Apple gets hit with #Bendgate

image from fb.com/phonedesigner

Earlier this year, Apple whetted the appetite of their loyal customers and teased the curiosity of other smartphone users with the possibility of large screen iPhone. Fast forward today, Apple recently sold their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus to the public. Unfortunately, consumers and haters alike have begun posting #BendGate as Apple is hit with a possible structural integrity issue with their latest iPhone 6 plus. 

It started with several unconfirmed reports of bent smartphones after placing said devices in their front or back pockets. Several youtube videos cropped up as testers tried to verify the rumors if sufficient force can possibly bend the new iPhone 6 plus. 

Unbox Therapy posted a video on September 23, 2014. He initially noted a small indentation at the side of his
iPhone 6 plus. Upon applying further force, the device bent noticeably right where the volume buttons are located.

Another FB video posted shows the user allegedly applying lesser force and this is what happens to the iPhone 6 plus he has.

Hashtag #BendGate

In reference to the infamous Watergate scandal, people began posting #BendGate likening the whole situation of bending iPhones to the scandal. This comes at a bad time when Apple is just starting to release their flagship devices to the world. Experts speculate that the aluminum casing plus the larger device surface may have contributed to structural integrity flaw. Still this flaw should have been removed or minimized had the device been tested thoroughly before release. Apple's insistence of releasing a new device this year to match other device manufacturers may have proven to be their undoing.

Other device manufacturers and products hopped on the wagon and began using  the whole #BendGate scandal to their advantage starting with their arch nemesis Samsung.

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Device manufacturer LG fires back with their own advertisement.

Our phone doesn't bend, it flexes...on purpose. #bendgate pic.twitter.com/d1DudxDQgf— LG USA Mobile (@LGUSAMobile) September 24, 2014

Even Kitkat dived in with their famous tag line.

We don't bend, we #break. #bendgate#iPhone6plus pic.twitter.com/uippCg4kCi— KITKAT (@KITKAT) September 24, 2014

A quick google search using the keyword "bendgate" will show your nearly hundreds of memes and images of the iPhone 6 plus.

Apple Promises to replace bent iPhone 6 

An online conversation with a customer support representative reveals that Apple is willing to replace any bent iPhone 6 as long as it passes visual inspection. You will have to submit your device to employees of Genius Bar through a test known as the "Visual Mechanical Inspection". When asked if handsets damaged through normal use (placed in front or back pockets) will be replaced, the CSR said that it will be entirely up to the Genius Bar employee and the results of the Visual Mechanical Inspection. 

iPhone 4 and the Antennagate

In 2013 the Visual Mechanical Inspection Guide has been released in to the public but it was primarily intended for iPhone 4 handsets. It is unknown if Genius Bar employees will have a new guide when inspecting defective or damaged iPhone 6 plus. 

A look back at the Antennagate

When iPhone 4 was released consumers were quick to notice a significant drop in signal quality after holding the device in a certain way. Apparently, the metal sides caused problems for the device. According to several sources, Steve Jobs quipped that users were not holding the iPhone 4 the right way.  It was solved easily with the use of a plastic case.

Bonus Video: Samsung Galaxy Note 3 bend test

As fans of Unbox Therapy watched the iPhone 6 plus bend test, they clamored for a bend test for rival device Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The new flagship device of Samsung has come under scrutiny for it's "cheap plastic" casing and fake leather back cover. Here's the video and the results may surprise you.

What do you think?