Apple is running to some serious problems.
Complaints poured in about Apple's new operating software, iOS 6. Many don't like the new lightening dock connector, and many more don't like the new Apple maps.
Apple took away Google Maps, and replaced it with a Maps app made completely in-house. The new operating system also doesn't include YouTube.
Now, many are complaining about the phone itself.
According to AllThingsD, a number of Apple early adopters claim that the back case of the iPhone 5 is highly susceptible to scratching and more visible signs of wear and tear, according to multiple reports from across the Web.
"Perhaps even more serious, numerous accounts state that users are receiving iPhone 5 devices damaged directly out of the packaging, before customers have had chance to actually lay hands the device.
It seems to be an issue with the anodized aluminum surface, and the apparent difficulty that comes with keeping the device from getting nicks and scrapes. It appears that the black version is either more susceptible to damage than its white counterpart, or signs of visible wear are more readily visible due to the higher contrast in colors."
Many users report that the most easily damaged area appears to be on the chamfered edges of the device, wearing away the anodized surface and creating a "shiny" look, as the uncoated metal peeks out from underneath the undamaged surface, according to AllThingsD.
This may have been a problem from the beginning. Both the iphone 4 and 4S have been made with stainless steel, but the iPhone 5 is made with aluminum. Aluminum is not as scratch-resistant as stainless steel.
According to Autoomobile, "the coating on the iPhone 5 happens to be just skin deep, and the paint is resting on top of metal. So essentially the paint is sitting on top of the metal and this layer of paint is exposed to penetration from objects very easily."
Many are reporting that the Macrumors forum already has a long thread of people reporting damage.
Tapscape reported that many are complaining about a software glitch.
"Some iPhone 5 users are seeing lines in front of their eyes when keying in information like passwords."
There is good news for this problem though: "the software problems like this are usually quite fixable with patches."
It seems like a protective case is extremely important for this type of phone. Many are wise to go with strong cases such as the Otter Box.
However, Gizmodo writer Jesus Diaz said that users don't need a case for their iPhone 5.
"You just don't need a f*cking case for your iPhone 5. Really, you don't," Diaz wrote. "The fact is that there's no fragility excuse anymore because the iPhone 5 is made of aluminum casted by Asgardian dwarf blacksmiths and put together with magicomicronometric precision by virgin she-dragons made of living gold. It can't break, unless you shoot it with a silver bullet at the witching hour under a full moon."
About cases protecting the screen: "This is total bullshit unless the case actually goes all around the phone-like a wallet. I know plenty of people who broke their screens while using the bulkiest tank cases that are visually painful to endure. With any open case, the phone just has to fall against an uneven sidewalk and the screen will break. Murphy has a law that says this is inevitable."
About avoiding scratches:
"The iPhone aluminum back can scratch. If you treat it like shit, it will. But so what? Things get scratched all the time. And most of the time the wear gives them character. Like the first iPhone made of aluminum, which was way more beautiful years later. If anything, the iPhone 5 will probably look better over time.
And at the end, the fact is that your ugly case will look like crap after a couple months too. I've seen that everywhere. People with scratched and dirty cases, some falling apart, some held with tape or stickers, all of them even more horrendous than when they came out of their plastic boxes."
What do you think? Do you think you need a case? Sound off below!
Related Articles
iPad Mini Release Date, Price: 5 Rumors That if True Could Change the Game vs Kindle Fire 2,HD
iCloud Enhanced; 4 Other Interesting iOS 6 Features Include Maps, Safari
iPhone 5 Cases, Specs: Top 3 Cases to Protect Your New Apple iPhone