Last week, #BendGate took the Internet by storm. I’m sure you’re all familiar with it by now, but if not, BendGate was created from an alleged bending issue with Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus. There’s a specific weak point on the inside of the chassis right beneath the volume buttons that allows it to bend very easily with pressure added in the right place. To most, it may seem like a non-issue, but a single video sparked one of the biggest viral moments this year in tech…
Lewis Hilsenteger from Unbox Therapy published the video that I’ve embedded below this article and that’s when it all got worse. In the video, Hilsenteger clearly bends an iPhone 6 Plus on camera and notes the specific weak point mentioned above. Of course, Hilsenteger (who is a friend and music collaborator) had absolutely no idea that his video would cause the Internet to implode, but he assumed it would gain a decent amount of traction based on reports of the iPhone 6 Plus’ bendable properties that had been published earlier that day. 45 million views later, BendGate became a PR nightmare for Apple, somewhat of a conspiracy theory (which Hilsenteger debunked), and a chance for mainstream media to show its true colors…
First off, let’s get one thing straight: The iPhone 6 Plus will bend if enough pressure is applied to a certain area. In fact, a lot of phones will bend when extreme pressure is applied. Everything has a weak point. And you guessed it, if you try to bend something (or have to means/power to do it) it will bend. That’s hardly the argument here though.
As noted in the video above however, it appears that the iPhone 6 has a flawed design that’s being dismissed by Apple and many of its followers. The problem (as mentioned above) is the obvious weak point within the chassis of the iPhone 6 Plus. It is hard to deny. Even display models at the Apple Store have been found slightly bent by kid vandals. Unfortunately, it’s now a thing.
iPhone 6 Plus display units at the Apple Store.
After the eruption of BendGate, Apple responded to the situation with the following statement:
Our iPhones are designed, engineered and manufactured to be both beautiful and sturdy. 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. They also feature stainless steel and titanium inserts to reinforce high stress locations and use the strongest glass in the smartphone industry. We chose these high-quality materials and construction very carefully for their strength and durability. We also perform rigorous tests throughout the entire development cycle including 3-point bending, pressure point cycling, sit, torsion, and user studies. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus meet or exceed all of our high quality standards to endure everyday, real life use.
With normal use a bend in iPhone is extremely rare and through our first six days of sale, a total of nine customers have contacted Apple with a bent iPhone 6 Plus. As with any Apple product, if you have questions please contact Apple.
Did Apple include Wired’s review unit? Mat Honan said he had the same issue. Was he complaining? No, but he only had the device for four days before noticing the issue. He simply pointed out that his unit was slightly bent and offered a simple theory:
Like a lot of people, I have a bent iPhone 6 Plus. It’s almost imperceptible, but it’s there: a slight warp right at the buttons on the side. Put the phone screen down on a table, and it wobbles. I haven’t purposefully bent it and I don’t recall sitting on it (but I probably have). So why is this one bending? I have a theory: It might have something to do with it being both very thin and very big and made of aluminum. The Samsung Galaxy Note3 is big, but it’s also 4 mm thicker than the iPhone 6 Plus and doesn’t have an aluminum back that, when bent, stays bent. You don’t hear about big Android phones bending because they are either too thick, or made out of plastic. That’s my theory, anyway.
He didn’t completely dismiss the issue either and also stated that the bending (bundled with a few scratches on the screen) made him concerned with the device’s durability. Well played. I think Mat was very fair with his concern. On the other hand, I’d be completely shocked if any device I was given to review just simply bent. It’s just not normal at all, especially from Apple, but maybe we’re dealing with a different Apple now.
Apple even invited select publications (Wall Street Journal, Re/code, and The Verge) into its own stress test labs to show the different durability tests that are performed on iPhones before the final designs reach the public. Hey Apple, you’re testing it wrong?
According to Re/code, Apple put about 15,000 iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units through an “exhaustive” testing process before giving the launch a green light. Either way, between the handful of related tests that would cause the phone to bend, Apple apparently did not notice the issue.
Consumer Reports also published its own stress test article/video. It put several devices through what appeared to be a legitimate series of tests, but they failed to test the specific area in question. If you put nearly any object in the same place as any of the phones in the test, you’ll receive similar results. Things will bend if you bend them. Consumer Reports wasn’t attempting to debunk the fact that Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus bends, but that it’s not as easy as Hilsenteger made it seem.
See the bend in the actual problem area? This is from Consumer Reports’ “bend test.”
There’s one problem though, you’re testing it wrong. According to Consumer Reports, it took 90 pounds of pressure to bend (or deform) the iPhone 6 Plus. Keep in mind, this was right in the center of the device. Had they applied force in the same “problem area,” as described several times in a couple of Hilsenteger’s videos, the Plus would have folded under the pressure. Though, even when bent right in the center, the iPhone 6 Plus showed problems at the same fracture point Hilsenteger had previously described.
Consumer Reports’ bend test results.
It’s also crazy to think that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are nearly half as durable as the previous generation in the Consumer Reports testing. You’d think that would be the major headline. It’s not quite 50 percent weaker, but how often do you purchase a next-generation product that doesn’t hold up as well as the previous one? Don’t we all expect the new version of something to be better than its predecessor in every way possible? Seems like a step backwards in my opinion.
Throughout the middle of the Plus, it bent just as you’d normally expect, but the weak point still showed signs of failure without being touched. Take a look at the image above and you’ll find a harsh bend right beneath the volume buttons. It may be a small fold in the aluminum, but it’s exactly what has been described as being the issue.
iPhone 6 Plus problem area lacks reinforcement (via iFixit).
I’m not a product engineer and I don’t claim to know everything involved with the iPhone design and manufacturing departments, but there is one aspect that’s very clear. In the image above, you’ll notice the “stainless steel and titanium inserts to reinforce high stress locations” just as Apple has claimed. The problem is, there are no reinforcements in the location that sparked BendGate. Check out iFixit’s teardown for a closer look at the iPhone 6 Plus. I’m not saying this was done intentionally, but in my opinion it’s a design issue that’s not being addressed. If you head over to this Imgur piece published by alleras4 (via Business Insider), there’s a pretty lengthy theory on what could be causing this bending issue as well. I have no way to confirm these findings, but the explanation seems to makes sense. Perhaps we’ll see Apple quietly address the issue by reinforcing the iPhone 6 designs at the manufacturing level. Silently updating components to address issues with the first batch of new products is something we’ve seen Apple do many times before.
Most of the “scientific” stress tests I’ve seen show a machine attempting to bend the iPhone in the dead-center of its backside. If you try and manipulate anything at its strongest point, it’s going to hold up better. That seems to be the case with all of the “professional” tests I’ve seen thus far. Though “professional” does not always equal out to a consumer’s experience and that’s definitely the case here. Most people won’t have this issue with the iPhone 6 Plus, but it’s there and it will affect some units under certain conditions. As Anthony Kosner from Forbes put it, “The user is unpredictable so the product has to be predictable.”
Image via <a href="http://instagram.com/p/tecoHZv8Mg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">soumyadeep96</a> on Instagram.
Soon after Hilsenteger’s video made its viral rounds on the Internet, hundreds of people started to question the video’s authenticity, while others began to completely disregard his findings and even go as far as name calling. Are we in second grade or something? I’m a fan of a lot of the sites below, but I was surprised at how everyone was acting towards the entire situation.
There’s no way this video is fake, but some argued that the difference in time shown on the iPhone’s lock screen (changing between shots) left some questions to be answered. It was an easy out for a lot of people. If this were a hoax, no one would have to continue reporting the bad news and greatness would be restored in Appleville.
In light of the claims that his video was “fake,” Hilsenteger took a camera and an iPhone 6 Plus to the streets along with a few witnesses and performed an uncut public bend test. The results were the exact same as his previous video. In fact, this iPhone 6 Plus seemed to give a bit easier. End of story, right? Nope. The iPhone clearly bends under specific pressure, but that’s not the point. We’ve already determined that things bend.
Let’s ignore the facts right now. I’d like to dig into something a little deeper than just debunking claims that the iPhone 6 Plus bends. Random iPhone buyers had the iPhone 6 Plus bend while in their pockets, but maybe that’s just a one-off issue for “nine” people. My beef is with the people intentionally being disrespectful towards Hilsenteger and avoiding the issue without actually performing any tests themselves. Yet they’ll publish this bend test video all day long just to dismiss it with their opinion.
First up, we have the well-respected John Gruber calling Lewis Hilsenteger a “jackass“:
I cannot believe that this “bent iPhone 6 Plus” thing is becoming a thing. Watch this jackass’s video — inexplicably promoted by Time magazine. Should not we be amazed that his phone didn’t snap in half under this pressure? That the glass didn’t fracture? Under pressure like this, bending but not breaking seems like an extraordinary feature. If you feel pressure like this on your iPhone 6 in your pocket, you need looser pants. And if you put your phone in your back pocket and sit on it, I’m not sure what to tell you.
If it’s such a dumb video and he is such a jackass, then why did you bother linking to anything related? Generally, when people resort to name calling, it’s because they’re not loaded with enough evidence to defend their side of the story. Hilsenteger is just showing us how/where the phone bends, but he’s not a jackass for doing so. Just take it for what it’s for worth. Gruber goes as far as calling the bendable properties “a feature.” Are you kidding me? A feature? Regardless of that crazy opinion, he has no right to call someone a jackass, unless of course you have skin in the Apple game, right?
Here’s another delightful comment from Dan Frommer on Twitter:
The jerk-bending-his-iPhone-til-it-breaks video now approaching 34 million views, easily paying for his broken iPhone 6 Plus.
— Dan Frommer (@fromedome) September 26, 2014
Sorry, I’m just having trouble understanding why these respectable adults have the right to talk like this without backing their words with actual results.
We get it, you think it’s silly. Trust me, I’m on the same page. This whole iPhone bending this is kind of silly when you think about it. Apple is now replacing qualified devices. Is this a silent admission of fault from Apple? In my opinion, yes. Will they ever come out and say that they made a mistake and released a flawed device? Probably not. Maybe the iPhone 6 Plus S will have extra reinforcement?
The Washington Post spoke with SquareTrade who claimed that it took a “bodybuilder and certified personal trainer” to bend an iPhone 6 Plus, while an average employee struggled to do so. They conducted an unscientific test (much like Hilsenteger’s video), but with a well-built employee stating that he was the only person in their office capable of bending the iPhone 6 Plus. No disrespect, but Hilsenteger is not a body builder, he’s an average guy.
This is Pace Lu, a bodybuilder. According to SquareTrade, only he was able to bend the iPhone 6 Plus.
Employee Jessica Hoffman — a 5′ 4″ pianist who, like her colleagues, “considers herself strong,” the company said — couldn’t make it budge, even when applying direct pressure to the weakest part of the phone, near the volume buttons. But her colleague Pace Lu, a bodybuilder and certified personal trainer who can bench 405 lbs., bent the phone “pretty easily” said Ty Shay, SquareTrade’s chief marketing officer.
So why is everyone taking aim at Hilsenteger? You’re entitled to have an opinion, but perhaps there’s an explanation for a lot of this.
It’s apparent that some of these sites are in Apple’s front pocket; a place where many would like to be and few take for granted. People are certainly entitled to their own opinion, but I don’t believe they will voice real opinions if it goes against Apple’s unwritten laws.
As we’ve reported in a recent article uncovering Apple’s PR strategies, there are several publications who will be first in line to glorify and defend Apple. The options are to defend Apple’s precious products or miss out on a keynote invitation and a review unit. Most publications can’t afford to lose this relationship so they either stay quiet or continue to drink the Apple Kool-Aid and stick up for the awesome and flawless iPhone 6 Plus.
Take The Verge for example. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe The Verge even published Hilsenteger’s video or any initial consumer complaints on the problem. Yet they picked up coverage on the defending end and ran the Consumer Reports story, Apple’s official statement, and the trip to Apple’s stress test labs which The Verge happened to be invited to see. Why would they avoid covering the alleged issue, but quickly fight back with coverage to dismiss it? In the words of our own Mark Gurman, “Apple feeds the writers who will do its bidding, and starves the ones who won’t follow its messaging.” If you’re not going to play ball with Apple, they will kick you out of the circle of trust. The Verge decided to play ball.
Image via <a href="http://instagram.com/p/tgIcxtRKfi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">edch2020</a> on Instagram.
While skipping the initial BendGate coverage, The Verge thought it would be cute to first post a Banana bend test. Maybe they were just trying to lighten up the situation, but from the small paragraph and video, it seemed like they were mocking it more than anything. So without coverage of the initial problem, The Verge followed up with supporting evidence (from Apple and Consumer Reports) that the iPhone 6 Plus does not have an issue.
Obviously, it’s not about traffic for these major publications. They don’t want to present Apple in a negative light. Doing so would possibly result in being put on Apple’s blacklist. It’s just sad that some of them resort to disrespectful words and mocking over examining at the actual issue. I’m sure most of them have the resources to run independent tests.
Pocket-Lint also went on Apple’s defensive side for BendGate. Interestingly enough, the site embedded Hilsenteger’s video in two different articles related to the matter, but was quick to dismiss the claims with a simple solution: “don’t put your iPhone 6 Plus into the front pocket of your trousers or jeans.” Really? So now I can’t put a phone in my pocket? That seems silly.
Along with that, Pocket-Lint was also one of the first to claim that the entire video was a hoax (along with a Reddit thread publicized by Business Insider claiming the same). Pocket-Lint’s article begins describing Apple’s official statement on the matter, then continues by pointing out the inconsistencies they believed would prove the video to be fake. This accusation along with several comments on YouTube, tweets, and similar articles prompted Hilsenteger to create a new and uncut version of this bend test to put these allegations to rest.
From Hilsenteger’s uncut bend test video.
Forbes is one of the few publications that objectively looked at BendGate. Anthony Kosner’s article was unbiased and pointed to valid points on both sides of the fence. Hilsenteger made the video because he assumed it would gain a fair amount of attention, but it was also to help inform potential buyers of an issue that could affect the iPhone 6 Plus; Apple offered reporters a look into its own testing labs and Consumer Reports ran a series of bend tests to prove the iPhone 6 Plus was a tough and tested device. Though as Kosner pointed out, both Apple and Consumer Reports were testing the wrong thing. Either way, we know it will bend and that’s only a small part of the issue at this point.
So what’s the real problem here? Well, instead of looking at the actual issue at hand, it seems that the mainstream tech media would rather preserve its relationship with Apple. It’s funny how this “game” works. Even though BendGate isn’t something that will affect everyone’s device, it’s still an issue that was relevant enough to grab the attention of nearly every major publication, news outlet, cause a social media and PR storm for Apple, and gain the attention of over 45 million people on a single YouTube video. Everyone is so afraid of having their Apple card revoked that they will instead turn to finger pointing and name calling to take the blame away from Apple or keep quiet and save their seat in the next keynote.
Feedback when returning or replacing an iPhone 6/6 Plus at the Apple Store.
Another major problem that was recently brought to my attention is the fact that some people are deliberately bending the 6 Plus to prove a point. Keep in mind, this is happening after Hilsenteger’s video blew up. There is absolutely no need to intentionally bend an iPhone 6 Plus now. Stop it. It won’t make things any better. For those that are actually having an issue, let the Apple Store know and they will take care of it.
