A number of owners of Apple’s new iPhone 5 have been reporting that the black aluminum casing on the handset is easily scratched, and some have even reported that their new iPhone 5 has come with scratches out of the box.
Now one owner of the new iPhone 5, Alex, has received a reply to an email he sent to Apple’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Phil Schiller, who has responded that this is normal, you can see the email below.
Any aluminum product may scratch or chip with use, exposing its natural silver color, That is normal, Phil.
The guys over at 9 to 5 Mac have said that the email did in fact come from Apple’s Phil Schiller, so Apple obviously thinks this is normal, although we wonder how many owners of the new iPhone will be happy with this response.
Understanding the Issue
The iPhone 5’s design marked a significant shift from previous models, featuring a sleek aluminum casing that was both lightweight and visually appealing. However, this design choice has not come without its drawbacks. Aluminum, while durable, is softer than other metals like stainless steel, making it more susceptible to scratches and dents. This has led to a number of users expressing their dissatisfaction, especially given the premium price point of the device.
Phil Schiller’s response, stating that it is “normal” for aluminum products to scratch or chip, has not sat well with many users. While it is true that aluminum can show wear and tear more easily, consumers expect a certain level of durability from a high-end product like the iPhone 5. The fact that some devices are arriving with scratches straight out of the box only adds to the frustration.
Consumer Expectations and Reactions
The reaction from iPhone 5 owners has been mixed. Some users have accepted the explanation, understanding that aluminum’s properties make it prone to such issues. Others, however, feel that Apple should have taken additional steps to protect the device, such as using a more scratch-resistant coating or offering better protective cases.
For example, one user commented, “I understand that aluminum can scratch, but for the price I paid, I expected better quality control. My phone had scratches right out of the box, and that’s just unacceptable.” Another user mentioned, “I’ve had aluminum products before, and they didn’t scratch this easily. Apple should have done more testing before releasing the iPhone 5.”
Apple has always been known for its attention to detail and high-quality products, so this issue has come as a surprise to many loyal customers. The company has not issued any official statement beyond Schiller’s email, leaving many to wonder if any further action will be taken to address the problem.
If you own a new iPhone 5 and have had this happen to your handset, leave a comment and let us know. Also, if your device came with scratches out of the box, let us know as well. Your feedback could help Apple understand the extent of the issue and potentially lead to a solution.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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