care+........

Read my previous post.

 

[TommyT]

From Apple's site:

How to get AppleCare+
AppleCare+ must be purchased together with your new iPhone. To buy it, add it to your shopping cart during the checkout process when you purchase your new iPhone.

Note: Through November 14, AppleCare+ can be purchased by customers who:

* Pre-ordered iPhone 4 (8GB) or iPhone 4S
* Purchased an iPhone (any model) on or after October 14, 2011 (proof of purchase date may be required)


Contact us at 1-800-275-2273 to purchase AppleCare+.

 

[Xamdou]

If you wanna buy AppleCare+ and you bought the phone online, all you have to do is call the AppleCare number from Apple's website and give them the phone's serial number, your personal information, and payment information.

I pre-ordered my 4S from AT&T and that's what my cousin told me I had to do (he works at Apple). They took my order with no problems =]

Nice! So after doing that, any issue I have with my 4S I can get it fixed from any local Apple store right?

 

[IronFistedChampion]

Nice! So after doing that, any issue I have with my 4S I can get it fixed from any local Apple store right?

Yep.

 

[Marty Chinn]

I would like to know this as well. I purchased my 4S from att.com and got it launch day. Can I still get Applecare+?

You can get AppleCare+ up until mid November despite it normally being required to buy it at point of purchase. This is an exception for launch units.

That said, AppleCare+ for an iPhone is a waste of money and you shouldn't get it unless you're pretty sure you're going to break it at some point in your contract cycle. AppleCare+ only pays off if you're really klutzy or are in an environment where you'll likely cause damage to it. If you're not either of these, save your money. AppleCare+ only saves you $50 if you use it or you're out $99 if you never use it. You have to also use it at least once per cycle to make it pay off. How often do you break your phone?

 

[Kusagari]

You can get AppleCare+ up until mid November despite it normally being required to buy it at point of purchase. This is an exception for launch units.

That said, AppleCare+ for an iPhone is a waste of money and you shouldn't get it unless you're pretty sure you're going to break it at some point in your contract cycle. AppleCare+ only pays off if you're really klutzy or are in an environment where you'll likely cause damage to it. If you're not either of these, save your money. AppleCare+ only saves you $50 if you use it or you're out $99 if you never use it. You have to also use it at least once per cycle to make it pay off. How often do you break your phone?

Well I was asking because I just dropped my 4S. The screen, thankfully, is fine. But the bottom right is really chipped. Would the normal warranty cover that?

 

[Marty Chinn]

Well I was asking because I just dropped my 4S. The screen, thankfully, is fine. But the bottom right is really chipped. Would the normal warranty cover that?

Apple may or may not replace it if you took it in now under their normal warranty. Rumor is they're going to tighten up a bit on how easy it was for them to swap out. Really depends on how nice they're being, how nice you're being and maybe even what kind of sob story you have. That said, if you do want to replace it and they don't cover it, it's going to cost you $150 and you'll use up one of your two replacements if you decide to go AppleCare+.

 

[Xamdou]

adds coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage due to handling, each subject to a $49 service fee

So I have to pay an additional $49 for each accidental damage repair (ie cracked screen damage due to water)?

 

[Marco1]

I live in the UK on O2 and still waiting for stock.
A real shame applecare+ is not available in the UK because I hate having my iphone in a case to protect it from drops.

 

[Marty Chinn]

So I have to pay an additional $49 for each accidental damage repair (ie cracked screen damage due to water)?

Yes, and this is the reason why it's not worth the money. You pay about $150 under AppleCare+ vs $199 if you never bought it. Thus a savings of only $50. You're pretty much paying 75% of the replacement cost anyway. If you get AppleCare+ over two cycles and only used it once, you've already lost money.

 

[Trojita]

That Siri sound issue is still there.

 

[Xamdou]

Yes, and this is the reason why it's not worth the money. You pay about $150 under AppleCare+ vs $199 if you never bought it. Thus a savings of only $50. You're pretty much paying 75% of the replacement cost anyway. If you get AppleCare+ over two cycles and only used it once, you've already lost money.

What about square trade Iphone 4S warranty for $99?

 

[dmshaposv]

Does this battery life seem normal, GAF?

6hrs and 3 days of standby with 17% left and using location services/push updates/but no crazy apps.

Seems about the same as mine.

 

[Marty Chinn]

What about square trade Iphone 4S warranty for $99?

I don't know what that is.

 

[Cloudy]

My battery life seems to be improving somehow. Im at 5 hrs and 30 mins of usage today with 27% left. I've turned brightness down to maybe 55% and I'm not using Siri all the time like I was last week lol

I'm also not streaming over 3G as much (instacast is fantastic

Ps: location is only being used for siri, maps and weather. Plus no email push and notifications only for texts

 

[eudaemonic]

Any cases similar to this one (in terms of design where it doesn't really cover the look the of the phone) and leaves a generous opening for the headphones/mic/camera etc?

