"Exploding" iPhones in Europe prompt Apple-led investigation

[AppleInsider]

Following various reports of exploding iPhones and iPod touches, Apple has reportedly informed the European Commission that it has begun a probe into the matter.

In a new report from Reuters, a spokeswoman from the European Union's consumer safety division stated that Apple is gathering information on a number of events in which users allege devices running the iPhone OS exploded. Apple has reported the incidents to the union as "isolated," but will do tests to determine the possible cause.

"What they've said to us is that they consider these are isolated incidents," Helen Kearns said at a news briefing. "They don't consider that there's a general problem."

A spokesman for Apple in Europe added little else: "We are aware of these reports and we are waiting to receive the iPhones from the customers. Until we have the full details, we don't have anything further to add."

Earlier this month, a report from the U.K. over a supposed exploding iPod touch said the company attempted to refund the family only if they agreed to keep quiet. In that case, an 11-year-old girl reportedly dropped the device, at which point it hissed, popped, and flew into the air. After the family requested a refund, Apple sent a letter denying any liability on the company's part. It also asked the family to "keep the terms of existence of this settlement agreement completely confidential."

Reuters also cites a recent incident in which a French teenager was "slightly injured" when his iPhone made a hissing noise and shattered. The boy's mother is considering taking legal action against Apple.

Earlier this year, Apple was sued over an alleged exploding iPod touch in Ohio. In that suit, the complainant states that a second-generation device exploded, set a person's pants on fire, and caused second-degree burns.

[crees!]

So it's been narrowed down to the OS being the problem.

In a new report from Reuters, a spokeswoman from the European Union's consumer safety division stated that Apple is gathering information on a number of events in which users allege devices running the iPhone OS exploded. Apple has reported the incidents to the union as "isolated," but will do tests to determine the possible cause.

[OC4Theo]

The success of Apple is causing a great rage and jealousy among competitors all over the world. It is not a surprise that all these explosion news will surface.

Are iPhones and iPods made with explosives? Chinese fireworks? Or sabotage?

I have bought over 10 for family and friends, and none has exploded. I don't know anyone who has had an explosion of an iPod or iPhone. I don't believe it.

[Quadra 610]

Bogus.

[lilgto64]

Plaintiff: Your product injured me.

Defendant: Show me some evidence of the injury.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Defendant: let me examine the device so that I may not only determine the likely cause but also protect other users from the same problem.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Judge: I find in favor of the Plaintiff for (undisclosed amount) as the defendant is clearly trying to hide a systemic lack of quality control and blatant disregard for public safety in their policy of denying that unsubstantiated claims against them without merit and in their continued refusal to correct a problem which no one can prove or demonstrate.

[BurningJah]

You know what!

I don't believe the things the EU is doing these days! always meddling in things they really dont know anything off.
bunch of greedy people

Exploding Ipod/Iphone! I don't believe that eather! I use mine every single day! for at least 10 ours a day! and mine didn't exploded!
nore it gets hot!

[mint]

I've heard scare stories about phones and laptops exploding before. If the battery develops a fault it's going to go pop regardless of who's logo is on it.

[teckstud]

Maybe their cases trap in the heat?

[rei_vilo]

Bonjour,

From the French point of view - sorry, I live in France -, the iPhone explosion is the perfect case to ignite an anti-America campaign . Do you remember the Coke affair

The fact is, the supposed explosion has been over-covered by media , including front page in leading newspapers and a full segment on one top Evening News broadcast.

Well, let's do some maths: 2 explosions out of, how million units sold? I'd rather prefer not to have an exploding iPhone, but 2 cases don't deserve such a fuss .

As a French, I feel really sorry for that . I own an iPhone and it works wonders and I don't suffer from the Not Invented Here syndrome

That might be the real difference

[lilgto64]

Originally Posted by mint

I've heard scare stories about phones and laptops exploding before. If the battery develops a fault it's going to go pop regardless of who's logo is on it.

