iPhone Data Cable Coming Apart

[ashwini]

I got my iPhone 3-4 months ago. Now, the data cable is breaking from both the sides and exposing the wires. I can still use the cable but I am scared if I will end up breaking it into two!

Is this covered in the warranty? I dont remember ever handling it roughly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3348240231_1f99be67b1.jpg

[Neo-Tech]

I don't think it's covered by the warranty as it's wear and tear and it costs about £12 for a new one. I've got the same problem apart from it's the USB side. Cheap cables ftl :(

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Mine is worse than that, ashwini...:smile:

[ashwini]

@Napoleon - Does it still work??!

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

@Napoleon - Does it still work??!

Works fine. Yours should work for a long time as long as you're aware of the condition that's already there.

[adnurahs]

Yeah, I have about three that are bad. It's funny no matter if that white plastic comes off it still charges. But I have extras so I use them when mine got really bad looking.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

As long as the wires are intact, you're good.

[ashwini]

That should do, but you would expect someone like apple to put in a little more care into it!

[Europa]

I don't think it's typical. I have several laying around from all my various Apple devices, none of them are damaged like that. At least they're cheap to replace.

[styfle]

If I were you, I would put some electrical tape around that to prevent it from ripping anymore. It might look stupid but it will work.

[iphonewarrior]

^ @ 1st post.


My wire is the same, i wouldn't worry too much until it actually falls apart. There cheap to replace so i wouldn't let it concern you.

Get a new one- there's plenty of 3rd party usb-ipod cables out there

[iPhoneMonster]

Mines ripped from both ends now.. I might call apple and either buy or hopefully replace them or free because it's not cheap in Australia - $25. I don't have spares lying around because they are either from the other ipods or the other iPhone..

[Neo-Tech]

Electrical Tape? I might try that :)

[psylichon]

Don't pull the plug out by the cable and this won't happen to you :)

Sorry, it's the engineer in me talking...

[The Apple]

I got my iPhone 3-4 months ago. Now, the data cable is breaking from both the sides and exposing the wires. I can still use the cable but I am scared if I will end up breaking it into two!

Is this covered in the warranty? I dont remember ever handling it roughly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3348240231_1f99be67b1.jpg
If it came with the phone it should be covered under warranty. I had my headphones replaced a couple times under warranty.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Don't pull the plug out by the cable and this won't happen to you :)

Sorry, it's the engineer in me talking...

Good advice, Dave. When I was in the Air Force Band, I did a couple of stints on the audio crew. Believe me, those guys were picky as hell about the way their cords and cables were treated. If you even looked at them wrong (the cables), you might have gotten a lecture.

However, it kept our equipment in far better shape for far longer.

I still don't understand why one of my commanders always referred to red duct tape as "rock & roll duct tape," though. :smile:

[tippingpt]

Same thing happened to me. I bought a new one on Amazon for 1 cent. no joke, and the shipping was $3.00. but mine was a year old already.

[Bitewound]

I got my iPhone 3-4 months ago. Now, the data cable is breaking from both the sides and exposing the wires. I can still use the cable but I am scared if I will end up breaking it into two!

Is this covered in the warranty? I dont remember ever handling it roughly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3348240231_1f99be67b1.jpg
Same thing happened to mine at the other end -I took it in to the Apple store and it was replaced no questions asked.

[Neo-Tech]

^Really? Too bad the nearest Apple Store for me is miles away :(
Mind you, if I order online, it might be cheaper as petrol is damn right expensive, blame "Golden" Brown.

[psylichon]

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=iphone+charging+cable&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[gotzaiPhone]

I was told by my local apple store when my dog chewed on my my macbook power supply, that as long as the braided steel tube (whats showing in the pic) is still in tact, you're fine. That tubing does not conduct electricity and the actual coated power wires are inside of that.

Now if this is true or if they were blowing sunshine up my ass, I don't know...

[psylichon]

No, that sounds right to me.

[The Apple]

^Really? Too bad the nearest Apple Store for me is miles away :(
Mind you, if I order online, it might be cheaper as petrol is damn right expensive, blame "Golden" Brown.
If you are still under warranty, it is free.

[Neo-Tech]

Meh, I can't be bothered going through all the help & support jazz. I'll get another one.

[twallyf]

I live a ways from an apple store, so I just bought a new one at Walmart, took out the new one and stuck the old one back in, took the it back and got my money back.

[Europa]

Nice! It's way too easy to scam Wal-Mart like that. They can afford it, before Sam Walton died, he was the richest man in the world. Almost double the next guy in line, Bill Gates. The inheritance was divided by four.

