Attention iPhone 15 Pro Users: Strange Adhesive Issue Raises Concerns

Apple’s iPhone 15 series, launched in September of the previous year, has faced several quality concerns since its debut. The primary issues encompass:

1. Excessive device overheating when engaged in high-spec gaming or high-resolution video recording.
2. Unexpected device shutdown during data transfers, resulting in an ongoing booting problem where the device fails to start correctly.
3. The titanium frame exhibits discoloration, turning black upon frequent handling.
4. App performance experiencing significant drops for no apparent reason.
5. Permanent damage to the device’s NFC antenna when using the wireless charging pad found in BMW vehicles.

The majority of these issues were resolved through firmware updates. However, a recent problem has raised suspicions of inherent design flaws, leaving iPhone users worldwide understandably concerned.

What’s the Cause of the Protruding Adhesive on the Back Edge of the iPhone?

On January 1 (local time), a Reddit user named mr_rakue in the United States shared a photo indicating adhesive protruding from the back of his iPhone 15 Pro. In the uploaded picture, a rubbery foreign substance is visible, protruding between the rear glass panel and the titanium frame of the iPhone. The poster also mentioned that the entire back of the iPhone is coming loose.

He noted that he typically used a case but wasn’t sure whether the case usage impacted this issue. Netizens who came across this information speculated about various potential causes. One Reddit user, claiming to be a former Apple engineer, suggested that the foreign substance in the photo might be the same material as the adhesive used to secure the screen beneath it. This adhesive serves the dual purpose of holding the panel in place and acting as a waterproof seal to prevent water from entering the device.

Considering various opinions, the foreign substance in the photo is likely to be a liner used to adhere the rear glass to the frame. It’s a part that was not seen in the previous iPhone 14 series. The iPhone 14 was designed with a unibody design where the rear panel and frame were integrated, eliminating the need for adhesive.

However, the iPhone 15 Pro series was designed to separate the rear panel and frame to improve repair convenience. Therefore, even if the rear glass is damaged, there is no need to replace the frame simultaneously as with previous models. But a tiny gap was created between the back and the frame. A sealing liner that also serves as an adhesive was applied to prevent water from entering this part.

What to Do If Your iPhone Shows the Same Symptoms?

Many users experiencing the same issue lined up on the Reddit post. A user named JDT33658 revealed that the same thing happened just two days after purchasing the iPhone 15 Pro. He took his device to the Apple Store, where he was told that the adhesive used to secure the rear panel was improperly applied and protracted from the gap. Also, he reported that he received a new replacement device.

Another user, TheManchot, who experienced the same symptoms, warned not to pull on the protruding part. Since the adhesive also serves a waterproofing function, pulling and stretching it could create a gap and damage the waterproof performance. He added that he cut the protruding part of the adhesive with a thin razor blade.

However, his approach is also not recommended. Since the adhesive liner has already protruded, it’s impossible to guarantee that the waterproof performance remains intact.

Suppose you notice a foreign substance, which appears to be adhesive, protruding between the rear glass panel and the frame, as seen in this instance. In that case, visiting an Apple Store or an authorized service center is advisable. It’s important not to touch or tamper with anything to ensure you receive the appropriate measures, such as repair or replacement.

Determining whether this symptom of internal adhesive protrusion is due to consumer fault can be challenging. Consequently, qualifying for free repair or replacement with a new product is highly likely.

However, if the rear glass is already damaged, there may be a charge for the repair. For the iPhone 15 Pro, the cost of rear glass replacement is approximately $210, but if you have subscribed to Apple’s extended service plan, AppleCare Plus, the cost is reduced to about $34. Similarly, for the iPhone 15 Pro Max model, rear glass replacement is priced at approximately $255, and with AppleCare Plus, it can be replaced for about $34.

As of the time of this report from international press sources, Apple has not yet disclosed the cause of this symptom or any related repair policies.

By. Byung Cha Lee