I did not say that I don't believe there have been problems - my point was that if you want to seek damages against the company that made the product your case cannot be based on "because I said so" and they should be given the opportunity to examine the device - or have some independent third party examine the device in question in order to determine if there is a design flaw, or a material defect, or if the likely cause was some form of neglect or abuse.

For example - you would not sue a car maker because you mashed the gas pedal to the floor, accelerated to 100 mph and ran straight into a tree - but you would if you started the car and never touched the gas pedal and yet you still accelerated to 100 mph and ran into a tree. But even in that case - the car maker would need some way to determine whether there was a problem with the car - or if some random piece of junk you had rolling around in the car got jammed in the accelerator pedal and caused the problem.

[euler]

Maybe people are putting Mentos in their iPhones?

[bigdaddyp]

Originally Posted by lilgto64

Plaintiff: Your product injured me.

Defendant: Show me some evidence of the injury.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Defendant: let me examine the device so that I may not only determine the likely cause but also protect other users from the same problem.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Judge: I find in favor of the Plaintiff for (undisclosed amount) as the defendant is clearly trying to hide a systemic lack of quality control and blatant disregard for public safety in their policy of denying that unsubstantiated claims against them without merit and in their continued refusal to correct a problem which no one can prove or demonstrate.

That would be so funny if it wasn't such a likely scenario to have happen in a U.S. courtroom.

[mint]

Originally Posted by lilgto64

I did not say that I don't believe there have been problems - my point was that if you want to seek damages against the company that made the product your case cannot be based on "because I said so" and they should be given the opportunity to examine the device - or have some independent third party examine the device in question in order to determine if there is a design flaw, or a material defect, or if the likely cause was some form of neglect or abuse.

For example - you would not sue a car maker because you mashed the gas pedal to the floor, accelerated to 100 mph and ran straight into a tree - but you would if you started the car and never touched the gas pedal and yet you still accelerated to 100 mph and ran into a tree. But even in that case - the car maker would need some way to determine whether there was a problem with the car - or if some random piece of junk you had rolling around in the car got jammed in the accelerator pedal and caused the problem.

Yeah that's fine mate, I was replying to the original article not arguing against your point.

[lilgto64]

Originally Posted by mint

Yeah that's fine mate, I was replying to the original article not arguing against your point.

I wasn't necessarily addressing your post specifically - more a couple of messages along those lines.

Some folks forget that just because they personally have not seen a problem that when you have tens of millions of people out there using the same product that there could be a serious problem affecting a small portion of the use base.

[grebo]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

... In that suit, the complainant states that a second-generation device exploded, set a person's pants on fire, and caused second-degree burns.

Are we certain that the complainant wasn't a Liar Liar?

[tekneeq53]

There is no faulty iphones or ipod touch devices, its just that Steve Jobs does not like the U.K and he is beginning his assault!!!!

[ch2co]

220 volts on 110 volt phones (charger) would do the trick. Anybody seen those cheap non Apple chargers that are available on the net? I ran into this same supposed problem back in 60's when I worked for Heiland Photographic Products, only with rechargable electronic flash units. It was bogus then and it still is... (maybe) .

[dasein]

Originally Posted by rei_vilo

Bonjour,

Well, let's do some maths: 2 explosions out of, how million units sold? I'd rather prefer not to have an exploding iPhone, but 2 cases don't deserve such a fuss .

I've heard stories of people and livestock exploding and spontaneously combusting as well.
If you put a bottle of champagne in the right environment, it'll blow. With the math above, it points to environmental circumstances, not design. Whatever real design there might be has more to do with publicity.

[lilgto64]

Originally Posted by dasein

I've heard stories of people and livestock exploding and spontaneously combusting as well.
If you put a bottle of champagne in the right environment, it'll blow. With the math above, it points to environmental circumstances, not design. Whatever real design there might be has more to do with publicity.

I had a can of Pilsbury biscuits explode in the back seat of my car on a hot summer day - I should have sued.

