Apple launches investigation after surfer claims iPhone 7 set his car on fire
Australian man says the iPhone ‘melted’ and destroyed his car
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Apple is investigating claims that an iPhone 7 ignited a fire and caused significant damage to a car.
Australian Mat Jones was out surfing off the coast of New South Wales when the blaze started within his vehicle.
His iPhone had been wrapped in his trousers and left in his car, but on his return from the sea, noticed smoke coming from the vehicle.
“As I looked into my car you could not see inside the car, like all the windows were just black,” he told Channel 7 News.
Mr Jones was able to remove the flaming clothing from the car.
He said: “Ash was just coming from inside the pants, which then, once you wrapped open the pants the phone was just melting inside of it.”
A spokeswoman for Apple said the company was investigating the complaint. “We’re in touch with the customer and we’re looking into it,” she said.
The case echoes the recent furore over Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, over 100 of which have begun self-combusting.
The phones were banned from air travel on some carriers, while others issued fire proof bags for them to be carried in.
After an initial recall and replacement process, the flagship device has now been permanently discontinued.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments