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Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus And iOS 8 Off To A Rough Start

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US | B 25 comments

Apple planned to redesign its new iPhones with bigger screens, and it launched iOS 8 as essentially a more polished version of iOS 7 (which felt rushed last year) with many new features under the hood, too. The launch went quite well. Apple broke its own record of selling 10 million iPhones in the first weekend compared to 9 million units last year.

Then iPhone 6 users, having lived with the phones for a few days, started noticing some problems. The first major issue that cropped up is that the larger iPhone 6 Plus devices, especially, had a tendency to bend when they experienced moderate pressure, such as when people had them in a back pocket and sat down. The problem seems to appear even when people stash an iPhone 6 Plus in the front pocket of tight jeans. There are even reports saying that the phones can be bent with users' bare hands.

This is an issue that doesn't seem to happen to any of the iPhone 6's current competition, and some of them are already seeing this as an opportunity to make fun of the new iPhones, while promoting their own products:

"I would challenge you guys to bend our Passport," said John Chen, BlackBerry’s CEO, at an event in Toronto.

Our phone doesn't bend, it flexes...on purpose. - @LGUSAMobile

Curved. Not bent. - @SamsungMobile

Apple hasn't yet commented on this issue.

Another major problem for the new iPhone 6 devices has been the iOS 8.0 operating system itself, which was reported to crash 78 percent more often than iOS 7. The recent 8.0.1 update seems to have only made matters worse, with some users complaining about worse cellular reception, slow Wi-Fi, inconsistent battery life and TouchID no longer working. The 8.0.1 version was supposed to fix an issue with the HealthKit app and other bugs.

The problem seems to have become big enough that Apple actually retracted the 8.0.1 update, promising a new 8.0.2 update in a few days. Apple recommended that those who have already installed 8.0.1 and have seen issues with it should reinstall iOS 8.0 on their phones.

The software issues will probably be seen as a mere speed bump and be forgotten once Apple issues (an actual) fix.  However, it should be much harder for Apple to make "Bendgate" go away, unless the company completely changes the materials or even the design of the iPhone 6 Plus. That's not likely to happen until the next-generation iPhones, which means Apple could see lower sales of its iPhone 6 Plus over the coming months.

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Top Comments
  • 28 Hide
    gamebrigada , September 25, 2014 11:52 AM
    The iSheep is a strong breed... It will prevail.

    Apple's response will be "You're holding it wrong" "You're using the wrong jean accessory"
Other Comments
  • 28 Hide
    gamebrigada , September 25, 2014 11:52 AM
    The iSheep is a strong breed... It will prevail.

    Apple's response will be "You're holding it wrong" "You're using the wrong jean accessory"
  • 3 Hide
    firefoxx04 , September 25, 2014 12:00 PM
    I was told 'android phones are much more buggy' by a friend yesterday. Sure all of my Android phones have had bugs but they get less and less as I purchase better phones. IOS8 caused a 70+% increase in usability issues ?? LOLOL
  • Add your comment Display all 25 comments.
  • 7 Hide
    blurr91 , September 25, 2014 2:02 PM
    You're sitting on it wrong...
  • 3 Hide
    jase240 , September 25, 2014 3:56 PM
    I can sit on my phone and never break it... I have a Motorola Droid Razr HD and have never had any issues either.
  • 2 Hide
    HardyHarHar , September 25, 2014 4:02 PM
    snakev4a is otacon72. A highly abusive poster who has been banned over 20 times. recently banned under a similar name. He is trying to circumvent the ban. He should be removed.
  • 7 Hide
    HardyHarHar , September 25, 2014 4:09 PM
    rough start? You mean a total disaster!

    here is a list of problems with the new iphones:

    1) Bendgate

    Sure, the LG G Flex smartphone has a self-healing bendable body and screen, but Apple fans don't have to be jealous. You can also bend the iPhone 6 Plus just by storing the device in your pocket for about a day. Only thing is, your phone may not straighten back up. Your curvy new phone will retain an unsightly bend.

    2) iOS 8 causes camera problems

    Red peppers should always look red, regardless of what else is in the picture. But red peppers in photos taken with the iPhone 6 (or an iPhone 5/5c/5s running iOS 8) could look purple or magenta. As discovered by our senior editor Sean Captain, the iOS 8 camera software has white balance issues that results in inaccurately colored pictures. The new operating system also causes the iPhone cameras to sometimes display noticeable chromatic aberration (or color distortion).