[bizwarrior]

Originally Posted by lilgto64

I did not say that I don't believe there have been problems - my point was that if you want to seek damages against the company that made the product your case cannot be based on "because I said so" and they should be given the opportunity to examine the device - or have some independent third party examine the device in question in order to determine if there is a design flaw, or a material defect, or if the likely cause was some form of neglect or abuse.

For example - you would not sue a car maker because you mashed the gas pedal to the floor, accelerated to 100 mph and ran straight into a tree - but you would if you started the car and never touched the gas pedal and yet you still accelerated to 100 mph and ran into a tree. But even in that case - the car maker would need some way to determine whether there was a problem with the car - or if some random piece of junk you had rolling around in the car got jammed in the accelerator pedal and caused the problem.

The most likely scenario is Apple killing the story wherever it can and put into its veil of secrecy rather than let it be investigated

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by dasein

I've heard stories of people ... exploding and spontaneously combusting as well.

Yep. Happens all the time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq0gYjbXkuQ&NR=1

[hok]

Originally Posted by rei_vilo

Bonjour,

From the French point of view - sorry, I live in France -, the iPhone explosion is the perfect case to ignite an anti-America campaign . Do you remember the Coke affair

The fact is, the supposed explosion has been over-covered by media , including front page in leading newspapers and a full segment on one top Evening News broadcast.

Well, let's do some maths: 2 explosions out of, how million units sold? I'd rather prefer not to have an exploding iPhone, but 2 cases don't deserve such a fuss .

As a French, I feel really sorry for that . I own an iPhone and it works wonders and I don't suffer from the Not Invented Here syndrome

That might be the real difference

C'est pas possible, mais t'es vraiment trop con. Il n'y a rien d'anti américanisme la dedans, aucun média n'a cité le fait que Apple est américain, c'est simplement que l'iPhone s'est trés bien vendu, alors les média sont à l'affut dès qu'il y a un petit soucis. Mais le principal problème est comme en Angleterre la communication d'apple; si Apple n'avait pas snobé cet ado, il n'auraut pas appellé la Provence.

This guy is dumb, nothing with anti Americanism, only that Apple totally snob the guy that had the accident, telling him it was impossible, and so he told his stories to the press, and in the middle of of the summer holidays no wonder why it makes a lot of the headlines; but there was no hate in the journalist article, totally the opposite of what I see here, so much hate when someone touch your dear company.

[camroidv27]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Maybe their cases trap in the heat?

I've seen no vents... though the metal back probably acts as a heat sink. Though, heat has always been an issue in Apple products... a by-product of the their continuous thinning.

My iPod Touch (when I use the stupid thing) gets extremely warm after a few minutes of use. Hasn't gone boom yet, but I kinda expect it too. Not a big boom, just a little pop, little smoke. The heat from the device has melted some of the glue so the screen is coming up. Apple says "those issues not within warranty". At least the device is still working.

Quality control folks. Some people do in fact have issues.

[ch2co]

Originally Posted by hok

C'est pas possible, mais t'es vraiment trop con. Il n'y a rien d'anti américanisme la dedans, aucun média n'a cité le fait que Apple est américain, c'est simplement que l'iPhone s'est trés bien vendu, alors les média sont à l'affut dès qu'il y a un petit soucis. Mais le principal problème est comme en Angleterre la communication d'apple; si Apple n'avait pas snobé cet ado, il n'auraut pas appellé la Provence.

This guy is dumb, nothing with anti Americanism, only that Apple totally snob the guy that had the accident, telling him it was impossible, and so he told his stories to the press, and in the middle of of the summer holidays no wonder why it makes a lot of the headlines; but there was no hate in the journalist article, totally the opposite of what I see here, so much hate when someone touch your dear company.

I think that the opinion of a European about how some (many?) Europeans (French) view America and it's Industries are valid and should not be put down (DUMB?? who is the dumb one here?) in a forum such as this, its his own Euroview and you don't have the right as an American to diminish his views.