[lowram00]

yea i got my iphone 3g in Feb and mine doing the same thing and mine been in my room plug in the wall since day one yea sucked one side of my headphones quit working like 1 1/2 months after i got my iphone

[iphonewarrior]

yea i got my iphone 3g in Feb and mine doing the same thing and mine been in my room plug in the wall since day one yea sucked one side of my headphones quit working like 1 1/2 months after i got my iphone

I've had my original earphones since i first got the phone. Mine are in near perfect condition. I don't know what you must have been doing with them, they seem quite resilient to abuse. you should of taken better care of them lol :)

[Neo-Tech]

^You must have got lucky then, my brother's iPod headphones broke after 10-11 months of him getting it, cheap Apple, lol.

[iphonewarrior]

^You must have got lucky then, my brother's iPod headphones broke after 10-11 months of him getting it, cheap Apple, lol.

Honestly i still have the same ones, there clean (ish) there's a few marks on the wires themselves but apart from that there fine. I wont deny that sound quality has decreased :( I like the standard earphones as they look good. I'll just get some new ones when i get the v3 iphone video :2cool:

[ashwini]

Thanks everyone!! Guess I will get it replaced under warranty!! But I think it wont be so easy! AirTel (the carrier) looks after the support department for iPhone in my country. And the guys there mostly have no clue!

[iphonewarrior]

Thanks everyone!! Guess I will get it replaced under warranty!! But I think it wont be so easy! AirTel (the carrier) looks after the support department for iPhone in my country. And the guys there mostly have no clue!

You'll be fine my friend, everything will be fine. If they get funny with you, just buy some more, there not exspensive :tounge:

[ashwini]

You'll be fine my friend, everything will be fine. If they get funny with you, just buy some more, there not exspensive :tounge:

Oh no... not so cheap here. I think it costs INR 500. Anyway, thats the last resort!

[doron]

I got my iPhone 3-4 months ago. Now, the data cable is breaking from both the sides and exposing the wires. I can still use the cable but I am scared if I will end up breaking it into two!

Is this covered in the warranty? I dont remember ever handling it roughly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3348240231_1f99be67b1.jpg

mine was doing the same exact thing...just ordered a griffin wall charger from ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/griffin-wall-charger-for-apple-iphone-3g-1g-ipod-touch_W0QQitemZ250416624177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOthe r_MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item3a4dfe7231&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/griffin-wall-charger-for-apple-iphone-3g-1g-ipod-touch_W0QQitemZ250416624177QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOthe r_MP3_Player_Accessories?hash=item3a4dfe7231&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

[djwindsor]

OMG, mine is a mirror image of the damage depicted in your photo. I still use it and put electrical tape around it. Next time I'm in the Apple Store I am going to see if I can get a new one from them. A few months ago I bought three or four off of a seller on ebay for a couple bucks each. Ironically they seem more resilient than the OEM.

[Neo-Tech]

Yeah, although I've had one in the past and that's been a bit iffy :/

Anyhow, I have a 3GS now which means a new cable :D

[FlwrPwer]

The same thing is happening to my cable. Now, I was always taught never use a cable with wires exposed....ok, I'm using this cable cause how much damage can it really do to me? But really, isnt this a safety concern?

[psylichon]

The same thing is happening to my cable. Now, I was always taught never use a cable with wires exposed....ok, I'm using this cable cause how much damage can it really do to me? But really, isnt this a safety concern?

It passes 5V at pretty low amperage. If you've ever licked a 9-volt and survived, you're probably safe.

[Tinman]

It's not a case of safety for people. It's for the iPhone. I wouldn't want a short to send current to a wire or connector that normally doesn't have it. And there's enough current from USB (or more so from a wall-wart) to do damage to an iPhone, that's for sure.

[MrMike6by9]

It passes 5V at pretty low amperage. If you've ever licked a 9-volt and survived, you're probably safe.

Hmmmm, I guess I'm not the only who's ever done that ..... :D

[eye-Fone]

I got my iPhone 3-4 months ago. Now, the data cable is breaking from both the sides and exposing the wires. I can still use the cable but I am scared if I will end up breaking it into two!

Is this covered in the warranty? I dont remember ever handling it roughly.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3348240231_1f99be67b1.jpg
Yes, it is covered by warranty. I had the same issue, but with the USB-end of the cable. I took it into an Apple store and the replaced it, right on-the-spot. :045:thumbs_up

[MileHighRob]

Yes, it is covered by warranty. I had the same issue, but with the USB-end of the cable. I took it into an Apple store and the replaced it, right on-the-spot. :045:thumbs_up
Mine is exactly like the OP's photo too. I'm going to jump on my bike and head down to the Apple Store to see if they'll replace it for me. I figure it can't hurt and I've got some time on my hands right now.

[MileHighRob]

Mission accomplished! I love Apple.

