Europe’s best-selling computer magazine, Computer Bild, has been blacklisted by Apple PR after posting a video of an iPhone 6 Plus being bent by one of its journalists. In a response to an inquiry from the magazine regarding the build quality of the iPhone 6 Plus, a manager from Apple’s German PR branch responded by telling Computer Bild that they will no longer receive any testing devices nor invitations to Apple events. While the video in question appears to be showing an excessive amount of force being applied to bend the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple’s punishment is a harsh response, particularly considering that the company has been openly addressing multiple publications testing for iPhone build quality issues. However, such a response is consistent with Apple PR’s unfortunately heavy-handed approach to media relations, and blacklisting is not an uncommon response to publications that even briefly present Apple or specific products in a less-than-ideal light.
Computer Bild has responded with an open letter to Tim Cook, questioning Apple’s response and suggesting an attempt at intimidation by the company, while promising to retain its independent judgment when testing and reviewing devices.