Not that I noticed off hand... it seems like companies are favoring the slimmer profile of the jacks that come standard of Apple headphones. :\

think that would look good on a black phone? might have to pick one up. I'm guessing it's tough to find at brick & mortar?

This MacRumors thread had some great pictures in it. I picked up black for a black phone and I'm happy with that choice. I personally don't trust myself with white products - especially shirts.

 

[Gowans]

bit of a random question but I need to know the answer.

Can Siri tell me the tide height via audio?

 

[hyp]

Yes, and this is the reason why it's not worth the money. You pay about $150 under AppleCare+ vs $199 if you never bought it. Thus a savings of only $50. You're pretty much paying 75% of the replacement cost anyway. If you get AppleCare+ over two cycles and only used it once, you've already lost money.

seems like a better deal than re-purchasing the phone outside of contract?

 

[Marty Chinn]

seems like a better deal than re-purchasing the phone outside of contract?

AppleCare+ only lasts you the duration of your contract. It only adds one year on top of the year you get by default with the purchase of your phone.

 

[rkn]

So is it possible to just walk into a store and pick one up (Apple or Verizon, looking to jump ship) or is this thing still sold out?

 

[hyp]

AppleCare+ only lasts you the duration of your contract. It only adds one year on top of the year you get by default with the purchase of your phone.

okay, yea that sucks.

 

[Sarye]

seems like a better deal than re-purchasing the phone outside of contract?

In the past, the cost of getting a replacement phone was $200. (You had to return the damaged phone of course)

bit of a random question but I need to know the answer.

Can Siri tell me the tide height via audio?

No. Answers are given in an image.

 

[Gowans]

No. Answers are given in an image.

Damn it, shame ok thanks anyway.

 

[robox]

So is it possible to just walk into a store and pick one up (Apple or Verizon, looking to jump ship) or is this thing still sold out?

i walked into the apple store and asked and was told i had to make a reservation with the apple dudes for the next day for pickup. it's to avoid people having to line up but it just means a jam trying to get the reservation online. gonna be trying to get that set up tonight.

but around town, the carrier's little shops are advertising that the phones are in stock and nobody in them. i want an unlocked one so i gotta go through apple.

 

[Double D]

Been on the phone with VZW for about an hour now trying to get my voicemail fixed. Hasn't worked since I got my phone. When I hit the voicemail button it just basically dials *86 rather than launching visual voicemail. It just asks for a 10 digit mailbox number and doesn't accept my phone number as a valid number. I've been 'escalated' past tier 1 tech support and these douchebags still have no idea what's going on. Anyone else have this problem and can assist?

edit: they finally fixed it.

 

[Cloudy]

Been on the phone with VZW for about an hour now trying to get my voicemail fixed. Hasn't worked since I got my phone. When I hit the voicemail button it just basically dials *86 rather than launching visual voicemail. It just asks for a 10 digit mailbox number and doesn't accept my phone number as a valid number. I've been 'escalated' past tier 1 tech support and these douchebags still have no idea what's going on. Anyone else have this problem and can assist?

You don't use google voice, do you? I had to disable my integration with sprint and get a gv number to get visual voicemail. Does Verizon even have gv integration?

 

[Aske]

This MacRumors thread had some great pictures in it. I picked up black for a black phone and I'm happy with that choice. I personally don't trust myself with white products - especially shirts.

Some of the stories in that thread about the latch scratching the antenna are a bit worrying. Have you noticed this happening with your case?

 

[Enco]

Hey quys, hope someone can help me out.

I'm currently on an 18 month contract (vodafone) that has a few months left. If I was to buy the new iPhone from Apple (unlocked), could I put in my sim card and carry on with my contract normally?

Also, can someone then use my old iPhone with their own sim with no problem? Obviously if it's locked they'll have to be on the network.

 

[Tobor]

Yes, and this is the reason why it's not worth the money. You pay about $150 under AppleCare+ vs $199 if you never bought it. Thus a savings of only $50. You're pretty much paying 75% of the replacement cost anyway. If you get AppleCare+ over two cycles and only used it once, you've already lost money.

How do you know it's still $199 to replace without AppleCare+?

 

[ReBurn]

How do you know it's still $199 to replace without AppleCare+?

When my wife broke her iPhone 4 it was going to be $599 to replace it. What she did wasn't covered under standard warranty. But since I was within a year of buying it I bought AppleCare and got it replaced for $150.

