Apple will probably replace your bent iPhone 6 Plus
Do you have a bent iPhone 6 Plus? Apple may replace it for free, according to TNW.
“Bendgate,” as it has quickly become known, continues to be a popular topic in the blogosphere. Now, Apple has stepped into the discussion.
When asked if a bent enclosure during normal use of an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus would qualify for a replacement, 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.
So what are those guidelines?
The Apple representative didn’t know, explaining that “the information wasn’t provided to chat support staff.”
Still:
Apple’s support team also said that it is “looking into this with an insane amount of detail.” The staffer offered to escalate the issue to a call with a senior support advisor. We declined, but it’s good to know that Apple is taking the issue seriously.
I’m fairly confident that Apple will do the right thing and replace any iPhone 6 Plus that has been accidently bent through normal use. On the other hand, I wouldn’t expect a new iPhone in those instances when the handset was clearly tampered with.
As an iPhone 6 Plus owner, I’m trying my best to tread lightly on this topic. My gut reaction is that this is a non-issue overblown by many in the blogosphere in an attempt to criticize Apple. If you really want to vent, bash Apple for releasing iOS 8.0.1 — an unacceptable move for a company of Apple’s size.
iOS 8.0.1: Major fail
The phone is huge folks, which is why most bought the device in the first place. As such, any rational user should know to cover the metal handset with a sturdy case — or face the consequences.
On the other hand, I’m open to a discussion on whether this issue could go widespread as the handsets are used over the long-term. Normal use shouldn’t cause an expensive smartphone to bend. If it does, then Apple has a huge problem on its hands.
As TNW first noted, it’s nice to know that Apple is trying to get ahead of this issue. I would expect them to clarify their position in the coming days. In the meantime, I’m fairly confident that Apple will quietly replace bent handsets — assuming there was no monkey business involved.
