iPhone Software Update - WiFi Not Working - Apple Won't Repair

Hi There,

I recently updated my iPhone 4 software from iOS 5.1.1 to IOS 6.0.1.

The next day I noticed the wifi toggle was greyed out and I now cannot get any wifi signal for my phone. This has really effected my use of the device.

I contacted apple customer care and after numerous tweaks and a few restores I still had the greyed out wifi toggle. I also researched the problem and its a well discussed issue on the apple communities message board.

I again contacted apple and they suggested sending the iPhone to their repair centre in the UK. I agreed, shipped the phone and today they came back with an email response on my phone repair. They basically said the device was unrepairable and they offered a replacement iPhone full price (!) or to ship back my device unrepaired.

I contacted apple looking for an explanation for this. They stated that because the device had non apple parts/hardware, I got a replacement back for the phone about 6months ago they would not repair or replace the phone. They also stated I am outside the Apple 12 month warranty period.

I stated that the issue presented because of their software update and that this is a prominent known issue with some iPhone 4 and 4s users who have updated to iOS 6 and iOS 6.0.1.

They persisted on the hardware issue but did agree that their software was an issue related to greyed out wifi toggle. Cue major frustration and disgust from myself but I wasn't abusive in any way!

Do I have any comeback here? I'll have the phone 2 years in January. What are my consumer rights in regard to electronic goods and dodgy software updates! Do I have any recourse say through the small claims court? What's my best approach or am I wasting my time?

Thanks in advance

Hulio

The "normal" procedure when applying a software update via iTunes is that the software asks to back up the phone before installing the new software; if something goes awry you can always go back and if the wifi breaks you can use a USB cable to restore all your data apps and phone back to its previous state. Is this route closed off to you?

Was the phone jail-broken (hacked) to install software or features not designed for it? This is the only reason I can think of that Apple won't fix it for you.

AFAIK if a device is replaced under warranty, the "new" device has its own warranty / consumer law clock that starts once it's delivered to you.