    MORE: The iPhone 6 Camera Has One Big Problem: iOS 8

    3) Touch ID so hackable it's not funny

    When the Touch ID fingerprint sensor debuted on the iPhone 5s, enterprising hackers took immense joy in proving just how easy it was to fool the system. Using just fingerprint powder, fingerprint tape, a laser printer and some glue, German hackers easily bypassed the fingerprint lock on an iPhone 5s. It seems Apple has learned little from the incident last year -- you can still crack the iPhone 6's Touch ID with the same method. The iPhone 6's fingerprint sensor has been slightly improved to make it somewhat tougher to crack, but it is still fallible. Given Touch ID will be the main means of verification for the new Apple Pay mobile payment system, this is quite a serious flaw.

    4) iOS 8 software glitches

    Apple itself is already aware of several of the issues with its new operating system. In fact, the company created an update that addresses a list of problems that includes third-party keyboards being deselected when entering passcodes and certain apps being denied access to the Photo Library. iOS 8 also stopped Apple's Safari browser from being able to upload photos and videos, and sometimes does not restore ringtones from iCloud backups. The good news is, at least Apple is aware of these issues now, right?

    5) First iOS 8 patch caused more problems

    Instead of fixing what was wrong with iOS 8, the iOS 8.0.1 patch brought so many new problems to iPhones that Apple pulled the update from circulation. In addition to disabling cellular connection, making it impossible to call someone other than over data or Wi-Fi, the 8.0.1 release also brought down Touch ID. Those who downloaded the patch in the hour or so it was available will be restored to iOS 8.0.0 when they connect their phones to iTunes on their computers. This means iOS 8 users will have to live with problems Apple has already identified (and more), until the company gets its act together and issues an update that actually works.

    6) Apps crash more on iOS 8 than iOS 7

    In addition to being an all-around glitch fest, the entire iOS 8 system will cause your phone's programs to crash more often than on the preceding version. According to a study by mobile analytics firm Crittercism, iOS 8 is causing apps to crash 65 percent more frequently than iOS 7. Of course, the comparison is slightly unfair; iOS 7 is now a stable release, while iOS 8 still has plenty of kinks to work out.

    7) Faulty Bluetooth connection in cars

    If you drive an Acura, BMW, Honda, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota or Porsche, you might not be able to connect your iPhone 6 to your vehicle, thanks to a Bluetooth failure. Many drivers have been unable to receive or send phone calls via their cars' built-in system after changing to an iPhone 6. In some cases, the iPhone 6 gets stuck trying to find the car as it scans for Bluetooth devices in the area, even if the driver is sitting inside of it.
  • -1 Hide
    inthere , September 25, 2014 10:16 PM
    I have a Nokia 1020 and my buddy has the S5 and the iPhone 6 plus. Love Cortana wayyyy better than Siri and Android not even in the PA conversation. iPhone 6+ has the best camera and best sound out of the 3. Still going to wait to see what Nokia/Microsoft comes out with next, I bet the new 41 mp Nokia is gonna wipe the floor with the iPhone. For now though iPhone camera is king, test it yourself. I'd also say don't believe the hype about the bending problem and buggy software always happens in the beginning with all OS'es.
  • -2 Hide
    belardo , September 25, 2014 11:44 PM
    This is not unusual for a NEW OS... when you are the FIRST to get the latest, expect to get bit.

    The bending issue could be a design feature... if the phone itself doesn't BREAK, and is perfectly functional. Think of bridges... they FLEX, they move... if they were built RIDGED, they would fail.

    PS: I don't own any iPhones. I'm a happy Moto-X user... who is not thrilled by the BIGGER Moto X2/X+ models.
  • 1 Hide
    AndrewJacksonZA , September 26, 2014 4:05 AM
    You forgot to mention that iOS 8 can predict your password for you:
    http://qz.com/270885/apples-new-ios-will-predict-what-you-type-including-it-seems-your-passwords/
  • 3 Hide
    budabellyx , September 26, 2014 5:39 AM
    New from Apple: iPants. Now with re-inforced unbendable front pockets. Coming this fall.
  • 1 Hide
    coffeecoffee , September 26, 2014 6:55 AM
    Not that I'm a fan of Apple, but I wish Jobs was still around. Regardless of the evils Jobs unleashed, he did push the industry forward with new standards and innovations (i.e better phone chasis, panels on phones, laptops, etc) when the other big companies were afraid to do so. RIP Jobs, you will be missed.
  • 1 Hide
    MidnightDistort , September 26, 2014 10:49 AM
    I'm still wondering who would be gullible enough to stick their iPhone into a microwave to try charging the battery. I mean really?
  • -1 Hide
    Matt Brown , September 26, 2014 11:40 AM
    Issues with iOS 8 (a fresh software launch - not Apple's strong suit as history has shown) aside, this is what I'm taking away from this article:

    "Whaa? You mean my ultra-thin phone bends when I put my ass weight on it??"