Meanwhile my ipod does seem rather warm today

[NasserAE]

Originally Posted by camroidv27

I've seen no vents... though the metal back probably acts as a heat sink. Though, heat has always been an issue in Apple products... a by-product of the their continuous thinning.

My iPod Touch (when I use the stupid thing) gets extremely warm after a few minutes of use. Hasn't gone boom yet, but I kinda expect it too. Not a big boom, just a little pop, little smoke. The heat from the device has melted some of the glue so the screen is coming up. Apple says "those issues not within warranty". At least the device is still working.

Quality control folks. Some people do in fact have issues.

iPhones and iPod Touches shut themselves down when they reach certain temperature. Few months ago I was taking my MB for repair and there was a guy complaining that his iPhone was getting really warm when he use it. They told him it is perfectly normal and would replace it for him if he want, which they did. From my personal experience cell phones do get very warm when used especially during summer time.

[Lafe]

Originally Posted by crees!

So it's been narrowed down to the OS being the problem.

The secrecy makes sense when you realize that this is a new, not-yet-announced self-destruct feature that you can activate through MobileMe if your iPhone has been stolen:

Step 1. Find my iPhone.
Step 2. Wipe my iPhone.
Step 3. BOOM

Serves the thief right!

But seriously, folks . . . batteries are faulty sometimes in any device (laptop, phone, whatever) and they can burst into flames or give off great amounts of heat in a short time. In a device like the iPhone, too much heat behind things that can't expand well (like glass) can cause a rupture.

If true, Apple should replace a battery or phone if that happens to someone. Problem solved. It's extremely rare whatever it is. Enough media hype.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by camroidv27

I've seen no vents... though the metal back probably acts as a heat sink. Though, heat has always been an issue in Apple products... a by-product of the their continuous thinning.

My iPod Touch (when I use the stupid thing) gets extremely warm after a few minutes of use. Hasn't gone boom yet, but I kinda expect it too. Not a big boom, just a little pop, little smoke. The heat from the device has melted some of the glue so the screen is coming up. Apple says "those issues not within warranty". At least the device is still working.

Quality control folks. Some people do in fact have issues.

Um..... kinda a big jump from "gets extremely warm" to "explodes." You're conflating some issue you have with quality control and "people having issues" with explosions, which is...... wrong.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by bizwarrior

The most likely scenario is Apple killing the story wherever it can and put into its veil of secrecy rather than let it be investigated

This comment is total paranoid nonsense based on no facts at all. Methinks you watch too much Fox or something.

[macinthe408]

It seems most exploding device stories come from Europe.

Something to do with different voltage/frequency (220) perhaps?

[camroidv27]

Originally Posted by NasserAE

iPhones and iPod Touches shut themselves down when they reach certain temperature. Few months ago I was taking my MB for repair and there was a guy complaining that his iPhone was getting really warm when he use it. They told him it is perfectly normal and would replace it for him if he want, which they did. From my personal experience cell phones do get very warm when used especially during summer time.

But burning? I guess my temp sensor is dead. That, or living in AZ in the summer, everything is burning. (I do not use my iPod touch outside where it is too hot. When the device reaches a temp indoors when it gets too hot to hold, then I think that's an issue.)

[rhowarth]

Originally Posted by macinthe408

It seems most exploding device stories come from Europe.
Something to do with different voltage/frequency (220) perhaps?

Unlikely. Most chargers for the last who knows how many years have been universal 50/60Hz 110/240V types without any particular problems.

Maybe a bad batch of batteries.. hairline crack, subject them to excessive heat or drop them and nasty chemicals get out, that sort of thing. Not a problem specific to Apple (remember the hoohah with all the Sony made batteries a few years ago?), but nothing to go into denial about either, there easily could be a problem affecting a small number of iPhones.

[Chris_CA]

Originally Posted by BurningJah

I don't believe the things the EU is doing these days! always meddling in things they really dont know anything off.

