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Apple iPhone 4 goes up in flames
An iPhone 4 has spontaneously combusted in the US after a user tried to charge the phone using a USB cable.
Pictures obtained by Boy Genius Report, showed a singed iPhone 4 port and a heavily melted USB cable. The device also managed to inflict burns on its owner before going out in a blaze of glory.
The iPhone 4 in question was returned to an AT&T store, but the user was unable to get an immediate replacement because the store was sold out.
This has been the first case of an iPhone 4 going up in smoke, and it appears that a defective port was to blame for the outcome. It's not the first time Cupertino kit has exploded, however.
In 2009, V3.co.uk reported how Apple was forced to investigate after several separate incidents involving iPhones and iPods. The firm was even accused of trying to gag owners of exploding iPods who apply for a refund, saying they would only receive compensation if they signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Coupled with the reception woes, this latest malfunction will have the Californian manufacturer's PR department working overtime to douse the flames.
Adding to Apple's misery, a judge in the Northern District of California has given class-action status to a lawsuit against Apple and AT&T, which claimed that the two firms unfairly monopolised the market by inking a secret five year exclusivity agreement.
The decision means that the plaintiffs now represent everybody who bought an iPhone in the United States from June 2007. This could turn out rather pricey for the Cupertino outfit if it is unsuccessful in the case.
Is Apple being given a rough time or the architect of its own misfortune?
The latter - its own misfortune.
Serves em right.
Posted by Andrew | July 15, 2010 12:58 PM