iPhone 6's Bending out of Shape - Serious Hardware Recall Imminent?

c0balt on 24/09/2014 - 13:41
Last edited 24/09/2014 - 13:42

Some of you have probably seen the articles this morning relating to the many people who have the iPhone 6 Plus have found their phones to been severely and permanently bent out of shape whilst in their pocket after normal use.

I don't think this fault can be something Apple could weasel out of fixing (product recall + all existing stock will be needed to get fixed) as there's now so many videos and articles surfacing of people experiencing it after normal use, and being able to bend the phone out of shape with hardly any force with their bare hands (unbent phones).

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/09/and-heres-a-guy-bending-an…
www.macrumors.com/2014/09/23/iphone-6-plus-bending-pockets/
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/bendgate-apple…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xmIBnOXo9E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPYpaYRkSqc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQSZEPo5K7Q

Has anyone here experienced this with their new iPhone 6?

Should shareholders be worried about what this could cost the company??

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

    • c0balt on 24/09/2014 - 17:44
      +8

      It's a different issue.

      The S4 doesn't get permanently bent - but the AMOLED panel can crack in a few cases (and even then most people think it's due to sudden changes in heat rather than being bent).

      If you would read into the issue rather than post defensively in Apple's corner every time then you may have actually read that the phone doesn't get permanently bent out of shape as what happens to the iPhone.

      Have a look on eBay the cost of a replacement AMOLED panel for the S4 opposed to the cost of a new iPhone chassis.

      • RockyRaccoon on 28/09/2014 - 12:02

        If you would read into the issue rather than post defensively in Apple's corner every time then you may have actually read that the phone doesn't get permanently bent out of shape as what happens to the iPhone.

        Likewise maybe you could follow the same logic, rather than jump on a wild report other than waiting for until someone credible does a test like ConsumerReports

  • hj0809 on 24/09/2014 - 17:43
    -2

    Dude they made a phone that was specifically curved.. LG flex?

    The i6+ customises the flex to the contours of your body! And yet you guys complain shame!

    (/s)

    • drprox on 26/09/2014 - 09:19
      +1

      dude it's been done…

  • captobvious on 24/09/2014 - 18:27
    +12

    Oh how conveniently bent. You can now Boomerang it back to apple.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2014 - 19:27

    Why is this so surprising? iPhone 5s where reportedly doing this too.

    Yawn.

    • Flying Ace on 26/09/2014 - 17:00
      -3

      Because it's fashionable to hate on Apple. Something thin and made of metal bends when pressure is applied. ALERT THE AUTHORITIES!

      • ozhunter on 26/09/2014 - 17:18
        +4

        Lol, it's not meant to bend so easily.

      • effgee on 26/09/2014 - 18:00

        they could have used shape memory alloy as used for glasses frames to avoid permanent deformation

  • burningrage on 24/09/2014 - 20:05
    +1

    Oh my… I can guess Samsung's next ads going to be…

  • [Deactivated] on 24/09/2014 - 20:28
    -3

    Simple! Don't carry the phone in your pocket. Any good deals on manbags or Kaftans?

    • syousef on 27/09/2014 - 23:57

      Simple! Don't carry the phone in your pocket. Any good deals on manbags or Kaftans?

      Yes. Leave it at the store, in it's original box. Reduces the cost too.

      • McFly on 28/09/2014 - 00:02
        +1

        Probably will still bend sitting in the original box!

        • syousef on 28/09/2014 - 00:04

          Only if security lets one of the affected customers slip through.

  • tvsharsha on 24/09/2014 - 20:34
    +22

    Just to make sure the phone stays in shape, it's best to leave the phone home when going out and about.

  • ilostnemo on 24/09/2014 - 20:44
    +1

    I think cobalt is shorting AAPL shares.

  • badg3rz on 24/09/2014 - 21:12
    +1

    Maybe crApple already have their next model in the making - the iPhone 6 + s.

    Isnt that how they fix their mistakes by releasing the same model of phone a few months later with one or two better features (unbendable) and adding a 's' to the end. That makes more money for them.

    • Flying Ace on 26/09/2014 - 17:01
      -2

      crApple. Think of that all by yourself did you? Clever boy.

    • syousef on 27/09/2014 - 23:58

      Isnt that how they fix their mistakes by releasing the same model of phone a few months later with one or two better features (unbendable) and adding a 's' to the end. That makes more money for them.

      No that's how the introduce new flaws.

  • burningrage on 24/09/2014 - 21:52

    I have been looking into Vodafone blog in the last hour. Wow… lots of people wanting to cancel…

    Not sure it's to do with the bending…..