    "Whaa? You mean this Wii-mote doesn't stay in my hand if I don't hold onto it??"

    All I can say is I'm not in the habit of subjecting my expensive electronic devices to unnecessary stress and then complaining they're of inferior quality when they break as a result.
  • 2 Hide
    HardyHarHar , September 26, 2014 1:35 PM
    Quote:
    Issues with iOS 8 (a fresh software launch - not Apple's strong suit as history has shown) aside, this is what I'm taking away from this article:

    "Whaa? You mean my ultra-thin phone bends when I put my ass weight on it??"

    "Whaa? You mean this Wii-mote doesn't stay in my hand if I don't hold onto it??"

    All I can say is I'm not in the habit of subjecting my expensive electronic devices to unnecessary stress and then complaining they're of inferior quality when they break as a result.


    The iPhone bends in the front pocket and with little pressure. Other phones do not bend with twice that pressure. End of story.
  • -3 Hide
    Matt Brown , September 26, 2014 2:22 PM
    Quote:
    Quote:
    Issues with iOS 8 (a fresh software launch - not Apple's strong suit as history has shown) aside, this is what I'm taking away from this article:

    "Whaa? You mean my ultra-thin phone bends when I put my ass weight on it??"

    "Whaa? You mean this Wii-mote doesn't stay in my hand if I don't hold onto it??"

    All I can say is I'm not in the habit of subjecting my expensive electronic devices to unnecessary stress and then complaining they're of inferior quality when they break as a result.


    The iPhone bends in the front pocket and with little pressure. Other phones do not bend with twice that pressure. End of story.


    If it bends with 'little pressure' as you've confidently stated, it seems that either most people are OK with some bending or are simply not experiencing the issue. Current reports indicate that in the first 6 days after release, a total of 9 customers have reported the bending issue with their iPhone 6 plus mobile devices. I wonder just how much of this is overinflation by Apple's critics/haters and how much of it is legitimate engineering concern. Granted, we've not yet officially heard from carriers/insurance providers on bending-failure rates, but knowing firsthand how insane these loyal customers are about their devices, and how readily they flock to the genius bar when there's even a small issue, that's a fairly unconvincing ratio. I'll withhold final judgement here until someone posts some actual numbers, but ultimately it seems that bending an iPhone 6 in my front pocket (if I get one) under normal circumstances won't be an issue unless I'm planning on doing some gymnastics.

    Furthermore, all phones have different levels of durability. You could break just about any mobile device in your bare hands if you really wanted to. Some are more durable than others. Durability is something every user should consider when buying a phone, because your use habits will determine just how durable it needs to be. But that's just ONE of MANY factors to consider. You shouldn't buy shorts for a trip to Alaska any more than you should buy a super thin/light phone if you're just going to sit on it.
  • 2 Hide
    flowingbass , September 26, 2014 2:42 PM
    Looks like they've missed an infinitely self replicating bender... He still on the loose bending iphone 6'es and shit. Dont be surprised if one day all of the world's water turns into alcohol...
  • 2 Hide
    flowingbass , September 26, 2014 2:42 PM
    Looks like they've missed an infinitely self replicating bender... He still on the loose bending iphone 6'es and shit. Dont be surprised if one day all of the world's water turns into alcohol...
  • 0 Hide
    HardyHarHar , September 26, 2014 2:52 PM
    Quote:
    Quote:
    Quote:
    Issues with iOS 8 (a fresh software launch - not Apple's strong suit as history has shown) aside, this is what I'm taking away from this article:

    "Whaa? You mean my ultra-thin phone bends when I put my ass weight on it??"

    "Whaa? You mean this Wii-mote doesn't stay in my hand if I don't hold onto it??"

    All I can say is I'm not in the habit of subjecting my expensive electronic devices to unnecessary stress and then complaining they're of inferior quality when they break as a result.


    The iPhone bends in the front pocket and with little pressure. Other phones do not bend with twice that pressure. End of story.


