Over the last few days, a new iPhone 6 issue known as Bendgate has gone super viral. At first, it was pictures of the iPhone 6 Plus showing a bend after being in the consumers pocket. Then came the iPhone 6 Plus bend test, which confirmed that the new large aluminum iPhone can actually be bent with bare hands.
That’s bad, specially since it has hardly been like two weeks since the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus came out and the bendgate phenomenon has already caused Apple a lot of damage. Now, Apple has decided to face up to this problem and released a statement to Business Insider and other publications.
Apple is stating that ‘a bend in iPhone is extremely rare‘ and so far only 9 customers have contacted Apple regarding it. What Apple is telling us is, that of the 10 million and more iPhone 6/6 Plus’ that they’ve sold so far, only 9 have experienced this bending. We’re not sure if that’s accurate, but we’re going to have to believe Apple. Here’s Apple’s full statement:
Our iPhones are designed, engineered and manufactured to be both beautiful and sturdy. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feature a precision engineered unibody enclosure constructed from machining a custom grade of 6000 series anodized aluminum, which is tempered for extra strength. They also feature stainless steel and titanium inserts to reinforce high stress locations and use the strongest glass in the smartphone industry. We chose these high-quality materials and construction very carefully for their strength and durability. We also perform rigorous tests throughout the entire development cycle including 3-point bending, pressure point cycling, sit, torsion, and user studies. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus meet or exceed all of our high quality standards to endure everyday, real life use.
With normal use a bend in iPhone is extremely rare and through our first six days of sale, a total of nine customers have contacted Apple with a bent iPhone 6 Plus. As with any Apple product, if you have questions please contact Apple.
The iPhone 6 Plus bending isn’t abnormal. It’s made of aluminum and if enough pressure is applied, it will bend at its weak points.
Apple has also confirmed that users can replace their bent iPhone 6 Plus for a new one for free, if their device passes a Visual Mechanical Inspection test. TheNextWeb received this intel from Apple Support:
That is 100 percent up to the Genius you speak with at the store. There is a test called a Visual Mechanical Inspection that the device will have to pass. If it is within the guidelines, they will be able to cover it. If not, the replacement would be a paid one.
So, there you go. If you have a bent iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, go contact the Apple Store and see a Genius. What do you think of Apple’s statement about bendgate? I’m skeptical about that number 9!
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