I love Apple. I’m a huge fan of its products and services. I own a Mac Pro, 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. I love it when they do great things, but I’ll also be the first to point out the flaws. BendGate has not affected me at this point and I have no plans to return my iPhone 6 Plus because of what I’ve seen or heard. If I happen to experience bending with my 6 Plus, I’ll definitely speak out about it and take it up with the Apple Store for further inspection. I wouldn’t let any of this noise get in the way of purchasing an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. It’s not going to just bend right out of the box. In fact, it likely won’t happen to most people.
Image via <a href="http://instagram.com/p/tiUfGvEAOY/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">jnathan</a> on Instagram.
Thousands of flawed products are released every year, but Apple happens to be in a targeted position. There’s a standard of quality to be expected from an Apple product and some believe that the iPhone 6 Plus misses the mark. Is BendGate a real issue? Definitely. Will your device be affected by it? Likely not.
It just seems like more of us should be focused on what’s better for the individuals out there in the world. The person who is spending $600-$900 of their hard-earned money on a phone that they plan to keep for one to two years. Instead it seems like a lot of people are looking out for their loyalty to these major companies instead. Who are we working for? The People or the brands?
Apple owes us a truthful explanation of the weakness of the device and the plan on addressing it in the future. Like Antennagate, people who ACCIDENTALLY bend their iPhones should get repairs paid for. That should happen whether it is this month or 24 months into ownership. Apple should also not penalize publications for investigating and asking questions about the quality of their devices.
Update: BendGate issues aside (which haven’t affected my iPhone), I’ve published my review of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Here’s the original BendGate video in case you’ve somehow missed it:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znK652H6yQM]
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Apple addressed it properly… enough already !
They haven’t addressed it properly. This is a real problem. They need to say “we don’t believe this is a problem, but we will reinforce the structural rigidity of the case for all you cry babies”. Fear of your iPhone bending (laying it flat on a table to see if it wobbles every other day), having to turn it in to Apple and be without a phone for a week, having the Genius Bar tell you it’s your fault for sitting on it, pretty much babysitting your phone when u could instead be worrying about your love life. I want the Plus I really do. But I’m not getting it until they fix this. I don’t think anyone should get the Plus until they fix this.
If The Verge and other big sites addressed this, Apple would have fixed this already. I give it 3 months until the stronger iPhones start shipping.
Apple knew their phones would bend. They can’t stick warning labels and they get a lot of free publicity. The public knows that spoons can bend.
Agree, they should do so if they get a certain percentage of people experiencing bending issues. Just because somebody is telling you the iPhone needs reinforcement and just because people on youtube are bending units with their bare hands, does not mean that Apple has to address anything. The few scientific tests that we can actually resource to and measure, have considered it a non-issue for regular consumers. This aligns with fact that out of near 20 million people with iPhone 6 and 6+ in their hands barely anybody at all has run to Apple over bending issues. If it were really that easy, why is it that 99% of the videos posted are all from some dude bending a phone and not from regular users?
It *IS* your fault for sitting on it. What the hell is wrong with you?
And you are so full of it, bending the phone with his hands doesn’t mean that it was bent in their pockets, now show me a video of thats really happening then i believe you and this guy on Youtube. Because i can bend a iron rod with my hands, so using an iPhone requires you to bend the phone, its that part of using a phone(bending it) i didnt know that was a feature on a phone? So until you show me a video of the phone actually bending in someone’s pocket this bendgate sh*t its all trolling B.S, sorry but no!!!
If the phone doesn’t fit in your pocket why put it there. This is the equivalent of parking a limo in a garage meant for a honda civic, and then getting mad when the garage door closes and damages your limo.
“Opinion: Why the iPhone 6 bends”
But, Dom, the iPhone 6 does not easily bend, and there are no video’s that show that the iPhone 6 easily bends.
Also, Ford announced, today, that they will be producing trucks that are made out of aluminum, instead of steel, in order to increase gas mileage, by reducing the weight of each truck by 700 pounds. If one of these trucks is involved in a collision with another car and, if the body of the aluminum truck bends, dents, and/or breaks, will these aluminum Ford trucks be classified as defective?
No, but if you put 300 lbs of materials in the bed and it bends, dents, and/or breaks, then yes, it’d be classified as defective.
Seriously? That is an illogical point and has nothing to do with what is being talked about.
Today’s vehicle bodies dent way too easily anyway. The steel is so flipping thin.
So the people that say it’s bending in their front pockets are liars?
Apparently. Kinda weird how people are so divided on this. Maybe there is an issue and these people have legitimate complaints. Why hate on them?
Bending the phone with his hands doesn’t mean that it was bent in their pockets, now show me a video of that really happening then i believe you and this guy on Youtube because i can bend a iron rod with my hands, so using an iPhone requires you to bend the phone, its that part of using a phone(bending it) i didnt know that was a feature on a phone? So until you show me a video of the phone actually bending in someone’s pocket this bendgate sh*t its all trolling B.S, sorry but no!!!
Not liars, it clearly happened. What we’re saying is don’t be an asshole and put your $700 device in your pocket and then start doing squat thrusts. It’s about personal responsibility and good judgement.
We’re still on #bendgate? Give it a rest already… if fact and reports continue to come in then let Apple address, but spinning this into even more hype is ridiculous at this point.
At this point people need to realize everyone is trying to milk this for whatever its worth… at Apple’s expense.
I don’t put a lot of stock in some of what Consumer Reports says but their test seems pretty conclusive. I’d believe them before a bunch of twats on the internet bending phones.
Let it go.
Apple apologist. Paid?
No, just someone with a brain and common sense, things you lack. GET OUT
Edison, you’re kind of an idiot.
Why because Consumer Reports is such a reliable source? I don’t buy that at all.
I would take Consumer Reports more seriously, which at least includes proper scientific measurements, over that of some douchebag YouTube troll applying every ounce of strength he’s got to do a “bend test”. Now get lost troll.
I’m a troll because you don’t agree with me? Sorry pal but lots of people are going to have opinions that you don’t agree with but that doesn’t give you the right to call them names or tell them to “GET OUT”. You obviously have some anger issues because no one should get that upset over a guy who makes a video about bending a phone. Or maybe you just had another shitty day at the office and decided to take it out on a bunch of total strangers. Whichever one it is I feel sorry for you.
I have every right to tell a fucking moron whose opinion is less intelligent than the shit George Bush said on a daily basis to get lost, because anyone who believes this bendgate shit is a straight up idiot. Just setup another iPhone, and this time the owner actually wanted me to try and bend it. That 6+ didn’t even budge a millimetre!
So do I give a hoot that some dumb troll that belongs to #idiotgate feels sorry for me that I called his stupidity out? Not in the slightest!
So you set up phones for a living?
Edison, you should be banned. I’m convinced you are the reincarnation of TallestSkil. You are a terrible idiot and you make Apple fans look bad.
I’d like to see the revenue figures from all blogs and media sites during the whole #bendgate fuss…i mean never get this, much publicity for non apple device issues…
Wonder if i buy a cake and sit on it, will it stay in shape or go flat…
We’re reading and commenting on these articles.
Let’s read into this: 9to5mac wasn’t invited to the Apple Watch event. That’s the reasoning for the post about Apple PR and then overreacting on a issue that “Will your device be affected by it? Likely not”.
It’s just something for them to write about and us to comment on. It makes life interesting. Buyer know to be careful and buy cases or wait for a free one from Apple.
Hmmmm yeah that’s it. Good thing you are running this site. It’s called headlines.
I’m sorry, but I don’t agree: the iPhone 6 Plus does NOT bend under normal usage.
Mr Hilsenteger simply wants views on Youtube as the video he made proves nothing: i can split in half every phone of that size with my bare hands, it doesn’t normally happen just because i don’t try.
It’s a PR nightmare because lots of people blindly hate Apple and are ready to point out every (real or not) flaw in their products.
If you’re stupid enough to put a $1000 phone in your back pocket and sit on it, you’re better off not having either. You’re an idiot.
And, of course, it’s Apple’s fault.
lmao I love guys like you. Why are you so defensive about this? It’s not like you designed the phone. So what do you really care? Maybe some people actually did bend their phones and they didn’t do anything other than what they did with their previous phones.
Cause maybe some of us don’t like liars, cheaters, and those ever deplorable trolls that litter Apple boards spewing out what I just mentioned?
Trolls are everywhere get used to it buddy. You think you are so smart and tough with your insults and nasty comments but in reality your are just another treky who has finally come out of his shell thanks to the anonymity of the internet.
Why should I get used to it? Oh, like Americans have gotten used to their 4th and 5th amendment rights being stripped away bit by bit? Like having our privacy eroded away and us thinking that’s the new normal and being ok with it? No thanks, I’m not ok with trolls, and never will be.
And really, you just brought up Star Trek? LOL wow, that’s just too funny…
4th and 5th amendment rights and privacy right? WTF does that have to do with people trolling on the internet? Not to mention that your definition of a troll at least from what you have shown so far is anyone who posts comments that you don’t agree with.
And yeah, I just brought up Star Trek because I know your type. You were definitely a little Star Trek geek growing up, didn’t have a lot of friends and weren’t very popular in high school. But now you are a tough guy shouting out threats and calling people names because you know that no one will punch your lights out like they would in real life if you acted the way you do.
I think the REAL lesson to be learned here is that there are at least 9 people who have no business being anywhere near a pair of skinny jeans.
Unfortunately it can bend from being in your front pocket.
@timl2k11: See markpetereit’s post above.
Sorry but what do “skinny jeans” have to do with anything?
And you know this from experience, or just some comment made on one of the fvckmeGate sites? Watergate was a national disaster! to equate every little glitch in a product “…gate” makes me want to vomit.
Unfortunately it can bend from being in the hands of a stupid, trolling douchebag looking for page hits by deliberately destroying a device with excessive pressure.
There, fixed that for ya.
The contrary view, for the sake of playing devil’s advocate, would be that if a phone costs $1000 then it should be more capable in every area than one that costs $100. Including durability.
The iPhone 6 can withstand drops(how most people break their phones) much better than all previous iPhones and even most of the latest Android devices? Does that count as better durability to you or is there any specific criteria we should follow as the only way to measure durability on a mobile device?
I love that phrase (and all others of its ilk)! Whenever there is a definitive problem with an Apple product, basically the formula is this:
1. Get on every major site available where there are questions about the issue
2. Blame the end users
3. Attack the messenger (writer/person with questions)
5. Login with another fake account
6. Repeat steps 2-4 with similar (but slightly different) verbiage
7. Attack, attack, ATTACK the messenger! Ridicule the end user!!!! ATTACK!!! RIDICULE!!!
“YOU ARE A MORON FOR DOING !!! STUPID IDIOT!!! YOU DON’T DESERVE TO OWN TECHNOLOGY!!!”
I love it. So formulaic, you might think Carl Rove is working as a consultant for the Apple.
Background: I own 2 other Apple devices and L-O-V-E them. After doing much research, I am right on the fence with purchasing either a 6+ or an LG G3* for my next phone.
However, between this reverse-smear campaign and the one related to the “auto-brick” feature introduced in iOS 7 (where you basically cannot reliably purchase a used device from anyone that is not a fully authorized Apple reseller)(again, the Carl Rovers were out en masse blaming the end users for being so stupid to think it would be okay to purchase a used phone), I am becoming uncomfortable with Apple. Why would they think it would be a good idea to verbally assault end-users like this?
One more thing – I’ve never owned a portable device without a “defensive shield”. What is the bendability with a good protective case?
Cheers!
Jerry in Charlotte
*My issue with the G3 is the scary Google universe that we’ve all come to know – “We own your data: your photos, your phone calls, your contacts, sites you visit, letters you’ve written, messages you’ve received, EVERYthing!”
If you go with a non Apple iPhone, it will not work with the rest of your products the way an iPhone would. If you let the media and commenters sway your decision, you’ll deserve what you get, rather than what you could have had. Personally, I can’t wait to buy an iPhone 6+, but in my tiny berg of a town, the only thing I’ve been able to do is test drive demos. For so many reasons, this phone is beyond awesome. Perhaps a few journalists might focus on some of the many positives this phone offers instead of pandering to a lowbrow readership who longs for just such things as this, how much skin did Kim Kartrashian show this week, or how arrogantly brain-dead her hubby is…… you know, big earth shaking issues like that.
Most people don’t sit on their phones on purpose.
Tired of this sites click-bait headlines and incessant whining over the last month or more. Unsubscribed from all my news feeds and now this site is going to a black hole courtesy of my hosts file.
Good riddance.
I say we should all start releasing videos of us bending other phones. Lets saturate the airwaves with them. Hell..I’ll go into a best buy and bend every one of the Samsung devices they have on display too. I guarantee I can make them bend. Then I’ll start releasing videos of me smashing other phones to show how their displays can’t handle being tossed onto the concrete..smh. If these people really want to show the durability of the phones, give them out to about 30-50 honest people for a month. Let those people monitor a real-world test with all the iPhones. Just use them normally, no force bending or anything. Then after 30 days, show all the phones. Then we can see how durable they are.
Better yet, there’s already millions of them out there. Let the masses speak. So far, I’ve only seen videos from people trying to shill for Moto X and people being idiots and forcefully bending the phone. I’ve yet to see anyone come forward with a bent iPhone that wasn’t bent in some extreme circumstance. So until someone can prove that real-world use can bend an iPhone…this entire story is a non-issue. Call it Bend-Ghazi because it’s a non-story, just like the real Benghazi story…no substance or facts to back anything up. Just a bunch of idiots trying to generate news.
Here you have one. Dude wrote is story on macrumors. He had to ask for the manager in the apple store but they replaced his iPhone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQxX_x3HTXQ
that guy is lying and I have proved with simple physics that his phone would never bend like that in a pocket that deep. please read it on the Macrumours forum….in fact pretty much after I posted he swiftly disappeared from the forum…
That is how it all started I believe from a slight bent experienced by one guy partying all night at a wedding. He is one of the 9 people out of 20 million, that Apple said came to them with a bending issue. This kind of percentage is incredibly small and does not prove at all that iPhones can bend under regular use for the other 19 999 991 million people out there that are carrying one right now.
“Jackass” is a pretty common adjective in John Gruber’s lexicon. And he “has the right” to call anyone a jackass he chooses. In fact, I’ll bet that when he reads your piece, he’ll use the word again.
And I’ll laugh when he does. Again.
Why does he have the right to call anyone a jackass? Who gives a shit what Gruber thinks. I know I don’t .
Please shut up with the holier than thou victim garbage. Are you going to respond to every post with the same shit? Making 30 responses asking “why are they so angry?” reveals your own agenda and shows you are just as opinionated as everyone else. The difference is, the rest aren’t trying to hide it.
“Apple is now replacing qualified devices. Is this a silent admission of fault from Apple? In my opinion, yes.”
You have to be kidding me Dom. apple is not admitting fault. rather they are ensuring a consumer is happy. do you not remember anntenagate. that was also a non-issue and what did apple do to ensure ALL their customers were happy. they either gave cases for free. they also replaced or refunded. its called customer service.
you already came to the opinion apple was guilty when you wrote this article and just to defend Lewis. all over Reddit a couple days ago the Lewis inaccuracies regarding the video editing was public. why weren’t these covered. or are they just conspiracy theory’s.
all this Bendgate reminds of the Youtube video by Jon Morrison (i think). if you don’t want it don’t buy it. if you have issues return it.
but i guarantee the number of people with this made up issue is minimal
Excellent peice Dom. It’s nice to see a heavy dose of sanity injected into what has been mostly up to this point a very immature conversation regarding the bending problem. I saw Hlsenteger’s second video and it was pretty clear from his body language that he had been on the receiving end of a lot of immature behavior from people bent out of shape (sorry) for his original video.
