Following dozens of reports regarding iPhone explosions in China, American tech ace Apple has placed all the blame on "external factors." Despite the news of the devices catching fire, the brand has claimed its units to be safe for consumer use.
Apple Defends Its Product; Releases Statement
Apple released a statement to AFP on Tuesday where it said that the conclusions have been drawn after thorough analysis of the units retrieved from consumers after they were already sold. The iPhones have been tested properly before concluding the impact of some external element in making the batteries catch fire. The brand claimed that it was physical damage on the iPhones that prompted the "thermal event."
"The units we've analysed so far have clearly shown that external physical damage happened to them which led to the thermal event," Apple statement read. "We treat safety as a top priority and have found no cause for concern with these products."
Apple iPhone Explosion Complaints, Details
The series of blame games began after eight users from China filed complaints to Shanghai Consumer Council stating that iPhone 6 handsets were catching fire or exploding. The watchdog, according to China Topix, said that the number of consumer grievances against Apple has increased by six times. It added that some of the consumers have complained about the shutting down of their iPhone 6 and 6s became quite usual despite having enough power stored in the battery. However, the regulator, based on the complaints, could not say for sure if the flames were visible during the thermal events.
Beijing's IDC's technology analyst Xiaohan Tay said that as observed from the reported cases in the market, it does not seem to be a major issue. Hence, it might not be the right time to conclude that the iPhones catching fire or exploding are risky. "At this point, it doesn't seem that there is any major implication yet for the iPhones sold outside of China," she told the BBC.
