Apple has finally responded to the iPhone 6 #bendgate, allegations saying the smartphone passed rigorous strength tests prior to release and the company has received only nine complaints so far.
Apple, the renowned smartphone maker, has finally spoken on the trending "bendgate" issue of the new iPhone 6 Plus. Defending its 2014 flagship smartphone, the Cupertino tech giant said normal use of the phablet does not result in bent iPhones. According to Apple, only nine bent iPhones have been reported so far, and the bending is a result of prolonged pressure on the phone like sitting with it in the pocket for several hours.
According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Apple said the bending of iPhone 6 Plus is "extremely rare." The tech giant highlighted the series of tests that the new iPhone 6 Plus was put through before a full product release. These tests include "3-point bending, pressure point cycling, sit, torsion & user studies," CNBC's Jon Fortt said in one of the tweets where he explained the iPhone 6 Plus' durability.
Apple released two new iPhones as the company's 2014 flagships, which went on sale last Friday. The iPhone 6 Plus, which boasts a 5.5-inch display, is the largest the company has ever produced. Despite the large size, the iPhone 6 Plus is only 7.1mm thick, which is slimmer than the 7.6mm iPhone 5S and 8.97mm iPhone 5C. The bending of the iPhone 6 Plus quickly garnered worldwide attention and videos supporting the viral Bendgate added to the pile.
Apple's response might reassure some consumers eagerly awaiting the smartphone's release in their countries. Apple is expected to launch the new iPhones in 115 markets by the end of this year. In the opening weekend sale in the U.S. and 9 other markets, Apple sold more than 10 million units of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus combined, which is the highest number the company has ever achieved. Through six days of sale, Apple said only 9 customers reported bent iPhones to support the rarity of the issue, Fortt tweeted.
Fortt's tweets also highlight some facts about the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, such as the use of "high-quality materials and construction" for strength and durability.