Rightfully so, because his “test” was just a scream out for more page clicks so he could earn a couple bucks. The guy is an absolute POS, who DOESN’T have a CLUE how to conduct any kind of test, and is now famous for this and raking in the dough. I have no respect for him, and based on your commentary, supporting that douchebag, I have no respect for you either troll.
Dude you are too much man – you need to get laid or something because you are a seriously angry person. Do you even read what you write? Everything you say is ugly. I can hardly imagine that he is now famous and I am sure that he isn’t raking it in either. Guy made a video, you didn’t like it, I get it but why do you care so much. Other than the fact that you don’t like it how does it affect you so personally that you have to call everyone names and spew hatred?
Do you see me spewin hatred moron? I call out the trolls (like you) who continue to spread this FUD like a sport, and I can’t stand liars and idiots.
Those who have actually backed away from this BS, the people who actually have free will and thought, who can look at this rationally and come to their own conclusion based on scientific tests, don’t get any ill will from me, why should they? Those are the people here that think for themselves, are not mindless followers of others (media, trolls, idiots) and I applaud them!
This bendgate shit has spread because of simpletons and idiots who proclaim “it bends” without even having held it once in their lives, and that makes them liars! Having held both iPhone models, and now actually checking their rigidity, I know 100% these idiots are just that, and I will continue to call them out!
Yes you are spewing hatred. I am not part of bendgate or whatever you like to call it, I don’t really care if it bends or not. I just think people are entitled to voice their own opinion without being called liars, morons, idiots, POS etc. From your comments it’s pretty obvious you don’t like people who think of themselves as you have been ridiculing them throughout this entire comment section.
Let me clarify something for you… By making comments in support of a non-existent issue, which has now been scientifically proven, you hereby partake in this bendgate travesty. This has nothing to do with opinions… Too many times people will use the term “well that’s my opinion and it’s my right” to use as justification for being stupid, and to spread that stupidity to fellow weak-minded people in the hopes of making them look more powerful. Guess what, perpetuating stupidity is not right, and is of no benefit to anyone but yourself by making one self feel bigger. I’m so bloody sick and tired of stupid people crying foul when they get called out on their stupidity, that I’ve basically had it and have declared open hunting season on them.
If you interpret that as “hatred”, then I think you’re the one who’s a little too up-tight about it, and definitely too passive on the topic.
Okay smart guy.
Too many people confuse fact and opinion. Just because you have an ‘opinion’ does not make it fact. There may be some jackasses with an opinion about weak iphones, but the fact is this whole issue is manufactured for web notoriety, bloggers like Dom here are leaching on for page clicks, and the mental midgets who simply want to believe anything bad about Apple are fanning the flames. Those are the facts and I don’t need a peer reviewed scientific paper to prove it, just half a brain and a small willingness to observe and tell the truth.
This article is trash, and nothing but an attempt to defend your delinquent fraudster friend. His video is disingenuous at best, fraudulent at worst, and it made him a lot of money.
I’m anxiously awaiting Apple’s next move: defamation lawsuits. And Yes, I hope that backwards hat looking gorilla is the first one targeted.
And from the linked YouTube video for his “Fanboy Rap”, he clearly has an axe to grind.
You have certainly changed your tune eh Zanetti? I remember you saying just a few days ago “This is not good”. There is nothing disingenuous about the video. Fraudulent now thats really pushing it. I don’t really get the whole thing myself but if there were no issues with the phone then we would not be having this this conversation now right?
That’s right, within seconds of the video hitting the airwaves, I watched it like most people and has the gut reaction it was designed to inspire.
Unlike most people, who absorb some moron’s fraudulent video as a universal truth, I kept looking in to it, until I quickly discovered the whole thing was a fraud. Not surprising.
Your comment of “we wouldn’t be talking about it if…” is akin to, “If its on the internet it must be true.”
Yeah can’t say I fully agree with you on this one. Defamation lawsuits???
Absolutely: Against the people suggesting normal usage causes the iPhone to deform. Then creating videos and alleging that they show this. When clearly they have been edited to demonstrate a fantasy. As I said, at the very least, they are disingenuous, because they start with an iPhone that is already damaged…with no proof of how it got that way to begin with. Sure, anyone can apply extreme pressure to an ALREADY BENT iPhone and make it bend MORE. That isn’t news. But thats exactly what was passed off as a weakness or defect, and that is a fraud. Gorilla man is a fraud, and should be prosecuted.
So, this is very puzzling article. You dismiss the only actual scientific and empirical testing that has been done (Apple and Consumer Reports) because they did it wrong then go on to amplify claims of “some” people on the Internet, then wrap up with “Is BendGate a real issue? Definitely. Will your device be affected by it? Likely not.” I would argue that if you are likely not affected by an issue then its not all that real.
Instead, I would argue that article like this encourage folks to tap their inner Kardashian and mess with their phones so they can have their 15 seconds of fame.
Well said. Very well said. If your device likely will NOT be affected then it is NOT a real issue. Everything has weaker and stronger points. The point is not whether there are weaker points, but whether or not those points are actually weak. All scientific tests seem to indicate that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are going to hold up just fine to regular use.
I love Matthew Panzarino’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus review because he took them to Disneyland for real-world use for a week. But what is better is his comment on Twitter:
“Just an anecdote: I carried around the iPhone 6 Plus for 5 days in a pocket at Disneyland on rides & coasters and did not bend it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯”
I would say that carrying an iPhone 6 Plus in your pocket on a roller coaster with the G-forces contorting your body (including your thighs) back and forth is a pretty solid “real world” test.
Hardly.
Why do you think a rollercoaster simulates real life?
The negative reactions to this very reasonable article are quite sad.
WTF are you talking about? Its bunch of bullshit. Just like the entire fiasco. More clickbait bullshit. People riding the coattails of a fucking hashtag in an effort to make as much money as possible before it dies out.
You’re a moron.
Why so angry? You are entitled to your own opinion but you look super defensive right now man.
I agree, I’m seeing these behaviours everywhere. “It’s a hoax”, “it’s bullsh*t”, “it’s click bait” – I guarantee none of these people own the 6 or the 6 plus. When and if they ever do they will be the first battalion in the second wave of complaints to flood the internet.
Actually a lot of them probably do own a 6 or 6 plus and are being very defensive. My iPhone 5 is virtually indestructible, I love that about it.
I own a 6+, and so do millions of people out there(if we include the 6). Here at the office there are about 10 people with a iphone 6 and my best friend also owns one. None of us has experienced any issues with it. It seems like that is rather consistent across the planet considering that pretty much all videos posted are from people intentionally bending the phone and not from regular consumers.
Define consistent, because hundreds of reports circulating various media confirm the flaw and are all consistent. Some of you guys really need to understand that just because it hasn’t happened to you (yet) doesn’t mean it isn’t happening to others. Your phone could start warping over the next 2 weeks.
The problem is obviously real and the attention it has gotten is the attention it needed because there will always be arrogant people debunking other people’s personal experiences. Just because your 5 didn’t bend doesn’t mean mine and a thousand others didn’t.
The report from Apple saying that only 9 cases out millions was reported to them and replaced? Not only the numbers are negligible for any kind of flaw on any kind of electronic product selling by the millions, but we also know for certain that in the event that it does indeed happen, Apple will give you a brand new one. If Apple was lying about only 9 reported cases then where are the 10+ videos from consumers experiencing this issue? You are going to tell me that out of 20 million people with an iPhone6 and 6+ in their hands not even a dozen of them had the simple idea of making a video on it with a back up story?
How gullible can you be. There are also reports in the UK, Germany, and France – the “9” Apple’s statement is the equivalent to only 1 person in each of the 9 countries iPhone 6 launched September 19th reported the fault.
It’s clearly false as in the US alone there was well more than just 9 claims regarding the issue long before Unbox Therapy even made his video.
Out of the 10+ million phones sold only 9 people would report their devices bent, that only makes sense to an idiot an Apple is aware they have a huge following by idiots, evident by some of the comments towards this lovely article.
So apparently in the U.S there are more than just 9 claims? Where are your sources? I don’t get it off Youtube videos, people with those issues will run to an Apple Store immediately for a replacement so yes I trust Apple’s numbers over your sense of intuition.
Because it’s not reasonable, it’s a #bendgate SMUT piece that belongs in the likes of the now defunct National Enquirer, along with people like you.
along with people like you… Nice. You sound like a tolerant guy. Can I ask you something? Do you feel better about yourself after you finishing posting your little comments?
Edison, don’t you, um, have your staff to manage or whatever is your term for self-excitement?
Herb, the weak minded always go to the personal attack, usually involving sexuality, when you have nothing better to say. You’ve just proven yourself a real troll, congratulations.
Dom – I applaud your defending your friend and you expressing your views. I’m still thhinking this is vintage Apple as in the whole “antennagate” fiasco – where Steve Jobs came out and said “Then don’t hold it that way.” It was pretty arrogant – but typical Jobs!
I do think that this issue was way overblown and not just by your friend. I think that there is a bias to attack Apple when they make a mistake due to the Apple stand of “It Just Works.”
I think that Apple will address this issue – either with replacement units for people who have legitimate issues or with some type of “Insert / upgrade” at the Apple store. I’m not a structural engineer – so this is just my man in the street opinion.
But give them some time to study the problem and come up with a solution. How long was it before Apple started supplying the rubber bumpers for the iPhone 4?
Let’s just move on and see what Apple does to correct the situation.
I’m sorry but your whole piece loses credibility when you accuse SquareTrade, Consumer Reports and The Verge of being in Apple’s pocket.
SquareTrade sells warranties on the iPhone 6 Plus. It is in there interest to know their liability if the device does in fact easily bend.
Consumer Reports is ALSO clearly not in Apple’s pocket. Perhaps you remember Antenna-gate? Consumer Reports drastically increased their circulation and relevancy by getting out in front of Antenna-gate and trying to verify the problem in their make-shift lab. They would be able to do the same thing here if there was something to say.
Finally, the Verge has no problem dragging Apple through the mud and have done it on many occasions. But the fact that they did not run with the video of “some guy purposely bends an iPhone 6 Plus and it does in fact bend” should be applauded. It shows they have a bit more respect for true journalism than so many out there just seeking page clicks.
I don’t know your friend Hilsenteger from Unbox Therapy. However, I do know that he clearly did financially benefit from running with this sensationalist video which is claims was done “in the name of science”. He has probably made more money in the last two weeks from his sponsor SquareSpace than he can count.
Also, it seems odd that a video done “in the name of science” fails to use a scientific test that measures the actual amount of force is being applied. It could be that the thinness of the iPhone 6 Plus gives Hilsenteger’s hands a bit more leverage than he gets on other devices. Like you, I am not a structural engineer and I am hazarding a guess. However, what I do know is that scientific tests involve actual measurements of force.
I also remember that from basic high school physics that you get more more leverage using a lever if you move your fulcrum further away. You claim everybody else is testing it wrong, but by applying the force in the very middle of the device with the ends being held you are getting more effective force applied to the phone than if you moved the fulcrum closer to the volume buttons (at least for the side on which the volume buttons reside). As you move away from the center you get more force on one end and less on the other (your lever increases in length on one side and decreases on the other).
But the SquareTrade test is interesting because they tried the exact same thing that Hilsenteger did. Like Hilsenteger they found that it COULD bend (off course it can), but unlike him they claim it was NOT easily done. If anything, SquareTrade would be motivated to find that they should charge more for iPhone 6 Plus warranties or at least advertise an upgraded warranty for bending issues so they could make more money.
There is likely a weaker spot on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. I’m betting there is probably one on every device. The question that matters is whether or not that “weak spot” is actually “weak”. Hilsenteger made it sound like it bent with great ease. Other more scientific tests seem to contradict him. The fact that he started with a phone that he admitted was already a little tweaked is suspect. It makes it look like he got to work on the device before he even started recording to make it easier to bend. You say your friend Hilsenteger is trust-worthy. I say I don’t know Hilsenteger from any other random YouTube video blogger. I do know who SquareTrade, Consume Reports, and The Verge are. I have gotten reliable information from them in the past. I have gotten reliable products from Apple for years.
It is kind and loyal of you to come to the defense of your friend at the perceived injustices against him. However, others are coming to the defense of a company they have trusted for over a decade or to the defense of organizations and publications they have learned they can rely on for valid information. Your accusation that these organizations are in Apple’s pocket is no different than people deriding Hilsenteger as a click-mongering sensationalist. Hopefully, you can see that.
Well said.
Do you think you are mixing the guy who wrote the article and the guy in the video up with each other? They video narrator was coming to his friends defense, the writer was quick to mention the clicks=dollars nature of the video and all the consequent blogs/articles.
No… the author of this article (Dom) says Hilsenteger “is a friend and music collaborator” right around the second paragraph.
Well said I’m not impressed just because you title it “opinion” doesn’t mean it’s not click bait too. The irony I see of all this? Said person who accidentally/purposely bent phones goes and gets what? Another iPhone!
All I know and care about is my 6 Plus has not bent. I have not done anything different since upgrading my iPhone 5 on the 20th Sept, front pocket, car mount, laptop bag, kitchen work surface.
If it bends, I will visit an Apple store and get it sorted just as I would if I if I had a problem with any other electronic device that I felt has an issue that was not caused by normal use.
Excellent, balanced article, as usual Dom! Don’t let the haters get to you, they’re either fanboys or Apple PR Droids.
Or they are tired of sensationalist media folks who are bummed that BendGate is now the hen that stopped laying eggs. His piece is nothing but contradictions.
“It’s a real issue”, but “it probably won’t affect you”
“Don’t call people names”, but accuse them of “being in Apple’s pocket”
“They are testing it wrong with all their fancy equipment that measures force”, but “random bending videos are more valid”
This piece is absolute tripe. It is simply about the author coming to the support if his friend,
It said opinion on the title. Yet here you are upset about the sensationalism of it.
And you are severely generalizing the piece. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an iteration of the phone have reinforcements. That would be enough to say that the complaints were to some extent valid.
“Under pressure like this, bending but not breaking seems like an extraordinary feature.” -> “Calling bendable properties a feature.” I think you need to work on your reading comprehension. Also, I never saw that guy’s second video. But the iPhone was already bended in his first video prior to his test. Obviously the phone would be a lot more subject to bending pressure as the structure integrity has already been compromised. He claimed it was damaged from normal use, but we can neither deny or prove that. Another thing I would like to add is that I am not accusing the youtuber anything, but assuming an avid youtube poster not expecting controversial videos like this to go viral is laughable. They know better than anyone else what view counts means in profit.
How wobbly on the table does it have to get before its my fault or before I can get a replacement?
I don’t know, how about you pull a YouTube and try bending it with extreme pressure of a few more times for safe measure, and then ensure it’s bent enough that when you take it back to Apple for a replacement, they’ll tell YOU to GET BENT, freaking loser.
You are awesome man.
Had the author not disclosed that the instigator of “bend gate” was his friend I would’ve wonder why this was written. It’s clear to casual observers the “controversy” ended when Apple said “we’re replacing bent units”. End of story…to non-interested parties.
