While initial reports of Apple’s much hyped iPhone 6 Plus bends with continuous storage of the device in pockets emerged, the news spread quickly that it was generally perceived that the phones have a tendency to bend easily and Apple has responded to the issue stating that the case is “extremely rare”.
Unlike usually, Apple has responded quicker to the issue stating that it employs rigorous testing methods throughout the development cycle. The company’s statement also highlighted that the phone’s shells are made of anodized aluminium further tempered to ensure durability.
The company also said that it has used titanium and stainless steel inserts where it has found that pressure could be exerted more. It further went on to say that standard tests such as 3 – point bending, pressure point cycling, torsion, sit test, etc were carried out during the development cycle.
Notably, the company has said that it has performed ‘sit’ test wherein the tester would do actions including sitting on a hard surface with the phone in the back pocket thousands of times as might happen with the course of time.
Further, the company notes that both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus meet all the high quality standards followed by Apple to endure everyday use. During the torsion test, the phone is clamed at both ends and force is applied to both ends such that it exerts a twisting effect and this is done for over 8,000 times.
Apple said that it has only received 9 complaints of bent devices out of the 10 million units of sales and encouraged customers to reach out to the company if they face similar issues. A certain user posted a video of a bent iPhone 6 Plus on YouTube which went viral.
Following the widespread discussion of the issue, Apple share prices have fallen.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
