German Magazine Claims It Was Banned By Apple Over iPhone 6 Plus Bend Test

In a move that is sure to perpetuate the bendgate saga, Apple has allegedly removed its PR credentials from Computer Bild, Europe's biggest computer magazine, over an iPhone 6 Plus durability test.

Following a spate of reports that the larger iPhone 6 was bending in the front pockets of purchasers, Computer Bild went out and bought the device to test it.

Like almost every other technology website, Computer Bild filmed its #bendgate test and posted it to YouTube.

The video, which has received over 500,000 views, shows the iPhone 6 Plus bend rather easily, with the journalists expressing surprise at just how fragile it is.

Apple battled the bending iPhone controversy effectively with stats – only 9 actual complaints – and reassurance, taking the media on a tour of the factory where iPhones are regularly stress tested.

But, in a PR misfire, Apple also allegedly contacted Computer Bild and told the magazine that it would no longer receive Apple products to review and would not have the necessary credentials to cover official Apple events.

Computer Bild responded with an open letter to Tim Cook, in which they said that their journalistic curiousity and integrity drove them to conduct a bend test.

Computer Bild's Editor-in-Chief Axel Telzerow said: "We were shocked about how easy it was to bend the device. And so were around 200,000 viewers who watched the video up until now.

"We can imagine that you and your colleagues must have been shocked, too. This might have been the reason why we got a call from your German colleagues the next morning.

"He was upset, and it was a rather short conversation. 'From now on', he said, 'you won't get any devices for testing purposes and you will not be invited to Apple events in the future.'"

He then asked if "a withdrawal of Apple's love and affection could have an intimidating effect on us?"

Computer Bild bitingly congratulated Apple on its "fine new generation of iPhones, even if one of them has a minor weakness with its casing."

Telzerov said he is "deeply disappointed" with the way Apple reacted to their test.

We have reached out to Apple for a comment, and this piece will be updated when we hear from them.