[ashwini]

Its been 1+ month since I gave my cable to AirTel (iPhone support in India) and yesterday I drove 80 KMs to get the replacement. I had to wait for more than 1 hr for the guys to figure out where they had kept my cable, when they finally announced to me they had failed to send it to Apple and that my cable was lying there for all this time!!

They were not even sorry!! :(

[Neo-Tech]

You might as well get a few fake ones off eBay, easier and cheaper to replace. And the price isn't as high as Apple's either and last a bit longer :P

[Europa]

You might as well get a few fake ones off eBay, easier and cheaper to replace. And the price isn't as high as Apple's either and last a bit longer :P
I don't recommend that. They are only $19 online from Apple.com. It's not worth the risk of it failing during a restore since it's aftermarket. They might work fine for charging and syncing but cause restore errors.

[ashwini]

I am using an aftermarket for now.... lets hope they send me mine in a week or 2...

[MileHighRob]

I don't recommend that. They are only $19 online from Apple.com. It's not worth the risk of it failing during a restore since it's aftermarket. They might work fine for charging and syncing but cause restore errors.
I completely concur. Not worth the minimal savings should something go awry.

[MrMike6by9]

Having spent 2 1/2 hours trying to upgrade someone else's iPhone to 3.0.1 before I switched to using my own 3GS Apple cable, I also concur. The other cable was for a Griffin charger that had worked to upgrade the same phone to 2.2.1 only months earlier. BTW, that cable had no physical damage as it was in the same place on the same desk as always. The owner only uses that charger when he stays with his father but almost never syncs with a computer except at such times.

YMMV

[eye-Fone]

Yes, it is covered by warranty. I had the same issue, but with the USB-end of the cable. I took it into an Apple store and the replaced it, right on-the-spot. :045:thumbs_upMine is exactly like the OP's photo too. I'm going to jump on my bike and head down to the Apple Store to see if they'll replace it for me. I figure it can't hurt and I've got some time on my hands right now.Mission accomplished! I love Apple.
You're welcome! <hint, hint> :dft012:wink

[Tinman]

You could always extend a formal "thanks" to my message (http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/iphone-accessories/iphone-data-cable-coming-apart-47853-2.html#post498398) <hint, hint> :dft012:wink

I'd like to think EIC isn't like some of those "other" forums where people practically grovel for a thanks.

Better to help and not expect to be thanked than to help and ask for thanks. Me thinks, anyway. But what do I know...



--
Mike

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Agreed, Mike.

[eye-Fone]

Ha! I not above groveling! LOL! :dft012:wink

[MileHighRob]

Ha! I not above groveling! LOL! :dft012:wink
If they're that important to you, I bet a few people would be willing to sell you some "thanks". :011:evillaugh

[eye-Fone]

If they're that important to you, I bet a few people would be willing to sell you some "thanks". :011:evillaugh
Cool! Let's get Paypay set up here. Maybe EIC would want to skim a little "administrative fee" off the top. :024:yum LOL!

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I have 100 thanks slots open. $5.00 each.

[eye-Fone]

I have 125 "Thank you's" allocated to me. How does 50 cents apiece or a "2-fer" sound?

https://www.njcaoilgroup.com/images/donate.gif

[The Apple]

I will give you thanks for a quarter. Free shipping.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

But I'm reputable.

[The Apple]

Maybe in two weeks. I ship as soon as payment is received, Air force One delivered. FREE SHIPPING!!!

[eye-Fone]

Maybe in two weeks. I ship as soon as payment is received, Air force One delivered. FREE SHIPPING!!!
Dude, you need to start sharing the love. You've only given out a fraction of what you've received, compared to Napoleon and I. :dft012:wink

[The Apple]

It makes users feel more special when they get a thanks from me. They know I don't just throw them around like candy at a parade.

[eye-Fone]

It makes users feel more special when they get a thanks from me. They know I don't just throw them around like candy at a parade.
Touché! :ok:ok

[psylichon]

I got a ton of rollover thanks. Wonder if they're transferable...

[ashwini]

What the hell are you guys talking about?!!!

[FlwrPwer]

What the hell are you guys talking about?!!!

To answer your question, someone in this thread "begged" for a "thanks." This, in turn, got everybody started on poking fun at his desperate attempt to increase his number.
:dft010:smiling

[iphonewarrior]

To answer your question, someone in this thread "begged" for a "thanks." This, in turn, got everybody started on poking fun at his desperate attempt to increase his number.
:dft010:smiling


lol. :ok:ok

Thats probably the best answer you could have given to that question....

[FlwrPwer]

lol. :ok:ok

Thats probably the best answer you could have given to that question....