Unfortunately YouTube is a cesspool of people chasing clicks for AdSense revenue. So a guy who stumbled upon 45m clicks couldn’t let it die, and became the tech equivalent of pranking videos. And bloggers chasing clicks have to get their SEO spam out, so we get endless articles with “iPhone + 6 + bends” so they can cash in on the massive iPhone sales and the attempts and hysteria manufactured by those on the periphery of relevance. Wonder why the mainstream tech press won’t cover it? Simple, they don’t need to resort to stunts to get views. Wonder why people are calling Unbox Therapy names? Because anyone with sense can see why he keeps beating a dead horse, and it’s not amusing in the least.
I don’t think Apple needs to address it. The videos that are out there they are bending with their hands. I don’t see any video that someone having the iPhone in their pocket and it is bent. Is there one? To me this is like the stupid phone drop test everyone does.
And I’m not an Apple apologist. I’m just stating the fact. I have a Nexus 5 and if I wanted to I know I can bend it.
Excuse me … someone who benches 405 is an “average guy”???? Open your eyes and look at his photo or just go hit the gym someday and try benching 405 yourself. Sorry, you just completely lost all credibility with that comment.
Dom – that grinding sound you have been hearing is your invite to the iPad debut in October going through the shredder at Cupertino…
Jeez, who pissed in your Corn Flakes this morning? As soon as you said the guy who spun this non-issue into a money-making opportunity is a friend, you’re opinion piece is null. You’re too close to the subject and clearly have an axe to grind.
That’s what makes it an opinion piece dude. The fact that he has some personal involvement is exactly why he classified it as personal opinion and not fact. Your comment holds no water.
I am actually quite sad to see the comments here. I believe people love Apple, but not like this. This article is subjective to some degree but overall reasonable. You can’t ask people not to put the phone in their front pocket. At least there has always been the place for my phone since the first day I started using. Apple should address the problem, and I believe using PR to punish any media is wrong and it is against the freedom of speech. I have and love my iphone 6 plus, I have the cases and apple care to make sure that I will let it survive. But being cautious to use a phone or treating it as some fragile vase is not what I am expecting here. And one more thing, I really don’t like the idea that people have the right to call other people “Jackass” especially in a public situation. It is quite not respectful, freedom of speech also has a limit.
I believe I will see quite a number of comments following mine to attack my opinions or the wrong words I am using here. But whatever, the internet is a place for everybody.
I agree with you.
I dont think this article is reasonable. He might sound neutral because he keeps padding his little stabs at Apple but it does not take long to realize how one sided his entire opinion article is. All the way from telling Consumer Reports that they tested it wrong to accusing multiple news sites for being in Apple’s pockets. He decides to simply jump to the conclusion that iPhone 6 is flawed based on his interpretation of what appears to be a lack of reinforcement, which is scientifically supported by a bunch of people bending their phones with their bare hands. Does that make any sense to you? How come its so hard to find regular users experiencing bending issues(millions of people) yet so easy to find dumb nuts(excuse my language Dom), making money of intentionally bending a phone on camera?
that’s how opinions work… they are one sided… hence they are YOUR opinions. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/opinion?s=t
You can’t ask people to put an iPad Mini in their pocket either?
This whole post seems to have been made to simply restore Hilsenteger’s reputation. I get it, he was just trying to bend the iPhone, and he did so successfully. From that point we should not simply jump to the conclusion that the new iPhones will bend under regular use.
I also found it a bit hypocritical than when it comes to users overblowing this whole bendgate scenario your reaction is “Awwww but they are just proving a point” but when consumer reports and the verge show information that simply demonstrates that this is a non-issue for most people, your reaction is “They are testing it wrong” or “They are afraid of Apple”. Like seriously?
Apparently the media is so afraid of Apple that they prefer not to cover the story. Last time I checked we are definitely not lacking any media coverage around bendgate, even my dad asked me if his phone was gonna bend. Take all the stories around bendgate and tell me how many of them have come from actual users complaining about their phones bending under normal circumstances? 99% of the stories come from people intentionally and willingly trying to bend the phone. Did it occur to you that maybe this is why SOME news channels dont want to take this too seriously? Why damage their relationship with Apple over something that is purposely recreated yet not being complained about by the millions of people who currently own(according to you) a flawed iPhone 6?
Dom doesn’t like you now. He just called and said that he doesn’t like you at all. He and I are going to go to dinner to discuss who he likes and doesn’t like but for now, he hates you…
:)
Ha. I disagree with most of your comments here, but this is hilarious.
Well, said!
Techshizzle , thank you. I have no issues with disagreement. That’s the point of posting and debating. It’s when things get stupid that I “insult”… Or so I’m told. ;) PS I agree with a lot of what y’all who disagree feel, I just disagree with condemning those who disagree.
MM8: Yep, we all can take this a little too seriously. Cheers.
Beautiful man. Glad you could lighten things up in here. It’s really too bad that people cannot express their opinions and not be crucified for doing so especially here. Sure there are a few trolls on here but big deal who really cares. What I don’t like is the amount of anger that is directed at some users just because they have said something that someone else doesn’t like. I own many Apple products just like most people here however I don’t feel that Apple are infallible nor do I feel the need to defend them. I am still using an iPhone 5 and I am looking forward to upgrading once my contract expires. Videos of people bending their iPhones have not dissuaded me from buying one.
Originaldub I’m with you 100% –disagreeing is fine–debating is fun. Being told to fuck your mother or rot in hell is not.
I think Dom did a fantastic job. Some of you are really weirdos and nut bags. This was not a hidden agenda, Dom gave his opinion on the issue, he admitted he was a fanboy and loyal, while also admitting he was disappointed. This was his opinion, which was expressed in the title. people looking for “scientific data” are stupid for clicking the link and more stupid for complaining that there wasn’t any or that Dom ignored it. It’s an OPINION! Like, I think Liver taste like dirt and metal, I hate the look and smell.
What are you going to do? tell me that the taste and smell are because of the iron in the blood and that my palette is stupid because I don’t understand why Liver is good? F**k Off. Its an opinion on preference. Like “landing strip or shaved.”
I am an Apple Freak too but I am equally disappointed. Theres nothing apple has done Wrong in my eyes. I am impressed with everything they do and have done. I am impressed with the iPhone 6 and 6+ and just like Dom, I am willing to admit, there was a manufacturing mistake. Not an intentional avoidance, not laziness, not malicious, just a simple mistake. I don’t think they knew about it in advance, I just think that the flexibility under the Volume Buttons was an oversight. Period. No big deal. No one is losing their money, phone, or mental stability. Unless you bent it on purpose, in which case… deal with it. Your youtube video’s advertising should cover the cost of a new iPhone :)
Why people are acting like vicious is amazing. It’s a matter of opinion and as Dom so eloquently put it, no one is forcing you to return, purchase, exchange or BEND your iPhone. Live your life. If something happens to the device, Apple will fix it. Why? Because they know they should. Should the fear of it bending deter you form buying it, NO. Thats all Dom is saying. Do what you want to do, don’t be swayed by any of the cited or united sources. Don’t be swayed by the hype. Apple is a great company with brilliant minds at work, they won’t let themselves look like shit, but they won’t leave their customers in the dust either. So be comfortable, enjoy your gadget, live with it like you want to live with it and IF something happens, Apple’s got your back.
Chill your tits guys, it’s a man’s opinion expressed on a platform he is part of building. You can have your own blog and open it up to comments too. Nothing you say will sway him, me, or any one else because you aren’t the author and your not a “part of” 9to5. It’s very weird to come to a guys website and say his article, opinion, writing, sources, videos, reviews etc Suck or are stupid. The web is full of places for you to go to find like minded individuals, that you’d intentionally go where you feel disappointed, seems insane to me. Some of your are the first ones to apply for the giveaways and the first to complain that the bloggers suck. Find something that makes you happy and avoid things that upset you, but don’t come over here, like a contagion and pollute what others enjoy.
Queue the Flamming and Trolling Bellow:
You just failed to defend Dom, he hates insults and you just insulted 99% of all commenters here. So yes, Dom probably hates you right now. If you feel like insults are necessary then you also dont believe in what Dom believes in. He got mad because of the insults, and that is how this opinion article ended up so one sided on his little friend’s favour. LOL!
I don’t know or care about how Dom feels about me. I am only defending his article. not his character or the children who love him. I am not insulting anyone, I am defending the people who do enjoy the updates, news, info, and opinions. You are weird for making this about liking and disliking someone… you made something enjoyable, super creepy. No one on this incredibly long thread of comments has even mentioned someones personal preference for friends, or even objectively discussed liking or hating someBODY personally. we are talking about opinions, facts, Apple, and iPhones. If you’re Dom’s friend, you should interact in person with people he knows, not avatars.
For future reference, just as an example, and not predicated or aimed at anyone, an insult is constructed as such:
“Your a pathetic punk kid whose immaturity is probably reflective of your stunted growth from doing nothing more than drinking redbull and playing with your pecker. A little boy who probably gets out of the house just enough to alleviate his eyes, thumbs, and dick from falling off from playing video games alone with a headset, or sitting behind a monitor and beating your pecker senseless, but not enough that it doesn’t bleed and peel or enough to have any physical affection from another, not cybersex, person.”
Again, that’s not for anyone in particular, but just a literary example.
Your comment sounds like Dom is Jesus, in which case I am still… not sorry.
Gruber and Frommer are appropriately reminding folks that your boy has huge incentives to publish and promote bend videos, similar to 9to5’s incentives to keep this story afloat.
And Gruber called your boy a jackass because he could have easily sliced his fingers open. Bending rather than cracking could be seen as a feature that avoids severe user harm.
Finally, not sure why it takes a long article to explain the large majority of people bending their iPhones are not a result of normal use, but intentional and only conducted by people willing to lose $700+ and hence likely doing so to recoup that loss via promotion and clickviews.
9to5 has not perpetuated the #bendgate, they cover its developments and any buzz or info around it. That’s why I come here. I want to find a place who will give me context and details after i see a 140 character tweet, or elevator conversation about something. This is why this site is here. You should check out RedmondPie.com, it’s better suited for what you are looking for. Much less Apple bias.
Bending under half the pressure as the previous generation is not a feature. Apply the same amount of pressure as it would take to bend the iPhone 5S, and you most certainly will snap the iPhone 6.
You can bend your phone with your hands? Big deal!
I can break my Omega watch if I jump on it. It’s a scandal!
Well put!
Yes well put.
Can we please just let Apple silently add support structures to the next batch of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models and move on from this? Critical analysis is good, but it’s time to move on and lather ourselves into a frenzy about the next thing – this one is getting boring.
Will Apple make any changes to stop this “feature” that had affected “only nine users”?
Why would it?
Seriously.
So if I accidentally break my screen which has the weakness of being fragile glass, should that also be covered by the warranty (or as you suggest a year outside of the warranty)? I’m sorry, but this is a weak and extraordinarily self serving argument. I’m happy Apple has decided to cover it in warranty like they did for the 5 and 5s — which, oddly enough, bends as well. I think the root of the problem is this is a gigantic phone. It’s not meant to be put in pockets. It’s meant to be put in bags. Ask anyone who has carried a Note for the past few years.
amother reasonable discussion (video): http://mobile.bloomberg.com/video/iphone-6-bendgate-it-s-consumer-reports-vs-unbox-therapy-j_Bz6G7cRHCOztI0YHjQWQ.html
This is probably one of the best articles I’ve seen on an Apple blog about this. Thanks for being objective (and especially the bit where you pointed out Gruber’s immaturity).
9to5Mac is still sore because Gruber callied out Mark Gurman over his laughable assertion that Apple re-named and re-designed their Health app because of his leaks.
85% of the community in here should run online classes on how to be an Apple apologist for free. Seriously, these nut cases are incapable of admiring Apple without turning religious. The article was marvellously written, and brought to light several truths. These guys have no lives and it’s near impossible to debunk something affecting so many people despite what these weirdos and breast-fed blogs spew. It’s been done already, your friend did enough as did you – let us, the consumers do the rest.
Congratulations, you’ve turned into the new Herb, and I hereby crown you the next anti-Apple troll. Now get lost.
Your ongoing struggle to be relevant is amuses me, Wrzosek.
And your on-going struggle to troll anti-Apple BS on an Apple blog is pathetic LAME, GET LOST.
OMG you are so awesome man. I love when you get really pissed and then GO ALL CAPS and say… GET LOST.
You are the new Herb, ha ha ha now that is hilarious. Funny thing about Herb is that he has come around as of late and hasn’t really been that bad. Sure he was a little annoying at times but mostly harmless. He has actually made some very legitimate comments worthy of discussion. Now you on the other hand have not brought anything to the table other than too criticize and name call.
A troll is a troll, and even when herb is “harmless”, he still trolls, thus won’t get any of my respect, ever. I actually have a few people like him I have to deal with in real life, and I say have to, because they work at the same place I do, so I must tolerate them. When they’ve gotten out of line, I’ve publicly humiliated them, and they quickly shut up. Unfortunately on the Internet, humiliating someone like herb doesn’t seem to make a difference, because I think he likes it…
“Apple Store have been found slightly bent by kid vandals” < I sure hope these supposed "kids" were actually caught since we all know this vandalism could have been done by adults. I REALLY hope this isn't speculation and actual fact.
click the link. The kids taped themselves doing it.
I call BS.
When you go to buy a new car, do you first try to drive it off a cliff to test its integrity? If you wanted to buy a gun, would you shoot the gun store owner to verify its effectiveness? If you wanted to purchase an 18th Century Stradivarius violin, would you smash it on the floor to test its durability? If I drop a crystal glass and smash it, is the manufacturer at fault?
Such is the skewed logic behind the “bendgate” hysteria.
If placed on a table, an iPhone, or any other phone for that matter, would not bend by itself, unless of course it was in the presence of Uri Geller or Salvador Dali. It takes an idiot to bend a phone, either by massive brute force or by completely inappropriate use. Under normal use, any phone would not be damaged in the way suggested by the blogger’s video. But that seems to be lost amid all the hype, hysteria and FUD.
The opinion piece above does nothing to bring order to all the noise. It only amplifies the echo chamber.
The first rule of emergency PR is not to over-react, and instead, respond in commensurate fashion to the problem. A bad example was Exxon’s stonewalling on the Exxon Valdiz disaster. A good example was McNeil Consumer Healthcare Company’s response to the Extra Strength Tylenol tampering issue, or Pepsi’s measured response to the tampering of its cans of product. If you over-react, it amplifies the PR crisis. And that is something that Mr. Esposito fails to understand in his article, despite his impassioned arguments.
The fanboy Internet reacts to everything. But the larger body of consumers, who have no clue that this website even exists, could care less. In the past few days, I have walked past four different Apple retail stores in my daily work. Each of the stores was packed with potential customers as if it was the day after Thanksgiving. I took a moment to ask a few of them about the “bendgate” issue, and in each case, I was given a blank look. They could care less.
In the end, it’s not tech nerds, bloggers or fanboys who will determine the success of the iPhone 6. It will be the greater mass of consumers who are not like you and me. All the bloggers or videos won’t change that. But Mr. Esposito, and many of us fail to understand that the great mass of consumers think differently than we do, and in this case, thankfully so.
Consumers vote with their feet and their pocketbooks. In the end, that is what matters, not bloggers ranting from their basements.
Well said. I personally think this whole “issue” is absolutely ridiculous. I’ve had an iPhone 6 Plus for the past week and have had it in my front left pocket whenever I’m not either actively using the device or sitting at my desk at work. Zero issues with pressure or bending.
