Apple Inc. is one of the most respected and popular companies of the world. It is the maker of the iconic iPhone that kicked off the smartphone market and brought innovation into the lives of people. Apple’s products are high class premium and are sold to the elite market. Its smartphone is highly coveted throughout the world. Last year, the company launched the fifth generation of its iPhone called the iPhone 5, which became an immediate success. However, it seems that not only is the iPhone sophisticated, it’s also deadly. In the latest scandal, Apple Inc. is now investigating an incident in which, a Chinese woman was electrocuted while she was answering a call on her iPhone 5.
Both skeptical and sympathetic attention was drawn by the case when it came to light that a woman in the Western region of Xinjiang used the popular microblog service of China called Sina Wiebo to report the death of Ma Ailun, her 23 year old sister. She was a flight attendant and worked for China Southern Airlines. She was electrocuted to death when she was talking on her iPhone while it was on charge. Her death was confirmed by the local police, but they said that they had yet to confirm if the iPhone was at fault.
Ma’s sister used Weibo to warn others of the risks associated with using an iPhone and also stated that they hoped the company could provide an explanation for the incident. She said that it was a very sad way to die. The message immediately went viral on the site and concerns were expressed by users of the potential danger associated with the iPhone. Apple did not provide any details and stated that this was an isolated case. The company offered their condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed their grief over the incident.
The company also added that they would be cooperating with the authorities completely and will also be investigating the incident on their own. There have also been statements that say that this is just another move to smear Apple in China. It is the second largest market of the iPhone maker and many of the products such as the iPhone and the iPad are highly popular in the country. However, in April, Apple had to face a torrent of criticism from the state media over its arrogance and double standards.
In return, an apology had to be made by the chief executive of the Cupertino, California based firm, Tim Cook. It had been reported that the back covers of the iPhone that were available for free in other markets were being sold at a cost of $80 in China and this had enraged the people. Apple had been forced to alter its warranty policies because it was condemned by the media for two weeks and it’s after sales had suffered considerably. Regardless, it is yet to be decided if the iPhone is indeed the reason for the death of the stewardess or it was just bad luck.