In response to what some users have dubbed #bendgate, Apple says handsets which bend when placed in pockets will be replaced -- on condition of a "Visual Mechanical Inspection."
Apple has promised to replace faulty iPhone 6 handsets following customer complaints that handsets have bent while in pockets.
On Wednesday, owners of one of Apple's latest flagship smartphone range, the iPhone 6 Plus, took to social media to complain that the large handset unexpectedly bends when placed in a pocket. In what has been dubbed #bendgate on Twitter, iPhone 6 users tweeted that while the smartphones remained operational, slight bends formed generally in the middle or the top of the handset. According to some of the complaints, bends formed when the device be placed under pressure -- for example, when the user sits down for a period of time.
While the standard iPhone 6 does not appear to have this design flaw, the iPhone 6 Plus' large size and 5.5-inch screen, combined with a thin aluminium frame, may be the problem.
The Next Web reports that in an online conversation with Apple's support desk, the representative said bent iPhones will be replaced, as long as the handsets passes a visual inspection. Genius Bar employees must place the gadget through a test known as the "Visual Mechanical Inspection" before deciding if warranty covers the problem. When asked if bends occurring during normal use of an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus would be covered under warranty, the representative said:
"That is 100 percent up to the Genius you speak with at the store. There is a test called a Visual Mechanical Inspection that the device will have to pass. If it is within the guidelines, they will be able to cover it. If not, the replacement would be a paid one."
The support team member also implied the iPad and iPhone maker is taking the issue seriously, as the company is "looking into this with an insane amount of detail.”
Therefore, if your new handset has been damaged after being placed in your back pocket, you may be eligible for a replacement. However, if you've been tampering with the smartphone on purpose, you're likely out of luck.
There have been some amusing responses to the design problem on Twitter, as noted below. It wasn't long before brands also joined in the fun.