Now admittedly I don’t carry my phone around in my back pocket and I haven’t had an opportunity or a particular desire to sit on it. I understand that some may do so but frankly I can’t imagine that would be particularly comfortable and/or something I’d want to be doing for an extended period of time. That said, if I did sit my 230 pounds on my thin aluminum phone, I don’t suspect I would be overly surprised if I damaged it by doing so. I seriously doubt that people are magically bending their phones just by dropping them in their front pants pocket and then walking around minding their own business. I find it a lot more likely that some people might have bent their devices, unintentionally to be sure, by sitting on them for an extended period of time, having the phone in their pocket at a funny angle that caused a non-trivial amount of pressure to be applied over an extended period, etc. I don’t know what to suggest to these people other than to take your device back to Apple and odds are they will do what they can to assist you. They have already stated that customers who have problems with bent devices will be taken care of.
In regards to this rather lengthy and wandering article, it’s admirable that the author is defending his friend, but at the same time I think the horse is now dead, buried, and starting to smell a bit funky, so continued beating accomplishes nothing, and exhuming the corpse for further examination seems unnecessary.
To be clear, all that was shown in the Hilsenteger video is that it’s possible to bend the device. Congratulations, welcome to Physics 101. If you apply enough pressure or force to it will bend or break. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about smartphones, steel bars, bones, televisions, or tree branches. Everything will break provided that enough pressure or force is applied. I’m not clear on exactly what else this video proves except to prove something that should be viewed as common knowledge while using an Apple device as an example.
Hilsenteger didn’t provide compelling scientific evidence to counter some Apple claim (after all, nobody ever said the phone was indestructible), he just bent a phone by applying a significant amount of pressure with his hands (something that’s obvious from watching his video). He didn’t prove that there is a design flaw in the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus, since he’s not an industrial engineer as far as I can tell and hasn’t performed any scientific tests to prove such a claim. All he did was intentionally bend his phone on YouTube, something that any one of us could do given the desire or motivation to do so. And again, I don’t recall Apple or any other smartphone vendor out there making any sort of claim that their phone couldn’t be bent, so what exactly is it that we are proving by continuing to go out of our way to intentionally bend something that nobody ever said couldn’t be bent?
As an iPhone 6 Plus owner, what would be far more relevant to me would be if there was an actual series of tests that could be performed by a qualified (i.e. not a YouTube personality / blog writer), independent organization that could use appropriate equipment to determine under what circumstances such bending might occur. Someone like Consumer Reports for instance, an organization who seems to have spent a good deal of their existence providing reliable product recommendations to consumers based on measurable tests, use of appropriate equipment, etc. Oh wait, they did a test didn’t they? Their conclusion, summarized, seems to be that while it is possible to bend the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus (again something nobody ever claimed wasn’t possible), it would take a reasonably significant amount of pressure to do so and under normal circumstances this shouldn’t be a problem for the average consumer.
But somehow this isn’t sufficient for Mr. Esposito. Apparently they’re “testing it wrong” because they didn’t apply pressure in the same exact spot as Mr. Hilsenteger . Now I’m not sure of Dom’s background, but presumably he didn’t work as a consumer product designer or industrial engineer in a previous life, so I’m a bit unclear as to his qualifications to nullify such tests while at the same time pointing to random YouTube videos as proof that there is a design flaw. I’m sorry Dom, but if I’m going to believe without reservation that there’s a design flaw in the iPhone 6 Plus, such information is going to have to come from someone a little more qualified to make such assertions than yourself, or Mr. Hilsenteger, or a couple of random British teenagers bending phones for giggles in the Apple Store.
And of course, one must wonder where all the actual consumer outrage is on this issue? All the people I know personally who are making an issue out of this are people who inevitably don’t own an iPhone 6 / 6 Plus, and in many cases don’t own an iPhone of any sort. My Facebook feed is full of non-iPhone owning friends fretting and posting and commenting on an issue that none of them have any personal experience with, and it seems to me that you could apply this position to the comments thread on pretty much any website that’s bothered to post anything about this supposed problem over the past week or so. On the other hand, pretty much everyone I know with an iPhone 6 / 6 Plus is happily using their new phone and keeping it in whatever pocket they prefer, all without damaging or otherwise bending their device. You have to wonder, if this is such an issue with potential for widespread smartphone destruction on a scale never previously imagined in human history, where are all the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus owners (aside from the 9 Apple has heard from) who are being affected by this “bending problem”?
I suspect the reason for their silence on the issue is related to the fact that the issue doesn’t exist as anything more than something that a infinitesimal number of people experienced which was then blown out of proportion, as usual, by a series or tech blogs and YouTube videos seeking page clicks and ad revenue.
All that being said, I’m sure that Apple is already devoting a chunk of their product engineering team to revisit the “weak area” in question and odds are if a flaw is found they will fix it by modifying the assembly process. If as part of that process they determine that existing devices need to be repaired or replaced then I’m sure they will do just that, and if that day does come to pass then all those who raged about design flaws can feel vindicated.
Until that day comes though, perhaps we should all just find something else to focus our energies on…
And here we have another person that should be on the writing staff of 9to5Mac, with insightful, meaningful conclusions, which include a healthy dose of common sense!
Anthony, thank you very much for saying it as it should be said. Cannot put it better myself. Hope Dom reads this; it should give him food for thought.
BRAVO! At last, finally someone comes to bare on this issue with a significant dose of common sense and rational thought and examination of the true issue; there isn’t any.
9to5Mac should up their game by hiring you as a writer sir!
You lost me at “When you go to buy a new car, do you first try to drive it off a cliff to test its integrity? If you wanted to buy a gun, would you shoot the gun store owner to verify its effectiveness?” What? I know where you are trying to go with this but those are not good analogies because no one who purposely bends their phone is blaming Apple for it.
Have you seen YouTube lately? Have you listened to some of those bafoons bending their iPhone’s??? They ARE blaming Apple for it! That’s what makes this even more sad, that they go out, bend the things, then go crying and blaming Apple because they didn’t design the phone to withstand insane physical force.
Those people are losers so why even pay attention to them. If they want to break their phones and blame Apple for it good for them. I know it’s annoying and I totally agree with you that if you try hard enough you can bend/brake the phone. But you know what these people like the most? Attention! Don’t pay any and they will go away.
why is every idiot “testing” the iPhone 6 by intentionally bending it with their hands?
when the initial complaint was that the phone was bending inside someone’s pocket.
if you think you could make a better phone that doesn’t run android, i’m waiting…
this kid’s opinion sucks and is trying to make it seem as if there is a conspiracy.
yes i’m pretty sure there are more than 9 phones that have bent since there are a lot
of idiots intentionally bending it.
just make sure your phone is never in a situation where you or your friends
are intentionally bending the iPhone even if someone has a gun to your head
and is telling you to “bend the phone,” DON’T bend the phone.
Even if they’re already shooting at you and one of your friends is already bleeding
to DEATH on the floor, don’t bend the phone.
and you should be good to go.
Btw, AMAZING article. I’ve been waiting to read something like this all week. Thank you.
Figures one troll gets a kick out of a trolling BS article…
i get the iphone 6 plus and im getting a case for it which im so getting a otterbox case that way i know it will likely have less chance of bending
Why is this an issue? Since there were only 10 people reporting this to have happened out of 10 million?
That’s according to Apple which has an incentive to downplay the problem.
While Apple may have an incentive to downplay the problem, I don’t really see anyone “up-playing” the problem except for numerous tech blogs and YouTubers. If this was legitimately something that was affecting a large number of people, where are those people whenever this conversation happens?
It seems that those most likely to experience the issue have nothing to say on it…
There are also people who drive without seat belts, smoke and participate in unhealthy behaviors because they just don’t care.
Not everyone makes a YouTube video or contacts Apple. Heck, they figure a new Apple product is going to fail in some respect anyway so why get worked up about it.
Of course people would complain if something is broken… go and find a mirror to love yourself because there is no one else to do so.
Extensively well said, Dom Espirito.
The Nokia Bend Test. http://i.imgur.com/AbcWBG7.gif
Actually that made me LOL :)
It wouldn’t be an issue if you fucking retards would stop intentionally bending your phone.
NO KIDDING!!!
Edison, that was directed at you when he said “stop fucking retards.”
There goes any chance of you getting laid.
I think you were speaking about yourself bud, because I have a wife and have that enjoyment on-tap whenever needed, unlike someone here who’s never even enjoyed the company of a woman, short of his mom in her basement…
Again, Apple botches a crisis communications response.
Plus its letter has at least one error.
I’ve routinely put my Galaxy S5 in my pockets and sat down. No bending. It’s also water and dust resistant.
If your phone bends under normal use (which includes putting in your pocket), what else is failing? Something that bends repeatedly will eventually crack and break. What’s happening to the interior components?
Apple has an incentive to avoid full disclosure of the problem. Why do it’s paid shills try to cover the truth?
But that’s just the thing, It _doesn’t_ bend under normal use. It may bend under abnormal use though, I wouldn’t know personally. I’ve had one in my front pocket on a daily basis for the past week and it’s as straight as an arrow. I sit with it in my pocket, I drive with it in my pocket, no issues at all.
Owning one, I can tell you that any bending that is going to occur is only going to occur if an abnormal amount of pressure is applied. I can’t imagine how you could manage to do this without noticing though, I suspect it would be rather uncomfortable.
I’m sure that if you applied an abnormal amount of pressure to your Galaxy 5S over a period of time it might bend as well, but I wouldn’t take that to mean that there is a design flaw in your phone. I would propose that if you are somehow managing to bend your phone by having it in your pocket that you might want to reexamine the tightness of your pants because frankly I just can’t see how anyone can manage to do this otherwise.
Just ignore this troll Anthony, he’s just another loser Fandroid in his mother’s basement eating Twinkies dreaming of being able to afford an iPhone, but can only get a Moto G with substantial begging from his mom.
There is no bending issue with iPhone’s, and in fact they stand up to “violent” pressures better than other high-end Android phones.
FUCK YOU ASSWIPE
It’s not an “alleged bending issue” it’s a real issue.
The phone bends. No doubt about that.
Users say it bends under normal use (wearing in pockets).
Apple syncophants say putting a phone in your pocket is not normal.
Fuck you herb, just straight up fuck you. It ISN’T A REAL ISSUE! I’ve had ENOUGH of you bloody Fandroids perpetuating this shit like it was a sport for you. Go fuck yourselves.
Edison,
You type well considering you have one hand on the keyboard and the other underneath your dog.
Isn’t it about time you changed your user name, again?
How about you come find me and I can shut you up once and for all loser? Sick of shitbags like you, really am. Humanity would be better off without your filth.
Are you threatening me with violence?
Where’s the love, fanboy?
I have ZERO LOVE or PATIENCE for asswipes like you…
Why do you care so much? You are such an angry little man aren’t you Edison.
Edison posts are very entertaining. He writes well for someone who … ah, screw it. He can’t write worth shut. But he can use shift lock!
I’m angry cause I’m sick and tired of little tiny idiots running around looking for their 5 seconds of cyber-fame by bending $1000 devices and claiming it’s an “issue”…
And give me a rational person who genuinely knows how to look at facts and can debate something that is a genuine issue, such as the iOS 8.0.1 fiasco or the live cast of the iPhone / WATCH event, then I can write an essay about it with that individual. Sadly, I find less and less people online to do that with, because all these boards are filling with trolls at an alarming rate.
I know this is kinda unrelated, but I never got the whole adding -gate to the end of a scandal. Watergate wasn’t a scandal about water….
Yea, I hear you.
Watergate was the name of the office complex where the burglaries occurred.
Wow, you’ve really sunk to a new low 9to5Mac, you should rename to 9to0Mac…
You actually took the time to write a freaking auto-biography of this #bendgate bullshit, continuing to perpetuate this FUD to a whole new level.
I’ve setup iPhone 6/6+ units at work for staff, and they do NOT bend anywhere as easily as these idiots on the web are claiming. You should not be encouraging more Internet douches and trolls to try and get their 5 seconds of fame and deliberately destroying iPhones in the process. Hell, we know have young punks in the UK going into Apple stores and deliberately trying to destroy demo iPhone’s because of this shit!
Welcome to #idiotgate!
And if there is anyone to recognize an idiot it’s Edison. Everytime he looks in the mirror …
Funny, I see someone who has a career, and supports a staff of over 500+ people with various different gear. Normally idiots can’t be in that position of responsibility and skill. On the other hand, idiots here a plenty, starting with someone named herb…
I see someone with a massive inferioity complex, and a very ugly online personality. I am sure that your employer would have a very different opinion of you if they saw what kind of person you were online.
You can try putting forth your character assassination as much as you want, it won’t change anything. Your opinion of my “online personality” (are you implying by-polar disorder?) is quite laughable.
As for my employer, if I didn’t want them to see this, I wouldn’t be posting in the first place. I have no issue with them seeing this.
Wow, you seems to be extremely angry and aggresive towards others here. You really have to love Apple and be an extremely Apple-apologist with such attitude. Are you paid by Apple where they silences you to say anything negative about them or what?
9to5Mac just told what they think of this case as it’s pretty clear that iPhone 6 Plus have quality issues on the casing around the buttons on each side of the phone.
This case wouldn’t be an issue at all if the iPhone 6 Plus chassis would have bent itself back to where it was like Polycarbonate does on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for example.
For iPhone 6 Plus, if you bend it, it’s most likely bent forever as it will hurt the casing around the phone more to bend the phone back over what damage it took to get bended to begin with.
So please behave yourself in here and don’t look like a dumb Apple ass-licker.
Oh that’s rich, a troll telling me how to behave myself? Get bent…
I’m agressive to the dipshit trolls now infesting Apple sites like you and Herb, because you seem to take it as a sport to come in and make FUD attempt to seem real.
And what about SGS4, SGS5, and all the other phones that shatter when even moderate “hand” force is applied? What about the scientific studies conducted by Consumer Reports and Apple Testing Labs that show this phone is better than some of the others out there?
BTW, I’d rather be an Apple ass-licker any day, than being a trolling douchebag like some here.
As i can’t give you a direct reply Edison Wrzosek, i’m gonna write it here instead.
First of all, when a casing on a phone have a weak spot that makes something bends easily, then it deserves to get media attention. Not only that, but Apple prides themself over the quality they have on their casing. And when you on top of that are going to pay so much money for your iPhone 6 Plus that you have go and rob a bank first to be able to buy it, you are going to expect the phone to better than it is now when it comes to the bending thing.
When it comes to the Consumer Reports testing of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, you have to take into consideration that they did bend the 2 iPhones where the casing is much stronger than it is around the bottons on each sides of the phone. That makes their test kinda irrelevant for now. They have to test the casing where the weak spots is to see how little that place actually can take before it bends.
The fact is that you are just mad / angry that your shitty iPhone is made out of a shitty material (except that it ‘OMG IT FEELS SO GOOD IN MAH HANDS OMGOMG’) that’s way worser than the Polycarbonate that are in the Galaxy Note 3. For how long time have we Android users told you Apple-apologists that Polycarbonate is a really great material to use on mobile phones?
We have been telling you guy this for years, and still you have been denying it because you think Apple is your god and what Apple makes is the best. You paid a crap ton of money for your iPhone and you are ofc defending your purchase.
Just because you think this bending case is overhyped, it still doesn’t change the fact that the iPhone 5 / 5S took more pressure to bend than the new iPhone 6 models did. That’s not a good progression as it’s a downgrade. It would be fine if the new iPhone 6 models would take the same pressure to make it bend as the iPhone 5 / 5S did take, but when it takes lesser pressure to bend the new iPhones, then it’s bad.
