Apple replaced the battery in my iPhone 13 Pro Max on August 9, so the phone had been opened less than a month ago. While visiting Niagara Falls, it was exposed to some mist and spray but was never submerged or heavily soaked. Later, I noticed visible condensation inside the front-facing camera, and Face ID began becoming intermittently unavailable. The phone also temporarily lost cellular service during the drive home and only recovered after a restart.
I'm concerned that the water-resistant seal may not have been restored correctly during the battery replacement. I've owned this phone since launch and have never experienced anything like this before. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms after an Apple repair? If a technician finds that the issue is related to the repair, is it likely to be covered by Apple's service warranty, or could it still be classified as liquid damage? I'm currently traveling away from the store that performed the repair and want to know what to expect before arranging an appointment.
3 Answers
This is worth taking back to Apple, ideally by making an appointment with a technician rather than relying on a quick walk-in assessment. Moisture inside the camera and intermittent Face ID problems can be consistent with a compromised seal or a repair-related issue, although Apple will need to inspect it before deciding whether the service warranty applies. Since the battery replacement was recent, bring the repair documentation and explain exactly when the symptoms started.
A recent repair followed by condensation and Face ID trouble is enough reason to have Apple formally evaluate it. Ask for the issue to be reviewed as a possible repair-related failure under the service warranty, rather than assuming it will be covered or denied. Avoid charging or repeatedly using the phone if moisture is still visible, since continued operation could make the damage worse.
Visit the nearest Apple Store even if it isn’t the location that replaced the battery. They can document the condition, inspect the phone, and advise whether it needs to be handled by the original service location. The fact that the phone wasn’t submerged doesn’t necessarily rule out liquid exposure, but it also doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be charged—coverage will depend on their inspection and any evidence that the repair was done improperly.
That makes sense. I’m mainly worried they’ll immediately treat it as liquid damage because of the spray, but I’ll arrange an appointment and bring proof of the recent battery service.