Samsung made more headlines in 2016 than any digital device company for the Galaxy Note 7’s combusting batteries and the subsequent recalls. To add insult to injury, some of Samsung’s washing machines made by a different manufacturer were recalled as well. The long decline of Apple has been predicted since before Steve Jobs’ death, but company has rarely made a misstep beyond the fact that its level success in the marketplace sometimes dips to what other companies would consider very successful.
But amidst the Samsung debacle was another smaller but still troublesome manufacturing issue with Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus manufactured in 2014. The device is said to be prone to a so-called “touch disease” problem where the device’s screen would show a thin grey flickering band near the top. In severe cases the band would extend down the screen and affect the touch response.
Apple said that it was due to multiple drops of the device on to a hard surface. The company eventually offered a new repair initiative, which came with a service price of $149 if the screen is not cracked. If device owners paid for repairs for this problem that amounted to more than $149, the company will reimburse the customer for the difference.
According to Appleinsider.com, the problem accounted for about 11 percent of all iPhone service volume in Apple Stores. At first, the company was blaming a faulty touch controller. But the reason for the problem was solder joints in some units degraded or became loose, thereby effecting connection between the touch controller chip and the logic board. At other times, the chip would just stop working.
When a digital device or any purchase doesn’t function properly, the consumer should check the warranty to see if it can’t be returned. They should also check the company’s web site and elsewhere to see if there have been similar reported problems or if there is a product recall.
There also may be legal action already in motion. If this is the case, it might be best to check with a lawyer familiar with product liability, particularly if there has been an injury related to the malfunction. An attorney can provide help in dealing with these companies whose best interest is in not acknowledging that there is a problem with their company’s products, whether it is replacement or costs related to injury.