If you deny this, you will only show how much you are down in Apple’s pants doing the usual sucking thing.
And lastly, calling me a troll because i was open and told you what i was seeing from you here and from what the reality of this bendgate is, is telling me that you are not here to openly discuss this thing, but to troll anyone who have anything negative to say about the company you loves.
That’s not going to make you look any good. Just sayin.
Now, i’m pretty sure you are gonna come back with a troll reply in panic mode where you are telling me that i’m a troll and i’m a liar. In that case, what prevents you from being that to then?
Seeing as you obviously took the time to write a fairly lengthy reply to my comment, I was going to do the same, however upon reaching such colourful innuendoes like “you are just mad / angry that your shitty iPhone is made out of a shitty material (except that it ‘OMG IT FEELS SO GOOD IN MAH HANDS OMGOMG’)” and “If you deny this, you will only show how much you are down in Apple’s pants doing the usual sucking thing”, among some of the other cherries which I find no need in quoting, I don’t feel any compulsion to give you same in-depth response.
I will however give the following comments… The ONLY phone(s) I have ever seen made from Polycarbonate (a quality grade of Polycarbonate) are those from Nokia. I have seen those phones be run over by cars, hit with baseball bats, thrown against concrete walls, and smashed with hammers, and still keep going, albeit with some battle scars. The Polycarbonate used by other brands, particularly Samsung, is a far more brittle variant, and this has been shown even in some of the more unscientific videos from YouTube where Nokia’s barely blink, and phones like the SGS4/5 crack in half and shatter.
And I will concede your point (first I’ve seen made) that the design of the iPhone 6/6+ is a slight regression in terms of rigidity from the 5/5S series. This is to be expected however, in that the phones lost their angular designs and were slimmed down for the sake of ergonomics, something I will praise Apple for after handling the devices. Some have suggested Apple should’ve stayed with the 5S thickness in order to allow a larger battery, and continue with a flush camera housing design. Do I agree with this? Somewhat… However, still being able to withstand 90 pounds of pressure before suffering a structural fault, is well within the expected confines of anticipated “normal use”. What has been demonstrated thus far by the YouTube “users” is nothing short of abusive pressures that do NOT get inflicted in normal everyday usage scenarios. And if people are foolish enough to put a 6+ in their back pocket and SIT on such a large device in tight, restrictive clothing for extended periods of time, and not feel uncomfortable, and then complain their device suffered such a failure, well, can’t help stupidity there. Common sense is an evaporating commodity in today’s society.
Crap, you ended up getting a lengthy response out of me anyway…
To the best of my knowledge, this is how this issue seems to be playing out, in my opinion:
Some guy with an iPhone 6 Plus: MY PHONE BENT!!!
Tech blogs: iPhone 6 Plus Bends?
Most other iPhone 6 Plus Owners: Um, my phone seems OK.
A few other people with an iPhone 6 Plus: OMG, MY PHONE BENT!! VENGEANCE MUST HAZ!!
Tech blogs: iPhone 6 Plus BENDS!!!!
YouTube guy: iPhone 6 Plus bends?
(later)
YouTube guy: I bent my iPhone 6 Plus!! Click, Adsense, $$$
Internetz: RAWR, iPhone 6 Plus BENDZ!!!
Most other iPhone 6 Plus Owners: Um, my phone seems OK.
Tech blogs: iPhone 6 Plus BENDS!!!! $$$
Apple: iPhone 6 does not bend under normal consumer use
Tech blogs / Internetz: IPHONE 6 PLUS BENDS!!!!! $
Most other iPhone 6 Plus Owners: Um, my phone seems OK.
Apple: If you have a bent phone we will give you a new phone
Stupid kids: Lets bend phones at the Apple Store for shits and giggles!
Tech blogs / Internetz: Dudes, that’s not cool, don’t be assholes
Tech blogs / Internetz: iPhone 6 Plus BEN…oh look, shiny must change focus
Most other iPhone 6 Plus Owners: Um, my phone seems OK.
Some guy with an iPhone 6 Plus: My new iPhone 6 Plus is not bent, I am happy!
Sigh…
Very nice.
You forgot:
Apple PR: let’s blame the customers for taking the phone out of the box.
No, he didn’t forget that, that’s just the line Scamsung wishes were true, and you. Fucking loser.
That’s exactly what’s happening right now. They sold millions of 6 Plus, only a very small percentage seems to be affected.
Conspiracy theorist/fucking idiot = dom esposito.
Jesus Dom, you’re perpetuating this nonsense further? And jumping on the “consumer reports tested it wrong” bandwagon? Clearly you have no idea how structural integrity is tested. Are you a mechanical engineer? Then its probably best to not attempt to correct others who are. A three point bend test is the correct test if they want to measure the most force in the “problem area” beneath the volume button.
I knew I couldn’t stand you for a reason. I could tell in your videos that you weren’t the brightest. Thanks for proving it.
Yet your photo shows … a dog?
And now resorting to Ad Hominem attacks? What a fucking sorry sack of shit…
He CLEARLY said its his opinion. This is a forum for which he can express it. As you did. Except he didn’t insult the opposing view. Quit the tantrum. You Should be too old for this! (Unless you’re a child in which case, you acted exactly as one would expect.)
It’s called an opinion. They are like assholes everyone has one.
And sometime they stink and should never be exposed to the world, maybe just a shower (or two)…
This article is awesome, Thanks Dom. It needed to be said.
I would rather have a larger and much thinner iPhone that bends more easily than my iPhone 4 than a thicker and possibly heavier phone that is less bendable. Even with my iPhone 4, I was concerned with possible back pocket bending, so avoided that carry spot.
I thought Apple had learned something about how to handle issues with Maps, but it looks like they have reverted to poor tactics and allowed what could have been a relatively minor issue to become major.
I wonder if the bend throws off any of the sensing components or anything else?
Seems like it would be hard to use the level if the phone itself isn’t level.
Shouldn’t bend it like a moron with too much money then
You know what? F*ck off for perpetuating this nonsense Dom.
That’s right.
Truth = nonsense.
Who needs info when we can rely on Apple to tell us what is right and holy.
Peace be with you.
Seems the more people wake up to #bendgate being BS, the more you seem to cry out for them to continue believing the FUD.
The gig is up loser, #bendgate is non-existent, and you need to be as well. GTFO.
Edison, I don’t necessarily disagree with everything you say, it’s just that you say it violently and harshly. Hit Dogs Don’t Bark. Have you heard that expression? As kids we are taught, being the loudest and angriest makes us WRONG no matter the principal. We are wrong behaviorally, so we are wrong in totality.
You have good points but telling people who disagree to die or fuck off or eat shit, doesn’t further your point, it makes your point seem ignorant and belligerent.
Please don’t reply with a bunch of “fuck you”s just consider what I’m saying. I’m not being a dick or disagreeing per say
This. Pathetic
Sorry, your friend IS a jackass. Things bend. I’m waiting for him to break a BIC pen with his hands and say that it’s not normal.
Strengthen your iphone 6 and protect from banding with case:
http://mywatchchoice.com/product-category/miscellaneous/
It bends due to the laws of physics and Apple is doing more than they should have to. Mostly due to lies continually spread by bs sites such as this seeking hits over journalistic integrity.
The very fact your still posting and spreading this garbage cost you one reader.
Truly pathetic the level of ignorance required to even entertain something so stupid. I truly feel bad for Apple snd I hope everyone looks forward to being treated like morons and the worse phones that come from stuff like this.
Their aren’t words sufficient to emphasise just how truly stupid one must be to not only entertain this but to spread it.
Unbox Therapy (UT) has been making great tech review videos for a good long time. He did the bend test at the behest of his viewers and to put the matter to rest. Anyone familiar with UT knows he’s a huge fan of Apple.
When folks come out calling him a shill, a jackass, or whatever else, they simply flag themselves as not being familiar with his work. And the thing is, it didn’t have to be him: there are so many tech reviewers on YouTube, it was inevitable that someone would have done the test under the same circumstances producing the same results. It was inevitable because the is a design flaw in the product that slipped past formerly reliable testing–or testing that didn’t apply to this amazing new product.
Apple supporters should gather evidence (as has been done) demonstrating the single weak point in the phone, and instead of circling the wagons to defend a perfectly fixable problem, instead, find ways to frame it as it should be framed: Apple strives to bring beautiful products with unparalleled design–and we are understanding enough to know this takes risks and some retooling if, in some instances, the product isn’t perfect. Because that’s what Apple fans are: smart, respectful, and understanding. To my surprise, we’re seeing the exact opposite of this, which is unfortunate because I know Apple fans are above bs name-calling. When the matter has settled–and Apple quietly fixes the problem–we’ll be left to wonder what it was that caused so many to lose their cool. It’s something to think about.
In the end, Apple doesn’t need defending. It’s a big ol’ company’s that can take its lumps. Apple doesn’t need defending, because they’ll handle this problem smoothly and professionally. Apple doesn’t need defending, but it’s been fairly well established that they reward those that do.
So bending the iPhone is a phone feature? Like i said before i can bend an iron rod, but why a video hasnt been release of someone bending an iPhone with their pockets, so anything can be bent if force is apply, how is bent its a different story, so someone make a video of someone’s putting their iphone in their pockets not in the back pocket and sitting on it because that is just dumb if you do that and that is looking to break something on purpose, so then i say yes under normal circumstance it will break but until then this is BS to me and to millions others!!
Charismatron I agree. Disagreeing with the UT findings or their take on the likelihood of their claims, doesn’t justify crussifying a guy who has been well respected with a big audience. If any one wants to oppose him, oppose him, make a video or sit around with the phone for a few hours and test it. The most angry people are the ones who don’t want to believe the suceptibility and are too scared to put the claims to the test and are lashing out from frustration of being in the financial constraints of replacing the phone, that are making them fearful
Oops. Mixed cussing out and crucifying and wrote crusssifying
I would disagree that Apple handles things professionally.
If I saw Apple on a resume that came across my desk it would go straight to the recycling bin.
Professional doesn’t mean yanking access to media that disagrees with you.
And thus throwing away a potentially talented individual with insights into different fields most people would dream of having in their organization.
Another short sighted comment from a troll.
Churches and religious organizations around the world have today issued a recall on all humans, regardless of origin, regardless of manufacturing date. Apparently the testing methodology for the entire population was flowed from the start. Even Christianity and Judaism, for which their God was a blueprint for humans (“created in his image”) are suffering these problems.
Recent reports indicate that putting a hymn into your pocket and sitting on one can break or sever the spinal column or vertebrae of the neck rendering that human inoperable or lifeless. Similar problems have been reported due to drops and other impact forces. Apparently humans are also at risk to bend and squeeze tests done by hand and performed by other humans. Susceptibility to immersion in water or other liquids, while previously cited, were not mentioned in this latest recall.
There is no god.
FU
You’d like to. I know it.
Yup, reverting again to sexual innuendos because you have nothing better to say, how sad.
And Foxconn is hiring more people than before because of the big iPhone demand, so this bendgate B.S didnt even make a dent on Apple
Perhaps.
At the very least it helped air some corporate dirty laundry.
And it got the fanboys to wet themselves. Too bad the iphoney isn’t water resistant, like the Samsung Galaxy S5.
You’re such a fucking loser, the English language fails me to identify a properly derogatory term to describe your scum…
Jesus Christ that’s harsh!
Too bad the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Curve, HTC One M8, LG G3, LG Flex, Moto X, Moto G, Droid X, Droid Maxx, Droid Razr, Droid Razr Maxx, Nokia 520, Nokia 521, Nokia 530, Nokia 635, Nokia 830, Nokia 930, Nokia 1020, Nokia 1520…
… aren’t waterproof.
Thats not harsh coming from Edison that is par for the course. He is an angry, angry little man who is obviously frustrated with life and takes it out online where he can hide behind his screen anonymously.
and Mark, your point is ???
Thanks for posting all of the competing models and brands.
Edison, we know the English language fails you.
And you let it down each time you post.
Are you going to threaten to beat me up again?
Herb, with a short-sighted stinking attitude like yours, you’ll probably get what’s coming to you in your own time from someone, don’t need to put my neck on the line for the likes of you.
originaldub, you have no idea how much I’m actually restraining myself around herb… This is me on a good day with trolls…
Hmm, I’m sure down the road when someone opens the phone they’ll find reinforcements. And that’s when I’ll consider picking on up.
Even the Wired guy admits that he probably did sit on his iPhone 6+. I’m sorry, but if you sit on a damned cell phone then you deserve a bent cell phone. These things are not made for sitting on. And I’m sorry, but I don’t believe for one second that anyone has bent this phone simply by putting it in their front pocket.
I broke my Lotos glasses because I put it in my pants’ back pocket and sit on it.
With nearly 200 comments mine will get lost in the crowd but this is by far the most comprehensive, sensible and honest assessment of Bendgate.
The only thing that bothers me is that with so much talk of this situation it’s made me question my loyalty to Apple. Am I a fool for sticking with them? Does making excuses for the bending color me a zealot or apologist for Apple? Maybe a little bit but in the grand scheme of things I don’t care. It’s my money and my choice.
I already live dangerously by not covering my iPhone with a case so for me my iPhone is like a precious newborn that needs constant attention, care and affection. And I don’t mind that one bit.
Even if my phone could sustain a bullet or the weight of a truck I’d still treat it with care and respect.
But I digress. Thank you for this article. It was an amazing read that I’ll indulge in more than once.
Cheers!
Mark, don’t let people from the media (especially that cesspool of trolls known as YouTube) shake your faith in Apple, especially if they (and their products) haven’t let YOU down!
The media was in a frenzy to make something out of bendgate this time, because they failed miserably with during the iPhone 5/5S launches. Go to an Apple store, use an iPhone 6/6+, get to know it, and see if you like it. I’ve set them up, and even had a chance to apply some “pressure” to some of them, and trust me, they are WELL BUILT devices which will make you happy with your purchase.
This whole bending facade was the tech media’s boner for the month, because they had nothing else to slam Apple for, with the exception of the iOS 8.0.1 botched upgrade (Apple, what happened there?).
I’m shocked you’re not putting your iPhone into a case, but again, if you baby it, that is your choice. Just remember, accidents do happen, and the feeling you get when it gets dropped the first time, not a good one, regardless of how well it can take the beating.
Cheers
I think I’d rather trust the possibly 100’s of reviewers showing this bends then some guy in a comments section, it bends quite easily, so much that some like 13 year old kids could bend them. You will just reply calling me names anyway, not sure why I bothered replying to you. I honestly feel you’re doing more harm then good with your comments.
I remember when the iPhone 5 came out. Some overweight girl had it in her back pocket and it curved when she sat on it. Well guess what? Almost everything bends/curves when you sit on it. I have a $2,000 leather recliner, thats sole purpose is to be sat on, prominently displays the shape of everyones posterior that has ever sat on it.
If you bang around your $1,000 watch enough, it’s going to break. If you drop your child, they are likely going to break. It’s about taking care of the things you own and have respect for all the money you paid for it.
Unfortunately, most people weren’t raised to have respect for things.
as always, steve jobs had insight years ago. the reason he didn’t want a large screen iPhone ;-)
Almost anything will bend if enough stress with a fulcrum is applied. Either bend or break. So, the solution here is to measure that angle of stress where bending occurs. Then Apple puts a warning on each package , “do not bend beyond this point.”. Your phone will break and not be recoverable and the warrantee will be invalidated. This phone is not meant to be bent.” I would assume this black box warning would be big enough with pictures, that any child should be able to follow the instructions.
