Apple Bans German Tech Publication Over Bendgate Video

Apple’s PR machine isn’t exactly what most people would consider to be forgiving. If you might recall, the folks at Gizmodo have been banned at Apple events for years following the incident where they managed to get their hands on a leaked iPhone 4 prototype. Well it looks like German publication Computer Bild is the most recent to feel Apple’s wrath.

The publication had not too long ago posted a video in which they tried to bend the new iPhone 6 Plus. This was because they had heard reports of iPhone 6 Plus units bending in the pockets of its users, and so they were curious and decided to see what the fuss was all about and went out and got their hands on a iPhone 6 Plus of their own.

The website put together a test of their own and found that the phone did not take too much strength to buckle under pressure. The video managed to garner over 400,000 views at this time of writing. However instead of trying to placate Computer Bild and convince them that the issue was blown out of proportion, the Cupertino company instead got in touch with the publication and told them they would not be given anymore Apple products to review, and that their credentials to cover official events had been revoked.

This is a stark contrast to an earlier move by Apple in which they actually invited the media to their testing facility to see how their phones are tested, and how the issue of the bending iPhones was blown out of proportion. Computer Bild’s editor in chief has since penned an open letter to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook which you can read in its entirety below.

Dear Mr. Tim Cook!

Just like anyone else who is obsessed with digital technology we have eagerly awaited the new iPhone. We felt relief when the head of our telecom department one day shouted “Here we go!”, presenting an invitation to the great event. And certainly we took a flight, went all the way to California, just to tell our readers every detail about the device that you and your company have worked on so hard for such a long time.

When the iPhone 6 Plus finally hit the market we noticed a few reports on a possible problem. According to them the case seemed to be weak, “bendable”, to drop the evil word. Being popular for our tests with utmost scrutiny, we could not leave the subject without comment. Of course that required further tests since testing new products without any prejudice is our obligation to our readers.

And so we bought an iPhone 6 Plus, just to find out whether it was a singular problem or some kind of hoax. The test was quite simple, so we could easily record it on video. Just to prove that what happens is nothing but the truth.

To be honest: We were shocked about how easy it was to bend the device. And so were around 200.000 viewers who watched the video up until now. We can imagine that you and your colleagues must have been shocked, too. This might have been the reason why we got a call from one of your german colleagues the next morning. He was upset, and it was a rather short conversation. “From now on”, he said, “you won’t get any devices for testing purposes and you will not be invited to Apple events in the future.”

Dear Mr. Cook: Is this really how your company wants to deal with media that provide your customers with profound tests of your products? Do you really think that a withdrawal of Apple’s love and affection could have an intimidating effect on us? Luckily we do not have to rely on devices that Apple provides us with. Luckily, a lot of readers are willing to pay money for our magazine to keep us independent. So we are able to buy devices to do our tests anyway. Even devices of manufacturers that seem to fear COMPUTER BILD’s independent judgement.

Even if we are quite dismayed about Apple’s reaction, we won’t give up our principles: We will continue our incorruptible tests that have the same high reputation in the german media-landscape as Apple has for its products. So far. We congratulate you to your fine new generation of iPhones, even if one of them has a minor weakness with its casing. But we are deeply disappointed about the lack of respect of your company.

Best regards,

Axel Telzerow

Editor in Chief COMPUTER BILD-Group

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: iphone 6, Social Hit