Tell me more ×
Ask Different is a question and answer site for power users of Apple hardware and software. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

My iPhone 5 has recently developed a screen fault: a line going from the bottom left to the top right with other lines and / or a mold-like pattern (the photos don't exactly convey the full effect).

The weird thing is that it is not permanent - it comes and goes (although the diagonal line always stays, it just varies in intensity).

Unless it's a symptom of a very strange cause, I'm fairly sure that this isn't software-based.

I'm very careful with my phone so, as far as I can remember, the device hasn't suffered any physical or water damage.

I do have insurance but I'd just like to know what people think so I know exactly what to claim on.

 

6th February:

enter image description here

11th February:

enter image description here

27th March:

enter image description here

share|improve this question
1  
Since it's highly likely your iPhone 5 is less than a year and covered by warranty, get it to the nearest Apple Store or call AppleCare in your country to get it fixed. – Global nomad Feb 12 at 19:34
But no idea what the actual cause is? – Ben Hooper Mar 27 at 8:49
1  
@Globalnomad highly possible? It's the only possibility. LOL – Shane Hsu Mar 27 at 13:36
In all honesty this looks like liquid exposure to me. When liquid enters an LCD panel it creates a cloudy effect, like the effect seen along the upper portion and down the right side of this display. Source; worked in Apple retail for a few years and have seen literally hundreds (thousands?) of damaged iPhones, iPods, Macs. – Mr Rabbit Mar 27 at 14:24
@ShaneHsu I was future proofing my answer (past when the one year anniversary of iPhone 5). LOL – Global nomad Mar 29 at 18:24
show 1 more comment

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

As I can see from your profile: You live in the UK. How's the winter this year? I mean: How cold is it? And how are you carrying your iPhone around? Inside your trouser's pocket? Or inside your coat's pocket? So yeah, maybe it sufferd from extreme differences in temperature plus condensation.

share|improve this answer
We have had some pretty bizarre weather lately - days that start sunny and mild, turn into actual blizzards, and back. But only lately. This started before all that. – Ben Hooper Mar 30 at 14:46
up vote 0 down vote

I would say from the cloudiness around the edges of your screen it looks like water damage and the fact that there are water droplets (or appear to be) on the phone in the pictures I would check the water sensors very closely (in the headphone jack and in the charge port) if they are even the slightest color of pink your probably not going to have much luck at the Apple store unless you get real lucky and get a newbe at the Genius Bar. Good luck with it though.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.