Just a question… Every single video and photo shows the phone bending when bent backwards (meaning putting stress on back cover and pressing). I keep all my phones in my pocket with the screen facing in (to keep it safe from being damaged if I bumped into something hard like the corner of a desk.) So… the screen stays flat in almost all situations even with the pressure applied and the rear casing at a 45 degree angle. But the screen doesn’t crack or bend. That means the screen itself should reinforce the structure of the phone.
If we were to simply put the phone in our pockets with the screen facing inwards, wouldn’t that mitigate the bending issue? The folding pressure of the pants to the curvature of the leg or butt would then be placed on the screen instead of the back aluminium casing. Just a thought. What do you all think?
“Of course, Hilsenteger (who is a friend and music collaborator)”
Now this may be the cynic in me, but this is how it appears to me. Your friend who has profited massively and probably still is making money off his video has asked you his friend and tech blog writer to perpetuate this whole saga, so people continue clicking on his video and making him more money.. .
In my opinion Apple has addressed the issue, an independent test house has said it’s overblown and people who make money off of bending phones on YouTube are doing everything they can to avoid the spot light dying on this whole stupid saga because they’ll loose an easy revenue stream.
Uri Geller has the explanation haha
iPhones are not anymore good phones for many reasons (battery, megapixels, chargers and accesories unique) Here u can see the comparison with Samsung Note 4 and their design in 3D Web GL
http://versus.com/en/apple-iphone-6-plus-vs-samsung-galaxy-note-4
What a great article regarding this issue, best one I’ve seen so far. Makes sense, not bias, and very informative. I’ll be sharing this, thanks for being honest about this even know you’re an apple fan. I’m not sure why people try to defend this, make apple fix it. It’s just a pity that some of the comments are reacting exactly how you said, and it’s pathetic that websites we are supposed to trust are defending apple because apple is being nasty about this and black balling them. Oh well there will always be those die hard fans that would defend apple no matter what they do.
People usually put their phones in their pockets with the display facing their bodies. Notice all these bend video are applying pressure from the back? That will not happen if it’s in your pocket with the display facing you… I have the Plus and I love it. I always use cases on my high end phones so it don’t matter to me. I’ll never have to worry about this problem. Who doesn’t use a case on their 750+ dollar mobile device anyways???
Herb you’re the best! This comment section has been a good daily humor dose :)
The NOTE 3 is NOT 4 mm thicker. Anyone that believes that loses all my credibility for not knowing the difference in 4mm and .4mm…. that or for not proofreading.
Obviously Edison has a vested interest in Apple……..he works for them..so no way in hell will he dis an apple product LOL
So, what’s the likelihood that more iPhone 6 or 6 Plus ‘s have been bent intentionally than accidentally: my guess is 100%. Probably by something like 10:1
I think all the “bend tests” definitely go to extremes that nobody would ever find themselves in. On the other hand there is no way to prove that the phone doesn’t bend for certain people in all conditions. All things considered though I personally am protecting my phone with the Rokform iPhone 6 Plus Aluminum Case http://www.rokform.com/aluminum-iphone-6-plus-case/
I’m not one to join the fear bandwagon but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn’t be able to afford a replacement if the phone broke so I see it as kind of like an insurance plan.
Has Apple bought off the internet?! I haven’t seen any bendgate articles since this blog, but the bending issue reaches criminal proportions. I have had 3 phones that warped with normal use within the first 14 days, so all three went back for a full refund. I stood in the Apple store and listened to representatives deceive all new buyers. Now I hear that Apple isn’t replacing these warped phones?! Time for a class action suit.
sounds more like you’re mad because your friend got dissed on the internet than being truly objective over this.
Sounds more like an Apple fanboy right hurr defending his precious fruit.
The guy clearly ended it on a note of “Don’t buy into either side right away. Wait for more information before making a judgement.”
He obviously had some opinions but overall I believe he was pretty damn neutral.
Very good and informative article, but jesus do you run in circles around your points. I wondered after a while if I was in fact scrolling through multiple, related articles, because the same thing had been said or alluded to/hinted at (even if it was already clear) multiple times.
I hate to be critical of the writing alone, because the article itself did a great job of summarizing the issue from all sides.
Even if there is a supposed weak point in the iPhone, none of the other phones tested were done at their “Weak Points” Doing so would not be a consistent test and be inaccurate.
Fanboy.
Somebody that can’t come up with a compelling reply resort to the use of “fanboy”
No, it’s not that i can’t come up with a good reply, it’s just that other companies with actual DECENT phones don’t have weak points in their frames. Apple tried to enter the bigger phone contest (Usually called “Phablet” or “Fablet”), and they completely failed. There’s your response smart one ;)
And by “Don’t have weak points”, i mean the pressure from keeping the phone in your back pocket.
Your kneejerk response only confirms the truth of my statement. Phones were not designed to take the stress of being constantly being sat upon. Sitting on a portable computing device is not a reasonable use of a phone. Thats why I don’t sit on my laptop either. If you can’t take proper care of your property, expect it to be damaged likewise.
I don’t disagree with your statement; however, how would you suggest we carry the phone if it’s warping in a bag and not back pocket? I personally rarely if ever carry my phone in my pocket..not even when I had the 5 My 6 is in a sturdy case and is generally carried in bag in a separate zippered compartment. Within 4 months of use, there’s a very noticeable bend and it’s starting to affect the performance of the phone.
A phone is portable and should be sturdy within reason. I guess that’s the sticking point…what’s considered reasonable? Having to worry about this type of issue should not be considered acceptable. We don’t expect the screen to crack with normal use…we do accept that it might scratch. The bending is significant enough that it should be considered a defect. We need to hold all brands accountable for their products…especially premium brands.
I don’t see how use your phone on a daily basis, so I can’t comment on your usage. But phones don’t bend by themselves. So it goes to what is considered normal usage. Also the amount of phone failure rates compared to the total number of phones that work perfectly fine and don’t bend under normal use.
“Your kneejerk response only confirms the truth of my statement.”
(Knee-Jerk By the way)
You need to chill. This is a discussion, not an argument. If you listened closely, you would see it in fact, my response doesn’t confirm anything you said. I never said you SHOULD keep the phone in your back pocket. I personally believe that if you do keep it there, then thats just plain dumb. I was merely stating the fact that no matter what you say, people are going to be keeping it in their back pocket. I keep my devices in either A) my front pockets, or B) my jacket pockets. I have never had an issue of devices breaking in either of those locations, save for my right jacket pocket (I have accidentally crushed an ancient Blackberry Curve 8310 screen). So all in all, all males should keep their phone in a front pants pocket (Or in a shirt pocket if not in a fast moving environment, such as office), and females should keep the phone in a zippable purse, or purse pocket with the screen facing away from the surrounding environment.
But set that aside, ANY phone company should expect some consumers to keep the phone in their back pocket, even if it is dumb. For apple not to test that is just unprofessional, and especially the fact how they didn’t even take the steps needed to fix their errors concerning warranties for the bend.
Samsung, HTC, LG, have never had major flaws like this in their phone designs, because they actually did their research and saw that many consumers kept their phones in their back pockets. Apple either A) Didn’t or B) Did, but didn’t care because they just want money. There are curtain limits to how thin a phone should be compared to what the phone’s design materials are. Aluminum obviously wasn’t the best choice.
I also want to fix your mistake of saying that phones were not designed to be sat upon. If your statement was true, then all phones would be bending. As i said in my above comment, other phone companies do in fact, design their phones to take that kind of stress (Bold this) to a curtain limit. Apple doesn’t design them for this i guess.
Chill? Kind of ironic coming from someone whose first one word response to someone is “Fanboy”. Well anyway, all major manufactures ( Apple included ) rigorously test their phones. Phones that bend due to extreme stress are not flawed, as long as they fall into acceptable specifications.
If your statement is true of phones being sat upon, butt dialing problems would already be fixed by now. I know because I’ve had quite a few people call me this way.
I said fanboy, because your original statement only defended apple in hilarious ways bruh. Apple probably test their phones, but “rigorously” isn’t the right word for it, considering its obvious that they didn’t do it with the iPhone 6 plus. And adressing the “Butt-Dialing” issue, no phone is perfect when it comes to this. They could fix it, but then you’d be stuck having to use more pressure to actually use your touch screen. They just focus on making it not bend, and keeping the screen locked when it is this way, which the people who called you, didn’t do. Expect to get butt dialed from someone who didn’t properly lock their screen before they put it away. Even phones i’ve had before with physical keyboards have hardly ever called someone whist put away when properly locked. Remember, almost all phones are designed to be able to be stored in pockets. a butt dial can also happen in a front pocket, if the screen is facing your body. and as i said before, any phone under extreme stress will break.
You’ve seriously got issues if you think phone companies don’t think about the possibility of people sitting on their phones. I’m with Axe on this one, not only did apple not do proper testing, they didn’t even stand by their own product when the issues came. You can’t get your phone replaced at most stores just because your phone has bent.
(I posted in the wrong area. My bad.)
That’s ok. I’ve posted in wrong areas before too xD. But back to the matter, your right about returning a bent phone. Since apple won’t support it, no service providers in my area will replace my friend’s iPhone 6 plus. It’s really sad to see that happen.
It seems his comment was removed :P
It does bend, a friend of mine has one and it is slightly warped, he knew this COULD happen and has been fairly careful not to let it, but it did nonetheless. Put it on a flat surface and its slightly noticeable. They should test all the phones at multiple points, not ignore the fact that there is in fact a weak point in this particular phone. The test may have been consistent but it was still inaccurate.
You’ve seriously got issues if you think phone companies don’t think about the possibility of people sitting on their phones. I’m with Axe on this one, not only did apple not do proper testing, they didn’t even stand by their own product when the issues came. You can’t get your phone replaced at most stores just because your phone has bent.
“I said fanboy, because your original statement only defended apple in hilarious ways bruh.” Hilarious in your own mind because it does not fit within your own argument. All phones have weak points when you go beyond the breaking point in these often “Hilarious” bending tests.
“Apple probably test their phones, but “rigorously” isn’t the right word for it, considering its obvious that they didn’t do it with the iPhone 6 plus.”
Considering Consumer Report testing revealed the iPhone 6 Plus was actually more resistant to bending than the iPhone 6.
“You’ve seriously got issues if you think phone companies don’t think about the possibility of people sitting on their phones.”
All manufacturers warranties include a disclaimer, including Apple, that does not cover abuse or misuse of their products. Whether or not someone sits on their phone does not mean its defective, but goes beyond normal use or misuse of the product. Because people sit on phones does not make it an acceptable practice, only if they are willing to accept the consequences of their own actions.
No, I’ll tell you what is hilarious. It’s hilarious how you keep repeating yourself. I’m pretty sure it’s already been clarified that all phones have weaknesses, but they only react under different amounts of pressure. Your dead wrong if you think that the iPhone 6 is more resistant to bending. Do you see any iPhone 6’s bending? didn’t think so.
supersayian98 just said what i was going to point out.
“All manufacturers warranties include a disclaimer, including Apple, that does not cover abuse or misuse of their products. Whether or not someone sits on their phone does not mean its defective, but goes beyond normal use or misuse of the product.”
No one said it’s defective, we just said it’s a flaw in the design, and needed to be looked at properly (Once again, i’m having to repeat myself). Apple did in fact fix the bending issue, but they did it quietly because they didn’t want to admit that they screwed up. It’s ok for a company to make some mistakes, but for the company to deny it is just silly.
You need to just quit the “iPhone 6 Plus is innocent” act, and just admit that apple made a flaw in design.
Correction: resistant should be prone. I’m off my game today.
Dead wrong in the fact Consumer Reports scientific testing in laboratory conditions did conclude the iPhone Plus beat the iPhone 6 in their tests? Whatever, you will believe what you want regardless of what proof there is on you. Perhaps you are the one who’s dead wrong. But the proof remains, unless refuted.
What proof is there that Apple quietly fixed the bend issue, if at all? I have not seen it. The metal reinforcements plates were already in the phone upon first release.
If your wanting proof of “quietly fixing” the iPhone 6 plus, just go out and try bending one at the store. Now, if you go and buy one now days, it just plain won’t bend as easily, easily giving proof that they have fixed the issue, regardless if the metal reinforcements were there upon release or not. It’s plain and simple that the plates weren’t working in the first place.
Your reason for not providing proof is just silly. It’s not that you think we would deny it, it’s that you just don’t have any.
Sayian, it’s useless. He’ll just come up with another excuse for not giving his proof. It’s obvious that he’s lied, and when someone called his bluff he’s started freaking out and saying dumb stuff. It’s really hypocritical to ask for proof when you don’t have any. My proof is just looking up “did apple fix phone bending” in google and you’ll see the articles about them silently fixing it. Also what sayian said, about going out and buying one (Or just using the displays at the store). This discussion is just starting to fly around in circles with one fanboy not wanting to admit the truth.
True that. The truth is that apple made a flaw, and that if they admitted it, it wouldn’t had been a big deal.
Axe…lol…proof?!? I already have my proof on the Consumer Reports website. In plain english. So Axe & Super, now you guys are saying Apple is secretly fixing the bend issue as fact, when you submit no proof, just opinion.
Now your saying I have to now do some bend tests myself just to confirm your “fact” ( aka opinion ) is true? Wow, I think i will rely on reputable scientific testing rather than arm chair engineers on the internet making unsubstantiated claims.
The fanboy STILL says he has proof when he can’t even show us! How funny. And by the way, it isn’t opinion when it takes more pressure to bend an iPhone 6 plus than it used to.
This is why i hate arguing with apple fanboys… they deny they are wrong even when it’s obvious! How about giving us this link to your supposed page on consumer reports where it says your statement. And i didn’t say you have to bend one yourself, i even told you how to find it in google Mr.Fanboy.
Oh, I’ve checked out some of your “Facts” about Apple secretly fixing bend issue. One headline reads:
“Apple MIGHT have quietly fixed iPhone 6 Plus bending issue.” looking at the update they added later on:
Update: 9to5mac believes that there have been no changes in the design, and that the difference in weight is normal. That much about the “fix”.
In nearly every article on the internet it say “Might of, Could have, Maybe ” It never makes any substantiated claims they did fix the supposed issue.
If you guys are interested in actual scientific testing and not articles relying on speculation, rumor or opinions:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/09/consumer-reports-tests-iphone-6-bendgate/index.htm
If you actually read, you would see that only the pressure was counted, not the overall weakness. keep in mind that they tested the phones on the center of the phone, not any weak points. Still, your article proved that Apple didn’t design the iPhone 6 and 6 plus as well as they should have. The only other device that fell short was the HTC One. Even the iPhone 5 did better than the iPhone 6 and 6 plus, proving that both phones are just plain weak. You’ve just contradicted your original statement that started all this. Good job Mr.fanboy.
Also, they never even said that the iPhone 6 was weaker than the 6 plus, only that on the center of the phone (They didn’t do any weak points). It still doesn’t doesn’t make sense considering that the iPhone 6 plus bends, not the iPhone 6. Call it the butt factor, or whatever you want, but it’s happening no matter what your statistics say. Although i do find it interesting that they preformed those tests.
Once again Mr.Fanboy is being a hypocrite when accusing us on relying on speculations and opinions xD this is starting to get funny Axe.
