Bendgate

Bendgate

Bendgate is a term that refers to the controversy surrounding the structural integrity of certain smartphones, particularly the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which were reported to bend under pressure. This issue gained significant media attention in 2014, shortly after the release of these devices by Apple Inc..

Background

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were released in September 2014, featuring larger screens and thinner designs compared to their predecessors. These design changes were part of Apple's strategy to compete with larger smartphones offered by competitors such as Samsung and LG.

Reports of Bending

Shortly after the release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, some users began reporting that their devices were bending after being carried in pockets. The issue was particularly noted with the iPhone 6 Plus, which had a larger surface area and was more susceptible to bending forces.

Viral Spread

The term "Bendgate" was coined as the issue gained traction on social media platforms and technology blogs. Videos demonstrating the bending of the iPhone 6 Plus under pressure went viral, further fueling the controversy. The most notable of these was a video by Unbox Therapy, which showed the device bending with relatively little force applied.

Apple's Response

Apple responded to the Bendgate controversy by stating that the bending incidents were extremely rare and that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were made with high-quality materials. The company claimed that only a small number of users had reported bending issues and that the devices underwent rigorous testing to ensure durability.

Reinforcement in Later Models

In response to the Bendgate issue, Apple made design changes in subsequent models. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus featured a stronger 7000 series aluminum alloy, which provided greater resistance to bending.

Impact on Consumer Perception

Bendgate had a mixed impact on consumer perception. While some users were concerned about the durability of Apple's devices, others viewed the issue as overblown. Despite the controversy, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were commercially successful, with Apple reporting record sales figures.

See Also

• Antennagate
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7

External Links

• Apple Newsroom
• Unbox Therapy Bend Test Video