Read the fine print: What Apple didn’t tell you at its launch event | HT Tech

Read the fine print: What Apple didn’t tell you at its launch event

Are iPhones covered under water damage and are AirPods safe? There are issues to be sorted out.

By: ANIRBAN GHOSHAL
| Updated on: Sep 08 2016, 17:41 IST
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Dancer Maddy Ziegler performs on stage during an Apple event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California on September 7, 2016. (AFP)
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Dancer Maddy Ziegler performs on stage during an Apple event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California on September 7, 2016. (AFP)

Apple has launched its next generation of iPhones—iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, a new family of smartwatches and Apple wireless AirPods, in a bid to stem a slide in profits. For, the US-based technology giant is facing pressure from markets like China and India, where sales are slowing.

The Cupertino-headquartered company's products launched on Wednesday feature several new facilities and upgrade, but it would be better to go for second thoughts before pre-ordering any such product.

Here is why:

iPhones not covered under water damage

Yes, you read it right. Apple is not going to provide for any free service if your iPhone sustains water damage even though the phone is water-resistant. According to a leaked document, a customer has to pay 24,999 to get a new phone as replacement.

Apple's latest two iPhones are the company's first iPhones that have been advertised as water- and dust-resistant with an official IP67 rating under International Electrotechnical Standards—a uniform standard of determining water and resistance ratings across a wide range of devices.

Waterproof iPhone 7, Watch, no headphone jack: Apple event takeaways

Trevor Edwards, president of Nike Brand, discusses the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco.
Trevor Edwards, president of Nike Brand, discusses the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco. (REUTERS)
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Trevor Edwards, president of Nike Brand, discusses the Apple Watch with Nike+ during a media event in San Francisco. (REUTERS)

IPx7, the water resistance rating, means the iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in water to one metre (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, as tested in laboratory conditions. IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IP8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of immersion under pressure. Samsung's devices, by the way, are rated at IP68, suggesting better overall water resistance.

Apple's iPhone 7, starting at 60,000, to hit Indian shores on October 7

Apple describes the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus as "splash, water, and dust resistant," and it should hold up to accidental drops in the pool, bathtub, or shower or light splashing. The company has warned users that the phones shouldn't be used in high-pressure water conditions, such as in direct shower water, and it shouldn't be kept under water for extended periods of time.

"iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529," an Apple document read. "Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty."

Hence keep that iPhone away from water.

Are the AirPods safe?

While many people are voicing fears about losing Apple's small AirPods, concerns have also been raised about the potential for choking on them, particularly children.

In Australia, Fairfax Media pointed out that the new AirPods, with dimensions at 16.5 mm x 18 mm x 40.5 mm, fit within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Product Safety Choke Check. This implies that it has the potential to block a child's throat.

On its website, the ACCC advises that the Choke Check is "intended only as a guide for consumers and should not be relied on to check for compliance with standards and the law".

No announcements on AMOLED screen, wireless charging and virtual reality

This iPhone features are innovations. Apple, which was rumoured to jump on the AMOLED screen and wireless charging bandwagon, hasn't done so this time. It might be reserving all the big updates for its 10th anniversary edition of iPhone next year.

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First Published Date: 08 Sep, 17:36 IST
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