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Apple: Bending in iPhone 6 Plus From Normal Use 'Extremely Rare', Only 9 Customers Have Complained

Thursday September 25, 2014 11:10 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple has commented on the ongoing complaints about the iPhone 6 Plus bending in user pockets, telling CNBC that the new iPhones include steel/titanium inserts to reinforce stress locations and that they use the "strongest glass in the industry."

The company went on to say that only nine customers had complained about bent iPhones, suggesting the issue is not as widespread as it has appeared in the media. It also stated that both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have met or exceeded testing for strength and durability, and that bending in the iPhone 6 Plus during normal use is "extremely rare."

bent_iphone_6_plus

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.

Reports of the iPhone 6 Plus's weakness to bending first began trickling in on Monday, after several MacRumors forum members shared images of devices that had bent while in a pocket. The bending issue went viral after a YouTuber posted a video of the iPhone 6 Plus warping out of shape when bent in his hands, which caused significant damage near the device's volume buttons.

Given the media attention the bending received, it was difficult to tell how many users were truly affected by iPhone 6 Plus bending during real world usage. Though Apple kept quiet on the issue until today, the company has been directing its support staff to replace affected phones under warranty following a visual inspection.

Related Roundup: iPhone 6s

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Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Goldfrapp

47 months ago

The other 999,991 customers can't reach Apple customer support line because of the iOS 8.0.1 updategate.

Rating: 159 Votes

iBug2

47 months ago

If only nine customers complained, then why is the story and images "spreading like wildfire"?

Welcome to the internet.

Rating: 75 Votes

deputy_doofy

47 months ago

NINE! Out of millions. That doesn't mean there won't be more, but based on the internet stories, you'd think it was 9 million out of the 10 million sold. Geez.

I think Samsung is planting numerous people. lol

Rating: 54 Votes

penajmz

47 months ago

If only nine customers complained, then why is the story and images "spreading like wildfire"?

Its the same stories and same pictures if you notice.

Rating: 47 Votes

ZCT

47 months ago

Typical

Apple sells 10 million units. 9 people complain of a problem. The media focuses on the 9 people not the 9,999,991 who are doing fine.

Frankly, if you buy an ultra thin $700 computer, which the iPhone is, and mistreat it, you kind of get what you deserve.

The use of the term 'bendgate' is also so pathetic. It could not be a more minor issue and Apple have already said they will make it right with those nine people.

So where's the 'gate?'

Rating: 43 Votes

darkgoob

47 months ago

Samsung-funded F.U.D. campaign. Simple.

Or has everybody forgotten these tactics that Microsoft used in the 90s?

Rating: 32 Votes