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iPhone 3GS turns yellower shade of white

Sepia screen for that old-timey look

Cloud based data management

Apple fans unwrapping their new iPhone 3GS are being disappointed by an eerie yellow on-screen tint that pushes some handsets beyond usability, though not every complainant has managed to get their handset replaced.

The problem is reminiscent of one that plagued the iPhone 3G, and is described by some users as a "warmer" tone, but by others as an irritating blemish that makes the phone unusable. Some buyers have managed to convince their local Apple store of the problem, while others have been sent home with assurances that the problem was in their imagination or would fix itself over time.

While not widespread, the problem has attracted 24 pages of comments on Apple Discussions, with UK 3GS owners venting their anger on the O2 Forum. Some users report getting their handsets changed at the Apple store by demonstrating the problem to the resident "geniuses", while others claim to have been told the problem didn't exist or would fix itself over time.

The Apple Discussion is also alive with speculation as to why none of the 3GS handsets on display in the stores seem to exhibit the same problem - suggestions include the idea that these are prototype units, or that staff replace any dodgy-looking display devices before the customers see them. The latter seems more likely to us, especially if the problem is rare; but we can only speculate as, true to form, Apple is saying nothing.

So if your 3GS is looking a little jaundiced round the gills you might try haranguing the shop where you bought it, but be prepared to argue your case or admit that a "warmer" screen is just what you wanted really. ®

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Latest Comments

Compared Gen1 iTouch with iPhone 3G

It's true, on the iPhone 3G (that works perfectly with no complaints from the owner) side by side with a 1st Gen iTouch, the white is noticeably different between the two, with the iPhone displaying an off-white, slightly yellower tinge. If they've increased this effect on the 3GS then, yep, a lot of people with good colour perception are going to start to notice this and be distracted by it.

I don't know about you but I don't want to look at my premium consumer electronic device and be distracted by colour display that is off. Especially not one that is designed for video playback!

Sorry, but if this really is a deliberate design strategy, it's a rare fail by the fruity types.

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Anonymous Coward

Chortle (spelt correctly this time)

Good old Apple... They're so reliable, I knew they wouldn't let me down...

I've just seen the fault for today... GPS!

Hahahahaha

Hohohohohoho

No wonder the 3.1 software is already out in beta, they shipped before 3.0 was finished.

Roll on tomorrow, I can't wait!

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evidence?

got any?

If you had a unpleasantly hot iPhone you would go back to have it replaced, no?

If it burned your face you would go go go to a lawyer wouldn't you?

If it actually had a warning screen you would heed that wouldn't you?

If you were writing for the Register you would just gather any unsubstantiated blog or forum article, wouldn't you?

If you just happened to hate Apple you would just agree with the usualy Register trolling, wouldn't you?

Register to warm iPhone victims "That's OK: your tears say more than real evidence _ever_

could."

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