Fake iOS 7 Waterproof Advert Convinces Users To Destroy Their iPhones

A fake advert claiming that upgrading to iOS 7 makes a compatible iPhone waterproof is causing a number of users to destroy their smartphones by dropping them in water to test the alleged functionality.

The advert, which is mocked up to look as though it was created by Apple, was believed to have originated from the 4chan forum and has spread on social media networks such as Twitter.

The image shows an iPhone 5S with water in the background and the words “update to iOS 7 and become waterproof,” and explains how a feature that would require an obvious hardware upgrade can be enabled by a software update.

iOS 7 waterproof rumour

“In an emergency, a smart-switch will shut off the phone’s power supply and corresponding components to prevent any damage to your iPhone’s delicate circuitry,” it reads, enticing those who might understandably have reservations about dunking their expensive gadget into a pool of liquid by stressing the waterproof functionality is covered by Apple’s warranty.

Those who have damaged their “delicate circuitry” have flocked to Twitter to express their anger, while others, some of whom spread the rumour, have mocked those who fell for it, with one Twitter user also suggesting the iPhone 5S could be charged in a microwave.

Apple says iOS 7, which for the avoidance of doubt does not add waterproof protection to the iPhone, has been downloaded 200 million times since it was made available as a free update last week, making it the fastest software upgrade in history.

That’s a lot of people who could be caught off guard by this destructive rumour, although those genuinely interested in waterproof protection for their smartphone might be advised to purchase a Sony Xperia ZR, which can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.

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