Image Credit: Gizmochina
In a frightening incident that serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of our everyday gadgets, a woman in Shanxi, China, suffered severe burns when her iPhone 14 Pro Max exploded while she was asleep. This shocking event unfolded around 6:30 AM when she woke up to flames and smoke, having accidentally touched her burning phone while turning over in bed.
As she lay asleep, the phone was charging close by. The explosion caused significant damage, leaving her bedding scorched and the walls of her apartment blackened with smoke, reports Gizmochina. Video footage captured the aftermath, showing the destruction caused by the device’s failure. Investigations hinted at a possible battery malfunction as the cause of the explosion.
The woman bought her iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022, so it is no longer covered by warranty. She is understandably eager to find out what caused her phone to explode and is hoping for compensation for her injuries and the damage to her rented apartment.
Upon learning of the incident, Apple’s customer service team expressed deep concern. They stated that even though the phone is no longer under warranty, they need to analyse the device to determine what went wrong. Apple has committed to investigating potential safety hazards related to their products, although it remains uncertain whether the phone had its original battery or if any previous repairs compromised its safety.
This incident is a wake-up call about the risks of leaving devices charging unattended, especially near flammable items like bedding. Experts recommend avoiding overnight charging and using only certified chargers to reduce the risk of such accidents.
While smartphone battery explosions are not new, this event highlights the urgent need for strong safety standards and quality control in manufacturing. As technology advances, companies need to prioritise user safety and take steps to prevent such dangerous occurrences.