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 24/09/2014 - 22:13

      Yeah man, that's a bit of a stretch… ;-)

  • FW190 on 24/09/2014 - 22:18

    I wonder what is gonna happen to the tens (?) of thousands of IP6 that got grey exported to China? anyway, i hope the scalpers will get burned big time by this latest development.

    • scrimshaw on 24/09/2014 - 23:28
      +1

      I don't get it. It's not like iPhones 6's are in limited supply unlike concert tickets, why does it matter that people are buying them up to be resold elsewhere? If you're just patient, not wait a couple of weeks until stock levels normalize in b+m stores?

      • FW190 on 25/09/2014 - 00:30

        I don't use iPhone, I just hate scalpers

      • netsurfer on 26/09/2014 - 13:05
        +1

        Some people simply can't wait or don't want to wait. Generally, when you buy an iPhone, you already know you are paying a fair amount for the logo. Thus, value for money is probably on the bottom of the list of concerns.

      • cupboardmouse on 26/09/2014 - 16:35
        +1

        The iPhone 6 hasn't been released in China as it's not approved for use there yet & they don't have a estimate of when it will be available, hence scalpers praying on their need for the latest iPhone.

  • na8an on 24/09/2014 - 22:25

    iCurrency - phone which paypass and folds as a traditional currency

    • tyler.durden on 24/09/2014 - 23:00

      now you can fold it and put it in your wallet

      It's all part of their plan to revolutionize the currency..

      now now need to carry coins, notes

  • StewBalls on 24/09/2014 - 22:47
    +4

    Hmmm, the case against skinny jeans just got stronger…

  • tyler.durden on 24/09/2014 - 22:56
    -2

    They should have use Adamantium

    http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m65lr1HJ0o1r0on9vo1_400.jp…

    ==
    Also if history shows us, they will just give everyone a free iBrace

    http://www.propbay.com/attachments/original/2441-forrest-leg…

  • tyler.durden on 24/09/2014 - 23:01
    -1

    Apple don't make faulty products
    Apple is perfect..

    It is you, that is faulty..
    You are using it wrong

    /end sarcasm

  • tyler.durden on 24/09/2014 - 23:21

    Samsung better not copy this design feature

    else lawsuit coming

    • ICMushroom on 25/09/2014 - 11:08

      I think it's the other way around. Samsung brought out the Curved TV, and now Apple is trying follow suit with the phone.

      Check out the similarities:
      http://postimg.org/image/c6bm6v0ad/

    • centrelink on 26/09/2014 - 15:49

      Apple designs a phone that has a feature to shove it up the owners ass and come out of the mouth.. Samsung will be onto this feature as soon as the rumor is out.

      • syousef on 28/09/2014 - 00:00

        You haven't tried to deal with Samsung support have you.

  • mboy on 24/09/2014 - 23:27

    As others have said, I don't see this as being grounds for recall, because I don't think it immediately affects a significant amount of iPhone 6 Plus owners. That being said, I don't think anyone will have any issue walking into an Apple store and having it replaced for free.

    I've done this time and time again for 'known issues' with the iPhones. On one occasion, I was bringing in the iPhone I had dropped in the swimming pool to take advantage of the $200 (or so..) swap out program. The employee swapped it over for free because the iPhone had an existing 'known issue' whereby the Home button wasn't working properly, which I was obviously pleasantly surprised about.

    • gummibears on 25/09/2014 - 12:25
      +2

      You've had to replace your iPhone "time and time again"?

      • ATangk on 26/09/2014 - 22:35

        Apple have one of the best customer service. Most of the time you get replacements for free, even if it is at your fault (not for shattered screens). And I like that about them; I've gotten many pairs of earpods replaced for free. "Sticky" volume control… yes that…

  • Hotpotcorn on 24/09/2014 - 23:50
    +1

    not changing my mind trying to reserve a iphone 6+ on reservation…. they are gone in minutes… i need to be quick reserving one

  • Cluster on 24/09/2014 - 23:51
    +1

    Time for Apple to upgrade the casing to titanium. Aluminium is very passe.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 00:45
      +1

      Titanium is 700% more expensive but only about 65% more rigid. The solution to this problem (if it is a problem) is flexible phones.

  • dbun1 on 25/09/2014 - 01:04
    +1

    You are delusional if you think Apple will issue a recall.
    Won't happen.

  • MattADL on 25/09/2014 - 01:08

    At most they will release a cover that is strong enough to withstand the bending and sell it for peanuts/free

  • ozy on 25/09/2014 - 07:26

    First spoon bending, now iphone bending, iLife magic.