    If it bends with 'little pressure' as you've confidently stated, it seems that either most people are OK with some bending or are simply not experiencing the issue. Current reports indicate that in the first 6 days after release, a total of 9 customers have reported the bending issue with their iPhone 6 plus mobile devices. I wonder just how much of this is overinflation by Apple's critics/haters and how much of it is legitimate engineering concern. Granted, we've not yet officially heard from carriers/insurance providers on bending-failure rates, but knowing firsthand how insane these loyal customers are about their devices, and how readily they flock to the genius bar when there's even a small issue, that's a fairly unconvincing ratio. I'll withhold final judgement here until someone posts some actual numbers, but ultimately it seems that bending an iPhone 6 in my front pocket (if I get one) under normal circumstances won't be an issue unless I'm planning on doing some gymnastics.

    Furthermore, all phones have different levels of durability. You could break just about any mobile device in your bare hands if you really wanted to. Some are more durable than others. Durability is something every user should consider when buying a phone, because your use habits will determine just how durable it needs to be. But that's just ONE of MANY factors to consider. You shouldn't buy shorts for a trip to Alaska any more than you should buy a super thin/light phone if you're just going to sit on it.


    blah blah blah

    Only 9 phones? ALL the new iPhones can bend as easily. It is a design flaw. They ALL bend that way. You arguments are weak and lame. All other phones can be put in your pocket. This is a massive iFail and only fanatics defend this.
  • -2 Hide
    Matt Brown , September 26, 2014 3:26 PM
    Quote:
    blah blah blah

    Only 9 phones? ALL the new iPhones can bend as easily. It is a design flaw. They ALL bend that way. You arguments are weak and lame. All other phones can be put in your pocket. This is a massive iFail and only fanatics defend this.


    Yes, only 9 reported. Of course, I'm sure you've personally tested each of them, so your claim that it's a design flaw affecting all of the phones can be taken at your word. ;) 

    You may find my arguments 'weak and lame', but those adjectives tell me nothing about your actual objections to the ideas I put forth. For the record, I think your arguments are baseless and generalized :D 

    You can still put the new iphone in your pocket (though again, gymnastics are likely out of the question). Dangit!! That's the whole reason I wanted a bigger phone!! ;) 

    I'm sure this phone is destined for utter failure, across the board (a 'massive iFail', if you will), because you've decreed as such in your infinite wisdom. ;) 

    Or you know...not. I'm not claiming it's the best device ever made, but I'm sure it's quite adequate for performing it's daily functions. To come out and claim it's some sort of massive failure is a tad premature, even for someone with as much experience as yourself, don't you think? ;) 
  • 0 Hide
    HardyHarHar , September 26, 2014 3:31 PM
    Quote:
    Quote:
    blah blah blah

    Only 9 phones? ALL the new iPhones can bend as easily. It is a design flaw. They ALL bend that way. You arguments are weak and lame. All other phones can be put in your pocket. This is a massive iFail and only fanatics defend this.


    Yes, only 9 reported. Of course, I'm sure you've personally tested each of them, so your claim that it's a design flaw affecting all of the phones can be taken at your word. ;) 

    You may find my arguments 'weak and lame', but those adjectives tell me nothing about your actual objections to the ideas I put forth. For the record, I think your arguments are baseless and generalized :D 

    You can still put the new iphone in your pocket (though again, gymnastics are likely out of the question). Dangit!! That's the whole reason I wanted a bigger phone!! ;) 

    I'm sure this phone is destined for utter failure, across the board (a 'massive iFail', if you will), because you've decreed as such in your infinite wisdom. ;) 

    Or you know...not. I'm not claiming it's the best device ever made, but I'm sure it's quite adequate for performing it's daily functions. To come out and claim it's some sort of massive failure is a tad premature, even for someone with as much experience as yourself, don't you think? ;) 


    1) first case reported was a guy who had it in his front pocket of his suit pants and was only sitting down or walking. no gymnastics!
    2) Many sites have tested and bent the new apple phone and all tests show they ALL bend. Design flaw because they didn't use a composite plastic shell inside to reinforce the phone because they wanted it to be thinner.
    3) All other phones tested from other companies do not have this problem.
    4) It is a massive fail! If people still buy them it is a testament to how gullible and brainwashed apple users are. I would never buy such a flimsy constructed phone. This is not my opinion. Tests have been done and Apple has failed.
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