Why do you think the EU is meddling in anything here?
Apple is doing an investigation and simply told that to the European Union's consumer safety division.

Exploding Ipod/Iphone! I don't believe that eather! I use mine every single day! for at least 10 ours a day! and mine didn't exploded!
nore it gets hot!

Since it didn't happen to your's, it must be an impossibility?

[Chris_CA]

Originally Posted by macinthe408

It seems most exploding device stories come from Europe.

Something to do with different voltage/frequency (220) perhaps?

Not unless the charger itself is bad.
The iPod uses USB 5VDC so voltage/frequency are irrelevant to the iPod.

[bigdaddyp]

Do not carry Iphone in front pants pocket.

[kiseki]

Originally Posted by bigdaddyp

Do not carry Iphone in front pants pocket.

Or do, depending on your...um...tastes...

In fact, you could attract a lot of attention that way. "Hey, did you know that guy keeps an iPhone in his pants pocket and it could explode any time?" Better than a codpiece!

[charlituna]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Bogus.

i wouldn't go so far as to say bogus. apparently the incidents did happen. but it's only like 50 out of some several million iphones and ipods and in no pattern. plus there are a variety of other factors that could be at play such as leaving the device in the car, running it long periods of time, dropping it, spilling something on it. even unlocking it to use a non standard app could be at play if the app has the device running non stop. who knows. in the end they are likely to say that there is no way to determine what exactly caused these handful of incidents conclusively.

[Paris Hilton]

Originally Posted by lilgto64

I had a can of Pilsbury biscuits explode in the back seat of my car on a hot summer day - I should have sued.

Seeing something on Mythbusters, and claiming it as a personal experience?

That's hot!

[rei_vilo]

Originally Posted by ch2co

I think that the opinion of a European about how some (many?) Europeans (French) view America and it's Industries are valid and should not be put down (DUMB?? who is the dumb one here?) in a forum such as this, its his own Euroview and you don't have the right as an American to diminish his views.

Thanks ch2co for your support for free speech.

hok, may I suggest you to re-read the American Consitution, especially the 1st Amendement ?

[cnocbui]

Originally Posted by OC4Theo

The success of Apple is causing a great rage and jealousy among competitors all over the world. It is not a surprise that all these explosion news will surface.

Are iPhones and iPods made with explosives?

I don't know anyone who has had an explosion of an iPod or iPhone. I don't believe it.

Apple's compettitors do not control the various news media that report these incidents. They are being reported because they are newsworthy.

You don't believe anything you don't have direct experience of? Why are you reading this forum then.

Originally Posted by lilgto64

Plaintiff: Your product injured me.

Defendant: Show me some evidence of the injury.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

AI left a little something out of this article, namely that the French student in question was supposedly struck in the eye by a small piece of glass from the screen of the iphone. Luckily it was very small and he wasn't injured by it. Had it been a larger sliver of glass, the injury might have been more serious.

Originally Posted by BurningJah

You know what!

I don't believe the things the EU is doing these days! always meddling in things they really dont know anything off.
bunch of greedy people

What are you blathering on about? The article states that Apple has informed the EU that it (Apple) has started an investigation of its own accord.

The article did NOT state that the EU had demanded the investigation, nor that it was carrying it out itself. The only thing the EU is said to have done in the article is be the recipient of information from Apple. How is that being greedy?

[SGSStateStudent]

Originally Posted by lilgto64

Plaintiff: Your product injured me.

Defendant: Show me some evidence of the injury.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Defendant: let me examine the device so that I may not only determine the likely cause but also protect other users from the same problem.

Plaintiff: uh, no.

Judge: I find in favor of the Plaintiff for (undisclosed amount) as the defendant is clearly trying to hide a systemic lack of quality control and blatant disregard for public safety in their policy of denying that unsubstantiated claims against them without merit and in their continued refusal to correct a problem which no one can prove or demonstrate.

Nice. That would be Microsoft.