A woman in Shanxi Province, China, recently had a terrifying experience when her iPhone 14 Pro Max unexpectedly caught fire while it was charging, causing burns to her hand.
According to Shanxi Radio and Television, the incident happened around 6:30 a.m. on November 4. As the iPhone was charging, it suddenly ignited. The woman quickly flipped the device over with her hand and pushed it off the bed, but she couldn’t avoid getting burned on her palm. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was caused by a battery malfunction.
Images from the scene show the iPhone left dark burn marks on a quilt and part of a couch cushion, along with smoke stains on a nearby wall. Fortunately, no other injuries or damage to property were reported.
The woman stated that she bought the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022, and it is no longer under warranty. She hopes that the exact cause will be identified soon to clarify accountability for any compensation, especially since the room damaged by the fire is a rental property.
Apple China promptly addressed the issue, confirming that they will thoroughly investigate and resolve it, regardless of the expired warranty status. The company plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to analyze the device, emphasizing that safety issues are a top priority.
It remains unclear whether the iPhone was purchased officially within China. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that the battery had been removed, replaced, or subjected to any external impact. The origin of the charging cable and charger used during the incident has also not been disclosed.
This incident serves as a warning to iPhone users and electronic device owners alike. Experts caution that using non-original chargers and cables can pose significant risks. Low-quality components often lack protective elements to stabilize current flow, leading to unstable power input and potential battery damage. In some cases, fires and explosions may result from manufacturing defects or low-quality replacement batteries.