I’m going to bring up the issue again, that if apple did not in fact fix the issue (Steve said this himself), than that just shows how much of a terrible company Apple is to not fix a very bad issue.
“keep in mind that they tested the phones on the center of the phone, not any weak points.”
Now we are circling back to the very beginning when you made your first comment. If we are going to test these supposed weak spots in the iPhone we should be doing the same with the rest of the phones. But would not make a consistent test.
Please note these tests go way beyond normal use scenario to the point of breaking them. So saying these are weak spots are really moot as most will not go to these extreme levels and undoubtedly will not be covered by the warranty anyway as it would be classified as abuse/misuse.
Also funny you mentioned me providing proof of testing from Consumer Reports. In fact it was already mentioned in this very article we are leaving comments. So it looks like you never read this article to begin with…lol. Not surprising really.
And considering you guys are resorting to personal attacks since you are losing the argument from the beginning.
Losing the argument? Personal attacks? I don’t think so. It’s just that you sound so much like a fanboy defending his precious fruit because he’s getting mad that he can’t win in an argument online. Did we say you should test them at their weak points? No. Just that they did a fair test since they didn’t. If they did the 6 plus would have been they first phone to fall.
And yes, i did read the article. Quit being a nut case xD
I just read the entire argument and i’m going to have to side with Axeoasis and supersayian98. The article itself shows (it was an opinion, but i agree with it) that if Apple just admitted they made a flaw, none of this would have been much of a deal. There were other things i agree with them, but that’s beside the point considering you guys just covered everything from about A-Z. I’m serious, scroll down, and you will see almost nothing but this argument. Steve, you made some decent points, but those two were able to come up with better ones. You guys should just stop and face the fact that people have opinions, but when it comes to pressing them online, it’s not a good thing.
xxraviter20xx, I can certainly appreciate your opinion and you go about talking about it in the right way. But, yours is still an opinion just like anyone elses. These guys constantly call me a fanboy.
But it had nothing to do about defending Apple so much as them putting out so much misinformation that was incorrect.
Such as Apple secretly fixing the alleged bending problems proved false. Many articles stating Apple may be fixing bending issue, but then contradicts its own article in the end saying the weight discrepancies were due to slight variations in the manufacturing process.
http://9to5mac.com/2014/10/31/iphone-6-plus-silent-update-weight-difference/
Then they said no way was the iPhone 6 Plus less prone to bending than the iPhone 6. Again proved false by testing of Consumer Reports linked in this very article which they constantly asked me to provide proof. Yet they state they read this very article they should of known this already.
Axe, they did not test the competing phones weak points so its a fair and consistent test for ALL the phones tested by doing it dead center.
I already stated that testing the bending dead center is the best way to test any phone, but there are limits to this. It’s obvious that even IF the 6 is more prone to bending, than it makes better use of it’s structure, unlike the 6 plus, since one bends in peoples pockets, and one doesn’t.
As for the “Apple fixing the 6 plus” i get they possibly might have not, but if they didn’t i already said they were a terrible company for not doing so.
I’m certainly going to trust Consumer Reports over anybody on the internet claiming they know the proper way to stress test a cell phone. Consumer Reports have been testing Consumer Products since 1936. They have the skill, knowledge and credentials to do it correctly. Along with the proper calibrated testing equipment.
This is starting to get dumb. Axe’s original comment was on the fact that the iPhone 6 plus was just plain flawed (Or defective however you want to call it). But after that, your just bringing up old points that have been settled. Are you not actually understanding what we are saying? It certainly doesn’t sound like it. xxraviter20xx was right, this is starting to be too much. But another thing he (she?) was right about was as stated, the iPhone 6 Plus is flawed. Axe’s argument seems to be that they should be fixing it, and he’s right about them being irresponsible for not fixing the issue, wether you want to admit it or not.
Are you daft? I just said that the center was the best way to go, considering thats what consumer reports DID.
I made a reply before seeing your new one. I’m not saying the testing is perfect. But it is probably hard enough testing across different manufactures phones. But I think they know more about testing then any of us put together.
Oh no doubt about it. They definitely are the best ones to test any phone (Unless your 100 years old). But (I’m going to start calling this the “Butt Factor”) phones in pockets bent at different points according to the shape and size of said person. The bend tests they did were all on the center, because you can’t preform on test for the body of everyone. It’s just that the butt factor makes the 6 plus bend instead of the 6.
Super, it was not about bringing up old points we already agreed upon, but you guys accusing me of being a fanboy which is incorrect. For me it was always basing your opinion on the correct facts, not speculation. If you still disagree with me thats fine. But you don’t need to call me a fanboy to drive your point across.
It seems they were saying that because of the style of what you were saying, and the crazy amount of misunderstanding between both parties. To be honest, i probably would have done the same thing if i had the exact same views.
Initially basing it on only two sentences is putting the cart before the horse. If by the same exact views means calling someone a fanboy, our opinions vary widely.
Say what you will, i think it would be best for all of us to end the discussion here for the best of all of us.
You don’t need me for that, you can simply stop posting.
I too am leaving this conversation but i just want to point out that perhaps xxraviter20xx meant no one posts after their post if that makes sense?
That is what i meant but guess it doesn’t matter. I’m going to leaving for your guys’ sake. Have fun!
Same here. I will also be leaving ^-^
I believe there is much truth in your article, and that Apple did go too far in making the thing thin, thus making it weaker than it should be. I keep my iPhone 5S in my back pocket every day, and I have no problems. You are right to suspect those, like myself, who own Apple stock and wish this wasn’t the ‘case,’ that Apple made a product that really does have a flaw.
I personally think it is a flaw, that Apple should have made the thing thicker and stronger. I might buy one anyway, and get a good case for it.
But to label all those criticizing your friend as biased is going too far the other way. First of all, Consumer Reports, although often arrogant and myopic, has shown no hesitation to criticize Apple products, and has done so repeatedly. There are not guilty of trying to please the Apple juggernaut.
And given the financial impact of your friend’s video, he would have been wise to conduct a more scientific test comparing different pressure points with known amounts of force, and ALWAYS comparing it to other phones in the exact same situation. It is naive not to suppose that finding a possible flaw in a product worth billions of dollars doesn’t deserve a more scientific and quantitative approach.
Initially they were only interested in bashing someone whose opinion was different than their own, so I suppose its their “Style”. But in the end they acknowledged my point of view, without necessarily agreeing with me. Thats how a discussion is supposed to go.
9to5Mac wrote, “… there are no reinforcements in the location that sparked BendGate.”
You were doing pretty well when you noted that ANY object, with enough pressure on it, will bend.
So why not add on the obvious, any object has some point that is the strongest, and one that’s the weakest. And from that obvious truism, you would hardly be surprised to add, reinforcements are meant to, and probably do protect the spots where they’re applied, so that some other point becomes the weakest.
I’m not actually trained as an engineer, though I was licensed to perform engineering on broadcast equipment. So maybe your training included something that turns these homilies on their head. But nowhere in your 3633 words (sez Word), do I see any actual engineering principles cited to support your claim that the existence of a weak spot constitutes a design flaw.
It’s furthermore true that if the soft spot exists only when held/bent a certain way, that the more general tests are more relevant. Consumer Reports said something like the effort to break 3 pencils. That may be too little for your tastes, and you’re welcome to your opinion.
But you don’t even say what “should” be enough. I note that only with these reports has the issue of the iPhone5 and iPhone5S bending, come into public awareness, but they’re only twice as strong. Surely, over 1–2 years, a problem that has less than a 100% margin of safety, would’ve come out if it were such a big problem. So, would withstanding 110 lbs of pressure be enough? How much do you, in your unofficial role as commentator, know about the right mix of design, engineering materials and weight?
PS: just finished the last pull from a soda. The aluminum can is extremely flimsy, but works just fine as intended. If I drop a 12-pack, it might be damaged, but I don’t insist that Coke use twice the aluminum and raise the price, for my one-in-a-hundred clumsiness. Your report is also extremely devoid of any sense of the cost/benefit of any change in design, just as AntennaGate was a cooked-up story about intentional misuse that went away (and Apple is still selling the design to happy customers).
The point is that it is a weakness that could have easily been avoided. When you pay premium price for a premium product, you expect premium quality. No frame in a super thin aluminum device is asking for trouble.
AntennaGate cooked up? Interesting that you say that when they settled with customers and sent cheques of $15 or a free bumper so that they don’t hold it wrong. When Consumer Reports came out with a thumbs down on the phone largely because the dropped calls were consistent to the point of the phone can’t make calls effectively, Jobs himself, more or less, acknowledged it was a problem but the response to resolve it was insulting.
Apple simply screwed this up. It happens…Apple went into protect and defend mode, but really, they had no choice….10 million plus units were already in or will be in their customers’ hands
Apple’s worst nightmare in this scenario is the random acts of the customer. Some may never see this happen, some may see this happen right away, or others will see it happen in a year or two down the road. I’ll wager it will happen it a number of people and enough to make Apple realize they screwed up in design. If I’m wrong, then I’m happy for the owner. One should not dread the thought of this possibly happening nor change their routine because of a flaw. Goes back to that expectation of premium quality.
The phone in the Consumer report was not tested in the problematic area and it was still in the beginning/middle of the road in terms of when it got bent (about 70-90 lbs). That is not a lot of pressure really. I can pick up my scale, squeeze it and easily get 160-170 lbs on the dial..and I’m not a buff dude. Being at about 190, I don’t see it an issue with me simply because I don’t wear skin tight pants and my phone would be in my front pocket, but that’s just me. I’ve seen some people with the complete outline of their phones in their pockets and almost tell you the model they have. Yes…that tight…it goes back to the random nature of the customers as a whole.
The iPhone 5 is a poor comparison. The construction of that phone is very different than that of the iPhone 6. I found that phone to be very sturdy in comparison.
The soda can? Really? Do we need aircraft aluminum mm’s thick to hold liquid and throw it away? As you said it works as intended. The iPhone 6 was supposed to be designed to be a durable phone. It may not be. As the orders are delivered (many still waiting until next month to receive theirs), I will reserve judgement to see how this fairs…
Until then, people…stop intentionally bending phones…especially in the stores…it’s moronic…
Enough is when the phone doesn’t warp in your pocket with regular use (not abuse). However you cut it, the phone shouldn’t be warping from standard use.
The most neutral article I have read regarding this. Bravo.
I have greater respect for any company that can and will admit to product issues over one which sits in blatant denial of the obvious faults. Taking an old fashioned Rolls Royce attitude -RR’s never break down- is bound to bite you in the backside. Man up and face the issue Apple.
Liked the article however a bit repetitive.
Out of interest when Nokia’s 2025 W8.1 tablet had issues earlier this year with reported but never confirmed heating of charging unit they contacted all owners replaced all units free of charge without question and compensated the owners with £80 Amazon voucher. Wouldn’t it be great to see Apple stand bu their products like this?
Just wait until there are problems with the NFC. Then Apple will have the Bill Gate.
I see what you did there
LOL, I’ll never have problems like bent phones or phones you can only operate left-handed.
I was just reading that apparently Apple has only received something like 9 out of several million units have actually been returned due to bending. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2014/09/26/what-was-fake-on-the-internet-this-week-everything-basically/
So don’t sit on your phone and you should be ok.
iPhone 6
I will say two things I own an iPhone 6 plus. After a couple of weeks one of my employees noticed it had a bend right at the volume buttons pretty noticeable. I bent it back about 90% with my hands. It was not perfect and still noticeable. Last night I took it to the Apple store as I had heard they were replacing them if they did not see any damage. Well they told me they have never replaced any phone for bending and it takes so much to bend an iPhone that it has to be abuse. I have never had this phone in my back pocket and is usually in my shirt or front pocket. At 56 I don’t wear skinny jeans. I was disappointed in apple for not standing behind the product. One if they don’t have a problem and have only saw the problem in 1 out of a thousand devices it would not be very expensive to cover the issue. I did not bend my iPhone, it bent in normal easy use. The last thing i will say is I used my desk flat surface and by hanging the phone over the edge at the bend point was able to straighten it back. Now I have an unbent phone.
Unfortunately the bending problem is not solely an iPhone 6 Plus issue and it seems to be more than 9 cases. More people HAVE TO log a complaint with Apple so they can see it’s a manufacturing/design issue. I have had a 6 for 4 months and a noticeable bend has developed with normal use. It’s not carried in jean pockets, it’s not thrown around. It’s used as a smartphone is supposed to be used…calls, email, apps and txts. It’s left on a nightstand, a desk, a table, carried in a bag and it’s in a sturdy case …but Apple will not replace it. We’ll see how much more it bends over the next few months and how our other iPhone 6 does…that’s less a month old. Disappointment and frustration are insufficient to describe the situation. I miss my iPhone 5
I have a regular iphone 6, not even the plus, never placed in a pocket, no physical damage and it is bent!!! Apple stated they will replace it if I pay a nominal fee because “I damaged it” this is absolutely ludicrous! Apple should be replacing these defective units for free. It was obvious they had heard this complaint millions of times before. Verizon Wireless told me that as long as there was no physical damage Apple stated to them it would be replaced for free. but upon calling Apple the answer was a resounding NO! Sucker too bad you bought a crappy bendy phone. Shame on me I guess.
There are some problems with this article – the phone will bend anywhere, not just the famous weakpoints – it just happened to me. It’s a design flaw that should have been caught WAY early in conceptual design. Pretty disappointing if you ask me, especially since Apple doesn’t seem to be honoring their warranties over the issue. They’re looking more like trillion dollar douchebags every day. The phone frame is structurally unsound and needs a redesign. Hopefully they’ll pull their heads out of their asses, add 2 @#% grams to the phones weight and give it a little structure next time.
I think that u broke ur phone is your mean, its the same if buy a car BMW and this car isn´t 4×4 i can´t drive on a mauntain, or the other side like this, so, whichever mobil if your broke is gonna broke its stupid if you have money for to proud this :/
what is overall suggestion , whether to buy iphone 6 (not 6 plus) or should remain on iphone 5??
Dont buy another Apple Product is my advice. If you are dead set on one, get an iphone 6s or 7 after they test them out for this bending issue, because this issue is REAL and it happens to TONS of people, and apple doesnt even warranty them. Seriously evil company Apple is.
My friends Iphone 6 plus is bent, he even got a case for it. Its amazing how this whole issue just dissipated, and Apple said they wont even fix it. PATHETIC. People call Microsoft evil, the call it M$. (FIxed my Xbox 360 4 YEARS after purchase) They call Google greedy NSA pigs. Yet, Apple gets caught doing all the same stuff, and everyone forgets in a day. Its really sick and one of the 4 reasons I will never buy an Apple product.
Iphone6 plus bends and it’s real. Iphone6 is reasonably sturdy, but a case usually solves all this crap. Up to date, iphone6s PLUS doesn’t bend, and it’s pretty easy to fix, by strengthening the structural weakness between the buttons.
But i love how u emphasize on the idiocy of isheeps, some even went to call others too poor to afford an iphone so they have to make bendgate.
That is way I do not use a iPhone all my friends complain about them because of how you have to downloaf music and programs being to difficult and then of couse the bent. I am so happy with my samsung note 5 and till today never have any problems with them. I have being using samsung for 3 years now and cant complain. But my friends have had so many phones since then I lost track. I told my friend to switch over to samsung and je told me i should have done it a year ago. I dont think its to bad a phone but for people like is whose working in the field samsung is just better and stronger.