Hey, I call them like I see them. :dft012:wink

[iphonewarrior]

Hey, I call them like I see them. :dft012:wink


Isn't that what every woman does...? :dft011:wicked_smile

[FlwrPwer]

Isn't that what every woman does...? :dft011:wicked_smile

nah....i'd like to think some have tact. I'm just not one of them! :005:snicker

[eye-Fone]

Yeah, my knees are sore from "begging" for thanks! LOL! :033:praying

And then the thread took another left turn to "I will sell my thanks to anyone", which turned to "the more thanks someone gives out, the less valuable they are".

Whew!

[ashwini]

Yeah, my knees are sore from "begging" for thanks! LOL! :033:praying

And then the thread took another left turn to "I will sell my thanks to anyone", which turned to "the more thanks someone gives out, the less valuable they are".

Whew!

Hey! aren't you the guy who has been begging for thanks??

[eye-Fone]

Hey! aren't you the guy who has been begging for thanks??
Hey! Aren't you the guy with the high IQ? :dft012:wink

How long did it take you to deduce that from the "sore knees" comment? ha!...it's all good! LOL!

[ashwini]

Yep! you got me... I am the one!

[jarofclay73]

The data cable that came with my iPhone 3G is breaking at exactly the same point as the OP. It doesn't sync well with iTunes anymore although it still charges. So, I leave that one in the living room for charging only.

I'm now using the data cable that came with my second-generation iPod Nano:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/members/jarofclay73-albums-iphone-data-cable-picture479-img-0629.jpg

Okay that's a crappy picture, but I think this data cable is made much better than the one that comes with the iPhone 3G and later.

Sure, it's a little bulkier and there's button to press when you release it from your device. But, it's made much tougher.

Here's another crappy picture of the two cables side-by-side:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/members/jarofclay73-albums-iphone-data-cable-picture480-img-0630.jpg

Too bad Apple is cutting corners, so to speak.

[iphonewarrior]

The data cable that came with my iPhone 3G is breaking at exactly the same point as the OP. It doesn't sync well with iTunes anymore although it still charges. So, I leave that one in the living room for charging only.

I'm now using the data cable that came with my second-generation iPod Nano:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/members/jarofclay73-albums-iphone-data-cable-picture479-img-0629.jpg

Okay that's a crappy picture, but I think this data cable is made much better than the one that comes with the iPhone 3G and later.

Sure, it's a little bulkier and there's button to press when you release it from your device. But, it's made much tougher.

Here's another crappy picture of the two cables side-by-side:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/members/jarofclay73-albums-iphone-data-cable-picture480-img-0630.jpg

Too bad Apple is cutting corners, so to speak.


It charges but it doesn't sync?

That doesn't sound right at all. I'd just get a replacement, they aren't exactly exspensive now are they :dft012:wink

[The Apple]

Thanks everyone.

[Neo-Tech]

All I can say is, the hell? Lmao.

This thread has turned into "OMG GIMMEH THANKS NOAW!"

[Europa]

It charges but it doesn't sync?

That doesn't sound right at all. I'd just get a replacement, they aren't exactly exspensive now are they :dft012:wink
This doesn't surprise me at all. I completely agree with getting a replacement. My 3G cable has no visible damage and will charge and sync my 3G and 3GS just fine, but it will infallibly cause errors halfway through the restore process on both devices.

[iphonewarrior]

I have 3 USB ipod cables. I keep my newest one with my laptop for syncing my info two and from my phone. The others, just get thrown into my bag for traveling and using whilst on the move.


I try and buy a new cable every few months just in case any of my current ones are damaged. As mentioned there not expensive at all so I really don't see what the big problem is. If apple wont exchange it, just buy a new one.

[memnautikus]

My cable is coming apart too. And so is my girlfriend's cable. We've had the 3GS fir only 2 months. Piece of crappy cable.

[MileHighRob]

My cable is coming apart too. And so is my girlfriend's cable. We've had the 3GS fir only 2 months. Piece of crappy cable.
If you're close to an Apple Store stop by and have them replaced. Everyone keeps talking about how inexpensive they are but honestly between the two of you you'd be out $40 + tax for the two cables.

[Neo-Tech]

Yeh, cables aren't cheap, Apple ones anyway.

[foobar]

I've never been lucky enough to get a replacement cable under warranty, though I've definitely tried.

Also tried some of the cheap-o sync cables on eBay, they weren't any better (and some were a lot worse).

Finally ended up getting one from CableJive, very durable, doesn't look like it's going to break anytime soon. http://cablejive.com/duraSync

[dturner]

Got mine replace about 6 weeks ago with no problem. The real problem is that this one is doing the same thing on the same end. Guess I will just live with it and buy another one when I have to.

[ashwini]

I got my replacement too.. no questions asked.

[MrEous]

I've gotten mine replaced...

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/general-discussion/apple-parts-replacement-a-54061.html