First there was "Antennagate" and now Apple is apparently dealing with a whole new issue the Internet has dubbed "Bendgate," the unintentional bending of the iPhone 6 Plus while performing ordinary tasks like carrying the phone in your pocket.
The phenomenon has captured headlines over the past couple of days and sent Apple shares trending south. The Cupertino-based company has remained mum on the situation... until now.
In statements issued to various publications, Apple said its iPhones are designed, engineered and manufactured to be both beautiful and sturdy. The 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.
Apple adds that the phones also feature stainless steel and titanium inserts to reinforce high stress locations and use the strongest glass in the smartphone industry. The company said it chose these high-quality materials and construction very carefully for their strength and durability. They also perform rigorous tests throughout the entire development cycle including 3-point bending, pressure point cycling, sit, torsion and user studies.
As such, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus meet or exceed all of Apple's standards to endure everyday, real life use. With normal use, Apple notes, a bend in the iPhone is extremely rare. Through the first six days of sales, they've had a total of nine customers contact them with a bent iPhone 6 Plus.
Apple didn't mention what they are doing about the issue (if anything).
It's always difficult to determine how widespread an issue actually is based on media reports alone. At this point, we know Apple sold more than 10 million iPhones during its first three days of availability. When put into perspective, nine really isn't very many but it's a problem nevertheless.
We'll keep an ear open and report back on any additional comments on the matter.