    • johnno07 on 25/09/2014 - 09:05
      +5

      There is no iPhone.

  • wanderingoz on 25/09/2014 - 08:09

    Apple's solution http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eb9e/
    Love the free sideburns and mo.

  • Brianqpr on 25/09/2014 - 09:28
    +2

    Sheep don't even have pockets do they?

    • NosDan on 25/09/2014 - 11:18
      +2

      these are the "new and improved" isheep with skinny jeans and bent ifones

      • Roman Sandstorm on 25/09/2014 - 16:18
        +1

        Aha!

        Perhaps we need an equivalent to Godwin's Law for Apple products.

        "Any sufficiently lengthy discussion thread regarding any Apple product will ultimately lead to a reference to 'isheep'".

        I call this the Sandstorm Axiom.

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 16:16
      +1

      Don't baa and text!

  • ilostnemo on 25/09/2014 - 10:05

    Share price dropped 89c. Time to Sell, SELL SELL SELL

    • StewBalls on 25/09/2014 - 17:01
      +2

      I'm no marketologist, but wouldn't it actually mean time to BUY BUY BUY???

      As embarrassing as this situation might appear in the short term, something like this would just be a minor inconvenience to a company like Apple…they'll recover pronto if history is any indicator!

  • Azn310 on 25/09/2014 - 10:32

    Or as Steve would have said: "You used it wrong"

    • lplau on 25/09/2014 - 15:43
      +1

      Yup.
      I wonder if Mr. Tim can cook up a story to tell all their sheeps that they are all storing their iPhones incorrectly.

  • DrStinge on 25/09/2014 - 10:51
    +5

    The fact that this phone costs $1000 for the base model is a joke - there is plenty of better alternatives that are significantly cheaper, stronger, nearly as thin, have better cameras and have almost double the battery life.

    • NosDan on 25/09/2014 - 11:23
      +6

      there is plenty of better alternatives that are significantly cheaper, stronger, nearly as thin, have better cameras and have almost double the battery life.

      i dont care, i want an ifone

    • aboabo on 25/09/2014 - 12:05

      Indeed. Even the iPhone 10 was stronger;

      http://www.techstation.it/uploads/news/iphone-5-le-parodie-c…

    • pointblank on 26/09/2014 - 08:03
      +2

      It's crazy, I wanted the iphone but got the oneplus one because I couldn't justify spending that much money on a phone. The crazy thing is that Samsung is starting to sell at a premium price as well! Apparently the note 4 is only $50 cheaper than the iphone 6plus! I guess that Samsung has realised that the Chinese are going to take top spot in regards to mid and low level handsets (or even high spec handsets like the oneplus one) and they can't compete so they're trying to go premium. I don't think it will work out for Samsung though.

  • ilostnemo on 25/09/2014 - 11:26

    Doc, the base model is $869.00. The likely scenario with a lot of Apple Users is they have invested money in Apps, so making the change in some scenarios wouldn't be viable.

    I have gone from ios to android countless times, and I prefer the ios. If I started on the Android when they first come out I'd probably be an Android diehard.

    I like the fact that Apple will swap my phone if there's a problem, I also like the fact that if I was a clutz, I could get AppleCare.

    Until Samsung, HTC etc offer this sort of service, they will always be behind.

    I'm not a diehard Apple person, ie I don't keyboard bash Android, but I do believe their product and service is second to none.

    • lplau on 25/09/2014 - 15:40
      +2

      Their product isn't second to none.
      However their service is second to none.

      They are selling you something which was invented 2 years ago, how can a product like that be second to none. lol.

      The thing with iOS I find is that its too restrictive. It reflects what the company wants you to do, not what you want it to do. It requires specific software iTunes (which chew up heaps of RAM) to be installed.

      I've owned phones on both sides. For the advanced more, IT literate friends , I always recommend a android. Where as for the oldies who aren't so IT literate, i'd recommend them to try out the iPhone.

      In gaming terms, an iPhone is like a scripted linear RPG game, where as a Android phone is like a MMORPG. lol.

      • smartazz104 on 25/09/2014 - 22:59

        Can't take you seriously when you intersperse your opinion with "lol"…

  • tyler.durden on 25/09/2014 - 11:39

    The fix for bent phone is this
    This is how people should store their ultra thin phones from now on

    http://www.themost10.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Man-Bag.…

  • tyler.durden on 25/09/2014 - 11:50

    Other phones also got the bend test

    http://www.androidauthority.com/moto-x-2014-htc-one-m8-iphon…

  • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 11:58

    This is a legit feature. It's called iFlex.

