In the technological landscape, the iPhone is one of the most popular products in the world: with over 2 billion units, it is the best-selling mobile phone ever. iPhone 15 has just been released, which we already told you about, and promises to be a game changer in the smartphone world.
It’s not all gold that glitters: in this article, we will analyse 5 moments when the iPhone has shown its weaknesses; we will see how these problems have affected Apple’s reputation, how they have pushed the company to improve its products.
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iPhone 4: Antennagate and the dilemma between hardware and software.
As well as its predecessors, the iPhone 4, launched in 2010, immediately made headlines: with a revolutionary design and cutting-edge performance, it seemed that Apple had again created a masterpiece. Almost immediately, however, revealed a major problem: some users reported drops when holding the iPhone 4 with their left hand. The fault? A small interruption of the antennas located at the bottom left of the device: the decision of Jony Ive to remove, from the previous model, the plastic frame that wrapped the antenna, had unwittingly given rise to this drawback.
Apple, with its usual proactivity, tried to address the problem promptly: pointing the finger at a software error, claiming that the formula used to calculate the signal bars was wrong and promising, Hence, an update intended not only for the iPhone 4, but also for previous models.
However, the reality was more complex: the influential Consumer Reports questioned Apple’s explanation, even advising against buying the iPhone 4.
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Whereupon Steve Jobs, in an unprecedented move, returned from his vacation to address the problem directly! During a press conference, he honestly admitted the mistake and offered customers a solution: the Bumper, an iPhone 4 case. From problem to business opportunity: a real entrepreneur!
With the arrival of the iPhone 4s, Apple has made changes to the design of the antennas, solving the problem, but the Antennagate remains a memorable chapter in the history of the iPhone, a reminder: even giants can stumble... and even admit that you were wrong!
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iPhone 6: The Bendgate and iOS Issues
2014 saw the arrival of the iPhone 6 which, like its predecessors, promised to take innovation to the next level. And even in this case, as often happens when exploring new territories, there were some surprises along the way.
One of the main controversies surrounding the iPhone 6 was the so-called Bendgate: many users reported that their iPhone 6 tended to bend when they exerted pressure on the center area of the device, which obviously raised doubts about the durability and durability of the design of this smartphone. Apple’s swordsmen went so far as to argue that it was normal for an aluminum shell to bend under strong pressure, while others criticized Apple for not foreseeing such a problem.
And, as if that were not enough, there was a controversy about the update of iOS 8.0.1: shortly after its release caused significant problems, including disabling the phone part and Touch ID, making the iPhone practically unusable.
Again, Apple reacted quickly, promptly removing the problematic update, offering users a solution to return to iOS 8.
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iPhone X: when the revolution shows its cracks
Launched in 2017, iPhone X marked a decade of innovation for Apple, presenting the world for the first time the Face ID and a frameless design, which has, as always, kicked off a new era in smartphone aesthetics. Again, a great innovation has brought with it problems.
The iPhone X’s OLED display was a big step forward for Apple, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but also a burn-in effect: a phenomenon whereby images remain imprinted on the screen after prolonged use. Not only that: some users noticed a mysterious green line that appeared on the side of the display: an unexpected scar.
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As already mentioned, the real protagonist of the iPhone X was the Face ID, a revolutionary technology, still current today, that promised to recognize every face in an instant. Today it is a safe and precise system, but at its debut, it easily exchanged very similar brothers, and could not recognize glasses, hats and accessories that we can now take for granted instead.
Finally, people who lived or went to cold places, could appreciate another flaw: the iPhone X seemed to prefer warm temperatures, because when exposed to cold temperatures, some users reported that the touchscreen stopped working or even, that the phone was completely turned off.
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iPhone 11: the touchscreen that makes the tantrums
We approach more recent phones, still used today, talking about the iPhone 11; always a champion of innovation that, at launch, did not perform at its best: a percentage of iPhone 11 has, in fact, started immediately to show problems on the touchscreen.
The heart of the problem lay in a manufacturing defect that caused frequent malfunctions. Fortunately, only the iPhone 11 models base (not Pro and Pro Max) and only the units produced between November 2019 and May 2020 were subject to this drawback.
Apple, again attentive to the needs of its customers, has launched a replacement program: on the official website of Apple there was a module to check if your iPhone could be subject to the problem, and in case, contact support directly for replacement.
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iPhone 12 Pro Max: When the screen doesn’t shine as it should
In even more recent times we have seen the iPhone 12 Pro Max, presented as a giant in the world of smartphones, both in size and performance. With its sleek design, advanced camera and 5G connectivity, it looked like Apple had hit the bull’s-eye again...
The real protagonist of the iPhone 12 Pro Max had to be its Super Retina XDR screen: it promised bright colors, deep contrasts and a brightness that would have been the envy of any other smartphone on the market.
Some users, however, reported problems with the display of colours, especially with white tones that appeared staggered. Not only that: others have noticed faulty shades and flickers, making viewing videos and images less enjoyable. Not quite the experience you’d expect from a top-of-the-line device...
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Even in this case Apple has taken seriously the reports of its users and has worked immediately to solve these problems: the fact that a device so awaited and celebrated has had these hiccups reminds us, however, that even in the maximum innovation, there may be imperfections.
Each iPhone, with its revolutionary innovations, has always known how to capture the attention of the world and, like every great protagonist of the story, has had its moments of light and its shadows. Every launch of a new model is awaited with trepidation, every detail scrutinized with curiosity, every defect amplified under the microscope of public opinion. And yet, despite the challenges and criticism, the iPhone continues to be a benchmark in the technology landscape.
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There are those who adore him for his elegance, his intuitiveness and his ability to reinvent himself; those who criticize him, emphasizing every little hitch as evidence of his imperfection. One thing is certain: the iPhone never leaves indifferent. Every step, every evolution, every problem becomes a topic of discussion, debate and, sometimes, controversy. Perhaps here lies the secret of its success: the iPhone knows how to make itself talk, how to stay at the center of the scene, how to evolve and adapt. And when he stumbles, he always knows how to get up.
Illustration by Gloria Dozio - Acrimònia Studios
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