"Exploding" iPhones in Europe prompt Apple-led investigation
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.
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.
Comments
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.
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.
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.
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!
From the French point of view - sorry, I live in France
The fact is, the supposed explosion has been over-covered by media
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
That might be the real difference
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.
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.
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.
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.
... 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?
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.
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.
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
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