There always seems to be some form of controversy surrounding any new iPhone release – but the “bend gate” issue where it is claimed that the new devices can literally bend out of shape in a person’s pocket is definitely one of the bigger ones.
But sources form The Independent report that the iPhone 6 doesn’t just bend, but it can apparently set fire and burn a hole in your leg if it’s subjected to certain degrees of damage.
The story hails from across the pond where The Independent reports that a man has claimed that his iPhone 6 device literally set fire and burnt a hole through his jeans, resulting in second degree burns being sustained to the leg. The alleged victim, Mr Phillip Lechter, was travelling in a rickshaw with his family when it crashed, resulting in Mr Lechter being slammed in to the side of the carriage as it rocked.
Mr Lechter then claims that he felt a burning sensation coming from his leg before he spotted that his jeans were literally smoking. Confused, he surveyed the carriage and couldn’t work out what was on fire, until he realised his new iPhone 6 was still sitting in his pocket – which was when the discovery was made.
The report goes on to say that a passerby threw water on to his jeans and another individual burned his fingers when he tried to pick the device up after it had been thrown on to the ground. There is a video on the report which allegedly shows the device shortly after the incident, which can be heard sizzling when ice is poured on to it.
Mr Lechter described the events as a “surreal experience” and has alleged that the blackened and twisted phone burned right through his jeans and his boxers before leaving a four inch long second degree burn on his leg which required medical treatment.
Apple has declined to comment so far on the incident, although on the issue of the “bend gate” situation, they have stated that only 9 complaints have been received after testing 15,000 of the devices.
In law, or at least in UK law, where a person is injured as a result of a defective and / or dangerous product, you are entitled to claim for personal injury compensation for any pain, suffering, and loss caused. You can sue either the manufacturer or the seller (who is equally as liable) under the Supply of Goods and Services Act.
It is the duty of the injured victim to prove that they were the victim of negligence though. In the case of a failed electronic device, it will clearly need to be sent for testing to work out exactly how this has happened.
There was me thinking that the only hole that would be burned in my pocket from an iPhone 6 is the price they ask for it – let’s hope we’re not going to be subjected to exploding smart phones because I’m an Apple-tech user, and I’d rather keep my legs intact!