Apple Denies Fault in Exploding iPhones

Apple has issued its first statement in regards to recent cases of exploding iPhones, suggesting that such cases are isolated, while the issue is not with the devices themselves, but rather with inappropriate use.

“To date, there are no confirmed battery overheating incidents for iPhone 3GS and the number of reports we are investigating is in the single digits,” Apple said in a statement. “The iPhones with broken glass that we have analyzed to date show that in all cases the glass cracked due to an external force that was applied to the iPhone,” the company added.

According to a CultOfMac report, almost a dozen exploded iPhones have been reported in France alone, with another being reported in Britain. The latest such mishap reportedly occurred in Belgium, where a teenager’s iPhone allegedly went up in flames as well. Needless to point out, investigations on the issue are far from over.

It should be noted that, while Apple claimed, “There are no confirmed battery overheating incidents for iPhone 3GS,” several reports on the matter surfaced complete with imagery of discolored (white) iPhone 3GS cases, most likely due to overheating issues, those reports said. Additionally, Apple itself issued a Support document earlier this year, explaining the basics of “keeping iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS within acceptable operating temperatures” to owners of the device.

In the document, Apple indirectly acknowledged that users of an iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS might experience overheating issues. “If the interior temperature of the device exceeds normal operating temperatures, you may experience the following as it attempts to regulate its temperature,” Apple said in July, listing the following scenarios:

- The device stops charging;
- Display dims;
- Weak cellular signal;
- Temperature warning screen appears with the message “iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it.”

Readers should also note that similar iPod-related issues have emerged as well, while Li-Ion batteries (also used in Apple’s portables), have been plagued by overheating / exploding issues since they’ve landed on the market.

Whether or not those who’ve had iPhones explode in their hands, in their cars, or in their pockets have misjudged the thermal limits of their devices remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, though – a few more exploding iPhones / iPods, and Apple will really have to answer some questions.