Publications
Partners
Cape Town - With the new Apple iPhone hot off shelves, some fans have expressed their disappointment with the metal-encased device.
Apple made a big deal of its iPhone 6 series, significantly larger than the previous model, but a number of early buyer reports indicate that the device is somewhat fragile.
A number of iPhone owners have posted images on social media that allege the smartphone bends when kept in pants pockets.
The problem illustrates the difficulties in producing smartphones with low tolerance metal covers. While metal is no doubt more attractive than plastic, there are productions challenges with signal reception and robust manufacturing.
Check out a couple of tweets regarding the iPhone controversy dubbed "Bendghazi" by some.
The iPhone 6 Plus can be bent with your bare hands. pic.twitter.com/Qm2kgBfNXe
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) September 24, 2014If you bend your iPhone 6 Plus, guess what? Your iPhone 6 Plus will be bent: http://t.co/917z0v0ca9 pic.twitter.com/y0ZrrKHa0J
— Slate (@Slate) September 24, 2014The complaints are unlikely to dent hype over the iPhone which is expected to be launched in South Africa by November.
Apple has been involved in a number of controversies regarding its devices.
Nude pics
In 2010, its iPhone 4 was criticised for a "grip of death" where the handset would drop calls when held in a particular way. Apple offered users a free cover to eliminate the problem.
There were also accusations that the fingerprint reader of the iPhone 5s could be compromised, potentially resulting in criminals gaining access to a device.
This year, the company was embroiled in controversy over the leaking of nude celebrity pictures. Apple said that the cyber attacks were targeted and not a breach of its security, but nevertheless introduced a number device of security measures to avoid a public backlash.
While the American media has hailed the new iPhone as the best smartphone, other manufacturers have been experimenting with metal-encased phones for some time.
HTC launched its aluminium One in 2013 and Sony leads the market with its waterproof Z3. LG has launched the Flex smartphone which is intended to bend slightly.
Social media reports suggest that the iPhone 6 Plus damage result from regular wear and tear in users' pockets.
Watch this video of the iPhone 6 being bent:
- Follow Duncan on Twitter