  • striker5950 on 25/09/2014 - 12:17

    mate its a hidden feature, their trying to imitate the lg g-flex :P

  • AlexD on 25/09/2014 - 12:20
    +9

    All jokes aside (and as an iPhone 6 Plus owner), it definitely makes me feel more wary when I put the phone in my pocket.

    While I know people will comment about there being no wrong way to place an Android phone in your pocket, I have always placed my iPhones with the screen facing my leg, and I didn't just start doing that with the latest device. I put mine on a flat surface this morning, and there were no issues whatsoever. I feel this probably helps, as all of the bending I've seen has resulted in what looks like convex screen bending.

    As far as this whole iOS vs Android thing goes, I don't quite understand it - I use Apple because the OS is accessible (for me, I know this is entirely subjective), it works brilliantly with any car stereo/dock/media interface, unlike a lot of Android phones, and, while the hardware isn't always as strong as Android devices spec-wise, I have nothing to complain about as far as speed goes - everything loads instantly, games don't look choppy, etc.

    Why all the hostility? Are you so insecure about your Apple/Android purchases that you have to explain to everyone else why the $1000 (or less for most Android users) that they spent is wrong, and why your decision is objectively better?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 12:24
      +1

      You should be happy about your extra added feature: iFlex. Noone is being hostile. At least it's an upgrade over the Nexus 4.

      • AlexD on 25/09/2014 - 12:36
        +1

        Maybe hostile isn't necessarily the exact word for it, but all the posts that don't make fun of iPhones are negged.

        I was trying to give my 2c worth as an owner of the affected device, and I get an instant -1, and a joke about the bending issues being discussed in the thread.

    • Eivad on 25/09/2014 - 13:42
      +3

      On this forum, people will neg you if you show any support towards iPhones. You have to be on the latest craze, whether it's the Nexus, LG, Moto, etc, else you will be negged.

      I own an iPhone and a HTC, and each has its own benefits. Purchasing an iPhone does not automatically make someone a sheep.

      • lplau on 25/09/2014 - 15:34
        +1

        Its a stereotype.
        People who own iPhones are more obedient and loyal.

        Sorta when Steve told all their customers that they were holding the iPhone incorrectly which caused the Antennagate issues. Only Apple could pull that off without all their sheeps getting pissed off.

        If any other company had this issue, there will be blood! even more blood if the company attmepted to flip this on the customer telling them that they are the issue not the device.

        • smartazz104 on 25/09/2014 - 23:00

          People have the wool pulled over their eyes every day but get angry at the most insignificant things…

    • hangdog on 25/09/2014 - 18:18
      -1

      Yeah, some people on this forum seem to turn into YouTube commenters everytime a post about Apple comes up.
      Just for the record, "Antennagate" was as much a blow-up as this latest brainless pile-on about bending:
      http://dontholditwrong.tumblr.com

  • banzini on 25/09/2014 - 12:47
    -2

    Apple > Andriod

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 13:09
      +10

      What is Andriod?

      • NosDan on 25/09/2014 - 13:33
        +15

        cheap asian knockoff of android i suspect

        • smartazz104 on 25/09/2014 - 23:00

          Sounds redundant…

        • banzini on 22/10/2014 - 17:15

          you win!

  • iamnikon on 25/09/2014 - 13:36

    When I first heard about it, I thought it was meant to be on purpose like the LG G Flex but I highly doubt that now.

    I very, very rarely put my phone in any of my pants pockets just because I'm paranoid about me sitting on it or it falling out if I trip, etc. And I'm usually unwilling to put phones larger than 5 inches in my pockets anyway (I'm small and female, so my pockets are either fake or quite small).

    I don't plan on buying a 6 or 6 Plus, even more so after hearing about this, but I've asked a few of my friends who have and most of them don't put their phones in their pants pockets, especially when wearing tight-fitting pants, or they wear loose enough pants for it not to matter.

  • hlov on 25/09/2014 - 14:10
    -1

    The iPhone 6 has a Bendability sensor, the phone will shape itself when it's in your pockets, Samsung will incorporate this feature on their next Galaxy models

  • bigticket on 25/09/2014 - 14:22
    +11

    Seriously guys, the basics of any design process that needs to considered is normal use of their product out in the field. That's why in the T&C's of warranties there are clauses that only cover normal use and not uses for which the product not intended for.

