A woman in Shanxi, China, suffered serious burns when her iPhone 14 Pro Max exploded while she was sleeping. According to Shanxi Radio and Television’s Hui Bang Mang programme, the incident occurred around 6.30am, when the woman was sleeping with her phone charging nearby. When he returned, his hand accidentally touched the flames, causing painful burns, and he woke up to a landscape filled with smoke and fire.

The aftermath, which was captured on video, showed extensive damage: Her bedspreads were charred, the walls of her apartment were blackened with smoke, and the iPhone itself was charred. Initial investigations pointed to a faulty battery as the possible cause. This worrying situation highlights the dangers of leaving chargers unattended, especially when placed near flammable materials such as bedding.

The woman bought the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022, which meant the device was no longer under warranty. Still, he wants answers about the cause of the explosion and hopes to receive compensation for his injuries and damage to his rental apartment.

Apple’s reaction to the incident

After receiving information about the incident, Apple’s customer service team expressed concern. They stated that regardless of the warranty status of the device, Apple should take the phone for analysis to understand the cause of the malfunction.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Apple emphasized its commitment to investigating potential security threats related to its products. However, it is not yet clear whether the battery in the phone is an original Apple battery or whether the phone has previously undergone a repair that could compromise its integrity.

Although the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, this is a reminder of the potential dangers associated with charging electronic devices, especially smartphones. Experts recommend not charging phones overnight or near flammable materials such as bedding. Additionally, using only certified chargers and avoiding third-party accessories can help reduce risks.

This isn’t the first case of a smartphone battery exploding, but it underscores the need for strict safety and quality control standards in the manufacturing process. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that manufacturers prioritize user safety and take steps to prevent such incidents.

Updates on the cause of the explosion and possible safety recalls or product updates are expected as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, users are advised to be careful when charging their devices and watch for signs of battery damage or unusual behavior.