The Apple iPhone 5 has sold very well during its short time on the market, with over 5 million handsets being sold in its first weekend alone. However, recently the handset is been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons. There have been number of complaints made by customers regarding its Apple Maps application, problems with the camera and more recently the phone’s aluminium casing, which is susceptible to scratching.
The type of aluminium used on the casing of the iPhone 5 has contributed to the fact that this device is the thinnest and lightest iPhone to date, despite being larger than its predecessors like the iPhone 4S on account of its 4 inch screen. However, this type of aluminium is susceptible to scratching, according to complaints made by thousands of customers, and was recently termed ‘Scuff Gate’.
As a result of the complaints, Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn has implemented stricter quality control measures at its factory in China. Initially, staff went on strike because they were unhappy about the fact that they had to perform extra quality control duties with no additional pay. However, according to a press release from China Labour Watch, the production lines are back up and running.
As a result of the stricter quality control measures, iPhone 5 production has significantly decreased, despite ongoing high demand for the device around the world.
Given Apple’s resources coupled with ongoing demand for the phone, it is likely that a more permanent solution will be implemented. This may mean increasing the workforce at existing factories, or even opening new production facilities.
‘Scuff Gate’ is the latest of a number of complaints made about the iPhone 5. As mentioned, there have been numerous issues reported with the new Apple Maps application which rolls out as part of the iOS 6 update, which is included on the iPhone 5 as standard. Additionally, many users have complained that a purple flare effect appears on photos taken the phone’s camera when taking a photo which includes a bright light source.