    I assume that apple knows that iphones are going to end up in customers pockets. Then its clear cut that the structural design is flawed especially when you consider that bending is occurring around the volume buttons and the sim card slot. This is where the the aluminium frame has cutouts reducing the rigidity of the phone.

    Metals have an elastic limit that obeys Hooke's Law, that is, it returns to its original shape. When you pass that limit plastic deformation occurs i.e. bend phone. Generally most designs do not reach this limit and include a considerable safety factor, otherwise buildings and bridges would be collapsing all around us. This seems as major engineering blunder but I'm sure apple will weasel out of out their responsibility going by the handling of other iphone issues.

    Do you think the apple engineers mistakenly forgot to factor in the cutouts in their testing?

    • cantstanzya on 25/09/2014 - 14:38

      Do you think the apple engineers mistakenly forgot to factor in the cutouts in their testing?

      Of course not. It's been confirmed as a feature

      • djones145 on 25/09/2014 - 14:40
        -1

        fake, if it was called iFlex that might be more believable!

  • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2014 - 15:25

    Hi, early adopter. Enjoy your new phone. Buyer beware, do your research. Unless they advertised the strength aspects you are shit outta luck.

  • striker5950 on 25/09/2014 - 15:34

    some very interesting videos
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr-lEnPwzAw

    and the best one here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IROcoJeVfSI
    bending comparison

    note 3 vs iphone 6 plus bend test, you know who won :P
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwM4ypi3at0

    • richmond12 on 26/09/2014 - 14:12

      yeh prety much confirms it will only be weak aoround the volume buttons

  • pull the lever on 25/09/2014 - 16:15
    +1

    Missing the sturdy design of the iPhone 4 immediately.

    • tyler.durden on 25/09/2014 - 16:57

      in the quest for thinner..

      it's what happen when there is no more metal frame..like iphone 4

      you loose strength

      the weakness is around the volume button since there is less metal

    • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2014 - 02:15

      I'm still using a 4.

      Ultimate tightarse bonus points for me!

  • imcold on 25/09/2014 - 16:29
    +1

    I believe you can fix it with an app.. There Is an App for That.

    All the app does it remind you to flip your phone over in your pocket once every 3 hours, so it bends back the other way.

    Each time you put a force on your iphone 6+ even a tiny force, it will be bend a micro-arc. Do it enough times it will add up to a whole degree. If you flip your phone over it will bend back the other way.

    Whoever release such an app will have millions of adoring users.

    • Azn310 on 25/09/2014 - 22:43

      Or just use the sandwich press every morning while preparing your breakfast

  • smpantsonfire on 25/09/2014 - 17:33

    Seriously, how curved are peoples legs? If I had a 6+ in my front pockets, it might bend a slight amount, but the same as the photos on the net? No way.

    I have a note 3. Think it has a slight bend, but then again I don't really care how my phone looks unlike people who buy a 6+.

    Keep in mind though, people who buy the 6+ are the people who gave me shit about having a Note 3, paying out on how big it is.

    • c0balt on 25/09/2014 - 17:54
      +1

      You want 'serious' answers how curved peoples legs are?

      Yeah mines a cube. I have a cube freaking leg. It's not shaped like a normal cylinder at all (like a normal persons leg shape), it's flat as a bloody washboard :P

      I have a Note II. It bends a little when flexed hard, but it always goes back to it's original shape.

      I wear skinny jeans a fair bit and I like big phones - I would end up with a banana phone if I got the iPhone 6+.

      • imcold on 25/09/2014 - 17:59
        +1

        you been playing too much minecraft

      • smpantsonfire on 25/09/2014 - 18:48
        -1

        So people put their phone in their pocket sideways then? Because that's what you are implying if your phone looks likes the photos on the net of the bend.

        It should be bending on the other axis if you put your phone in top-bottom/bottom-top.

  • Herbse on 25/09/2014 - 17:50
    +3

    $1000 phone. Aluminium body, no chassis to keep it safe
    No wonder it's so thin and light. Idiots.

  • tyler.durden on 25/09/2014 - 19:25

    Interesting video on the cause of the bending issue

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr-lEnPwzAw

    • BadHorse on 25/09/2014 - 20:22

      Didn't bother watching it but it looks like this guy has some decent equipment, hope he explains it accurately.
      Better than the other guys I saw claim to 'scientifically' prove the Note 3 bends less than the iPhone 6+ by using his hands and hence a non-quantifiable force.

      • NosDan on 26/09/2014 - 12:41
        +1

        the above video is actually worse than the guy using his fingers. hes trying to use proper machinery poorly to influence the outcome favourably but seem more legit caus its proper machinery. IE levers

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