I guess if you've had your phone long enough to qualify for an upgrade you can get a new one for $199, but that's probably the only way.

 

[Marty Chinn]

How do you know it's still $199 to replace without AppleCare+?

Can you point to something that says it's not? Everything I've seen so far says it costs $199 to replace the front screen, so I'm going based on that figure.

 

[Futureman]

When my wife broke her iPhone 4 it was going to be $599 to replace it. What she did wasn't covered under standard warranty. But since I was within a year of buying it I bought AppleCare and got it replaced for $150.

you can buy Applecare after you device breaks and get a replacement? I would think they would ask to see the phone first and refuse AC if it is broken.

 

[btkadams]

you can buy Applecare after you device breaks and get a replacement? I would think they would ask to see the phone first and refuse AC if it is broken.

can't you buy it online and at non-apple stores?

 

[Tobor]

Can you point to something that says it's not? Everything I've seen so far says it costs $199 to replace the front screen, so I'm going based on that figure.

Doesn't AppleCare+ cover more than the front screen?

If somebody needs the whole phone replaced outside of warranty, it's going to cost a lot more than $199.

 

[Crazymoogle]

I'm currently on an 18 month contract (vodafone) that has a few months left. If I was to buy the new iPhone from Apple (unlocked), could I put in my sim card and carry on with my contract normally?

Yes. I did just this when the iPhone 4 came out (bought it unlocked from Apple in Canada). As far as my old provider is concerned I still use a 3GS. Not cheap but a good way to get a contract over with.

Also, can someone then use my old iPhone with their own sim with no problem? Obviously if it's locked they'll have to be on the network.

I think so. I'm a bit hazy on if it's plug'n'play but it should be okay - my wife uses my 3GS just fine (not jailbroken), but then again we're on the same overall account. Maybe someone else here can speak better about this though. The provider should have the phone codes on record but I have to believe that this sort of transfer happens all the time, so maybe they just check to make sure it's not stolen?

 

[Enco]

Yes. I did just this when the iPhone 4 came out (bought it unlocked from Apple in Canada). As far as my old provider is concerned I still use a 3GS. Not cheap but a good way to get a contract over with.



I think so. I'm a bit hazy on if it's plug'n'play but it should be okay - my wife uses my 3GS just fine (not jailbroken), but then again we're on the same overall account. Maybe someone else here can speak better about this though. The provider should have the phone codes on record but I have to believe that this sort of transfer happens all the time, so maybe they just check to make sure it's not stolen?

Hmm ok, thanks man.

I found a form to fill in online to get your phone unlocked and I think getting it unlocked before the contract is up is a new thing. I'll have a look into it.

Siri is too good a thing to pass up haha

 

[ChanHuk]

It's $199 to replace a shattered iPhone 4/S screen, that's what they told me when I shattered my 4, but they replaced it for free. Replacing it yourself is quite expensive since the glass and the actual display are one piece. I think its around $100 itself for the part.

 

[Xamdou]

So the free standard one year warranty for purchasing a 4S includes what exactly?

 

[Aske]

So the free standard one year warranty for purchasing a 4S includes what exactly?

Everything but accidental damage. Free repairs/replacement for manufacturing defects.

 

[Enco]

Everything but accidental damage. Free repairs/replacement for manufacturing defects.

Which sucks.

Accidental damage is the most important bit.

 

[TommyT]

Which sucks.

Accidental damage is the most important bit.

Well that's why it isn't covered.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Doesn't AppleCare+ cover more than the front screen?

If somebody needs the whole phone replaced outside of warranty, it's going to cost a lot more than $199.

The way I understand it is, AppleCare is 1 year of warranty in case anything fails that looks like it's due to the fault of the parts or construction of the phone and in no part your fault. AppleCare+ gives you an additional year of that coverage and covers you for damage that you cause to the phone within that two year period. So you're paying for one additional year plus accidental coverage.

Now the way most electronics work is that a failure is likely to occur within the first couple of months. I think 60 days is the period. If you make it past that, it's unlikely parts are just going to fail anytime in the near future. The highest failure rate is early in the life of the device. That's not to say that nothing can't go wrong, just your odds are extremely lower. Since you're covered for a full year anyway, if you don't break by the end of the year, I would imagine anything that's going to go wrong is going to be due to something you did to the phone rather than the phone itself just failing on its own.

So with that in mind, drop the phone and break the front screen. A front screen replacement is pretty much an automatic phone replacement and that cost to do a front screen replacement is $199. So even though you do get that extra year of AppleCare coverage, I don't think it makes much of a difference.

Again, AppleCare+ only pays off if you pretty much break your phone at least once, and no more than twice in a cycle and you do that every cycle. In the scope of things, that cycle is a pretty short time frame.