iPhone 6S Shell Passes the ‘Bendgate’ Test

iPhone 6S Shell Passes the 'Bendgate' Test
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When the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were released, a rumor that the phones were prone to bending and/or breaking at a weak point near the volume button caused quite the stir around the internet. Although Apple only received 9 “bent” units as returns, the “bendgate scandal” was so ubiquitous that #bendgate was trending on Twitter, and a video featuring someone bending an iPhone 6 Plus nearly in half was one of 2014’s most watched videos on Youtube.

Although 2014’s “bendgate” was likely much ado about nothing, it appears as if Apple has beefed up the materials for the next iteration of their iPhone line so as not to face another “scandal”.

We reported back in June that the iPhone 6S would feature the very durable Series 7000 aluminum alloy introduced in the Apple Watch Sport. The alloy, often used in the design of competition bicycles, is “60 percent stronger than most aluminum, and one-third the density of stainless steel,” according to Apple. On top of the more durable material, the shell of the 6S will reportedly be a minute 0.2mm thicker than its predecessor, although the added bulk is more likely to be due to the inclusion of the Force Touch display than for added durability.iphone_6s_bendgate_2

A recent video from Unbox Therapy featuring a purportedly leaked iPhone 6S shell confirms increased durability under direct pressure. The video confirms that not only is the shell of the iPhone made up of the more durable Series 7000 aluminum (compared to the Series 6000 of the iPhone 6), but contains much thicker anodization of the aluminum. The result is a much stronger shell.

The video shows the shell of the iPhone 6 bending near the power and volume buttons right around 30lbs of pressure. The shell of the iPhone 6S, by contrast, only begins to bend once 80lbs of pressure is exerted upon it. If the casing of the iPhone 6S in the video is indeed real, then it’s safe to say that Apple won’t be facing any ‘bendgate’ issues this coming September.

The iPhone 6S is expected to be revealed at an Apple event on September 9th. The (apparently much more durable) phone will feature a faster and more efficient A9 processor, upgraded RAM and an improved camera, as well as the addition of Force Touch technology to the display. The September 9th event is also expected to feature several new iPad models and the release of the new Apple TV device.

Check out Unbox Therapy‘s ‘bendgate’ video below.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]

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